In Yosemite National Park, a maintenance mechanic hung an upside-down American flag on El Capitan as a protest against the Trump Administration's layoffs, affecting thousands of federal employees. The act, which symbolizes 'distress,' is protected free speech under the First Amendment. Carpenter highlighted the importance of preserving parks, stating that losing employees is unsustainable for their maintenance. The practice of displaying the flag upside-down has become more common amidst political dissatisfaction, reflecting broader unrest with elected officials over the years. The visibility of this act underscores the connection between the health of national parks and federal employment.
Hanging an American flag upside-down is a nationally recognized signal of 'distress,' but is also considered disrespectful. The act is recognized as protected free speech under the First Amendment.
'We're bringing attention to what's happening to the parks, which are every American's properties,' Carpenter said. 'It's super important we take care of them, and we're losing people here, and it's not sustainable if we want to keep the parks open.'
According to the US Flag Code, displaying the flag upside-down is only meant to tell others you're in 'dire distress.' It's generally meant to alert someone that you may need help.
The last one in that group has seemingly grown in recent years to include general dissatisfaction with elected officials, as protesters during both the Trump and Biden Administrations have reportedly hung the flag upside-down to display their anger.
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