Flag vigilante, part two: Vet sentenced for tearing down Mexican flag
posted at 2:13 pm on April 6, 2008 by Allahpundit
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It wasn’t his flag, the only reason it was left flying without the American flag beside it seems to be due to a simple misunderstanding, and the laws regarding flag etiquette that he chose to enforce himself instead of alerting the cops are unenforceable anyway. But these dopey stories are usually good for 200 comments, so go crazy.
The sentence — six months, suspended pending 48 hours of community service, anger management classes, and replacement of the flag — does seem ridiculously excessive. Click the image to watch.
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By a man’s finger-nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boots, by his trouser-knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt-cuff – By each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent inquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.
Holmes on April 6, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Stop trying to build a worthless fence, and invade. By the way Allah, couldn’t you report that the Mexican shop owner was homosexual. That would have made this post a record breaker.
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 6, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Don’t forget this little gem………
Seven Percent Solution on April 6, 2008 at 7:07 PM
Mrs. Hudson!!!!!!!
Seven Percent Solution on April 6, 2008 at 7:10 PM
This would never have been litigated in court resulting in any sentence whatsoever, if the so-called ‘victim’ hadn’t desired prosecuting him.
But no. The school, or whomever the so-called ‘victim’ was, desired prosecution and participated in the prosecution by playing the ‘victim’ rather than just give the incident what it deserved, a big fat “Oh well, we’ll just spend 25 bucks and get another flag”.
The Mexicans can fly our flags upside down over high schools under the Mexican flag, Mexicans can BURN American flags on our very soil, but if a US citizen tampers with the Mexican flag… lookout! We have VICTIMS to appease!
Double standard bed wetting thumb sucker pillow biting intolerant liberals get their ‘revenge’ once again.
SilverStar830 on April 6, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Not suprising, tar and feather the patriot and reward the unpatriotic.
If they like Mexico so much, then why live here in the U.S. Could it be the U.S. is already an industrialized nation and Mexico is not, it’s easier to steal something than work for it?
Hog Wild on April 6, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Or be ALLOWED to KILL you for it!!! Special Order 40!!
“Z-Visas” for All!!!
STAY HOME ‘08
DfDeportation on April 6, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Special Order 40 Is To Blame For Jamiel Shaw’s Death
Posted in: Gangs
On Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., The Shaw Family will be going to City Hall to speak to the Council Members about ‘JamielsLaw’.
We are asking you to please visit the website, ‘JamielsLaw.com’. If you agree with JamielsLaw, we are asking you to support us and join us!!
If you are able to join us, please meet us at City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, 3rd Floor, Room #340 at 9:45 a.m. Please come and let your voice be heard regarding ‘JamielsLaw’.
Daily News
ANITA Shaw says, “My country let me down.” It’s hard to argue with her. Not only did America let Anita Shaw down, so did California and Los Angeles.
Truth be told, Anita Shaw is being diplomatic, if not generous, by not lashing out in righteous indignation at the massive tragedy she has suffered at the hands of an indifferent government. Our government: federal, state and local.
Who is Anita Shaw and why should you care what she says? Pull up a chair.
Anita Shaw is a sergeant in the United States Army. On March 2, little more than a month ago, she was serving in Iraq when her CO told her to report to the Red Cross office. It was there she learned her 17-year-old son, Jamiel Shaw II, had been murdered – gunned down exactly three doors away from his own home.
Jamiel Shaw Sr. heard the shots that killed his son; one to the chest, one between the eyes. Jamiel Sr. sprinted down the block, arriving just ahead of the police. The cops found him standing over his son, already dead, still clutching the cell phone he had used to tell his dad he’d soon be home. Now he was never coming home.
But his mother was. Sgt. Shaw was given 20 minutes to pack for a flight out of Baghdad.
Jamiel Shaw was a star football player with a solid GPA and a bright future. He was the apple of his father and mother’s eye; a hero to his kid brother, 9-year-old Thomas. Tom Shaw wanted to be a football player like Jamiel. Maybe even wear his big brother’s number 4. That was before. Now Thomas wants to be “a scientist” so he can “invent a time machine” and go back and save his brother.
Shaw’s killer? Police believe they have him – 19-year-old Pedro Espinosa, an illegal alien gangbanger, a killer for the 18th Street Gang.
And here’s how America let Sgt. Shaw down: Pedro Espinosa should never have been allowed into this country.
Here’s how California failed Sgt. Shaw: It allowed Pedro Espinosa to live in a state that does nothing about its open borders except shift the blame to Washington.
Here’s how Los Angeles failed Sgt. Shaw: We accommodated gangs, we still throw out the welcome mat for illegal aliens, we allowed Pedro Espinosa to serve 180 days on gun charges without checking his immigration status. We released Espinosa onto the streets, and 24 hours later he murdered Jamiel Shaw II.
While Jamiel’s mother patrolled the streets of Baghdad, helping spare Iraqi mothers the grief Los Angeles visited upon her, we did nothing. This transcends outrage. It’s obscene.
The ultimate responsibility for the murder of Jamiel Shaw rests with the triggerman. But let me be blunt – the cowardice of local politicians who hide behind political correctness and racial pandering as an excuse to look the other way on the mounting death toll perpetrated by illegal aliens are enablers of death.
This may be uncomfortable for some to read. I assure you it’s uncomfortable to write. Jamiel Shaw’s death was preventable. The president, Congress, the governor, the state Legislature, the mayor, the City Council, the County Board of Supervisors, the chief of police, the county sheriff – all of us failed him.
The son of a U.S. solider was murdered on the streets of L.A. What are we going to do about it? What are you going to do about it?
The good intentions that created Special Order 40 surely weren’t intended for gangbangers. Personally, I believe Special Order 40 has been a vast and deadly failure. It’s a poverty and crime magnet for L.A. and every other city that has its equivalent.
But whatever view you hold on sanctuary-city policies, can’t we at least agree the special consideration given illegal aliens by Order 40 should not apply to domestic terrorists? Gangbangers should be hunted down just like international terrorists. In fact, a case can be made Pedro Espinosa is an international terrorist.
We need to pass “Jamiel’s Law.” We need to force every local politician to explain how they are not complicit in the murder of Shaw. We can’t return Jamiel to his mother, however, we can restore her faith in the country she has served better than it has served her.
DfDeportation on April 6, 2008 at 7:49 PM
I might as well hop on the bandwagon, as the listing on my HA RSS feed was just too intriguing.
ChenZhen on April 6, 2008 at 7:49 PM
I wonder if the shop owner was an illegal alien?
Johan Klaus on April 6, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Excellent post, very moving and to the truth of what is happening in the streets all across this nation while the power brokers take polls………
My suggestion, place everyone on your list under arrest as an accomplice, seriously, hand-cuffed, perp-walk, the whole nine-yards…….
There was a time in this Country that when we saw an injustice, we stood up an took notice…… then acted!!!
Seven Percent Solution on April 6, 2008 at 8:00 PM
The section is for comments not Dossiers.
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 6, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Why wasn’t the American Flag flying high and Free.
The Mexican Flag,flying under the American Flag would
of been less offensive.
I would imagine anybody,or more to the point,those that
see the American Flag as no different than the symbol of
their country and all it intails,Honour and Respect might
become unglued as to why another countries flag is flying
high and free!
The bottom line is a Mexican flag was flying high and free
on American soil period!WHY!
canopfor on April 6, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Elect Juan and send more troops to Iraq?
MB4 on April 6, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Gov. Bill Richardson was unavailable for comment.
diogenes on April 6, 2008 at 8:21 PM
The sentence was ridiculous. I agreed with Allah from the beginning that the guy was in the wrong for doing it, but this judge is being a dick. He’s an old man, give him a slap on the wrist, fine him $150, use part of that to replace the rope and flag, and be done with it all. He could probably get people who are pissed off and support him to pay the stupid fine.
doubleplusundead on April 6, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Yes, to finish right, not left (Hillary/Obama)…..
But, MB4, join me in Operation Chaos II….
We are hoping that the Dems will eat their own at their convention, but why not bring “Illegal Immigration” to the forefront of the Republican Convention?
Seven Percent Solution on April 6, 2008 at 8:28 PM
I have a system, very much like the Vet’s. Only difference is I don’t just tear down the Mexican flag, I rip it to shreds and then pour taco sauce and gasoline on it and barbecue it.
Adios.
Tuco on April 6, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Chaos always wins, because it’s better organized.
- Murphy
Can you get us entrance passes or would we have to go in through a window?
MB4 on April 6, 2008 at 8:33 PM
But, MB4, join me in Operation Chaos II….
We are hoping that the Dems will eat their own at their convention, but why not bring “Illegal Immigration” to the forefront of the Republican Convention?
Seven Percent Solution on April 6, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Wow, someone who believes that a Obama/Hillary Presidency paired with a Dem congress WOULDN’T mean OPERATION CHAOS III where they run over all of our beloved traditions and values with a mack truck. Smoke another one, dude. Let’s win this thing and then have the immigration fight with Maverick. again, work smarter not harder.
THE CHOSEN ONE on April 6, 2008 at 8:33 PM
There are two kinds of spurs, my friend. Those that come in by
the door, and those that come in by the window.
Tuco on April 6, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Cue the music for “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly….”
Seven Percent Solution on April 6, 2008 at 8:49 PM
If the shop owner is an illegal alien, will he be prosecuted and deported? He also, is not above the law.
Johan Klaus on April 6, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Of course illegal aliens are above the law. Look at the creep that shot Jamiel Shaw. He had been arrested, released, and shot this poor boy dead because the victim was black.The Latino gangbangers have been doing “ethnic cleansing” for years. Our police and gov. officials lie their asses off about it.
Blake on April 6, 2008 at 9:08 PM
That was a different case. This one was at the University of New Mexico.
FloatingRock on April 6, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Sure…….. Dude. ( sounds of ice cubes being dropped into the bong…)
In the mean time, I think Indy you misunderstood my meaning… (… packing the bowl, adding a little water…)
I know the disaster that a Hillary or Obama administration would do to this country, all I am saying is that regardless of the MSM attempt to keep the anger of the majority of this country over the problem of illegal immigration under the fold, Conservatives who are not so keen on Sen. McCain can at least make “illegal immigration” as part of the party’s platform.
(striking match…….)
We can let the RINO’s and party elite know that “…hey, dudes…. you are not going to get away with shamnesty!…)
(… taking hit…..)
What were we talking about?……..
Seven Percent Solution on April 6, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Classic!
Post of the day. :)
Limerick on April 6, 2008 at 9:17 PM
This country’s government/judicial system is so screwed up and bass ackwards it’s not even funny. This man should’ve been rewarded for his patriotism.
Livefreeordie on April 6, 2008 at 9:20 PM
FloatingRock on April 6, 2008 at 9:13 PM
I understand now. But why were they celebrating Mexican independence?
Johan Klaus on April 6, 2008 at 9:55 PM
I could even smell it!! lol
jerrytbg on April 6, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Agreed, AP: the sentence was ridiculously excessive.
joewm315 on April 6, 2008 at 10:04 PM
You might have just explained why the judge wasn’t happy with a simple fine.
freevillage on April 6, 2008 at 10:25 PM
six months for destroying a $20 flag????
I was assaulted in the line of duty and had to have surgery to repair an injuried hand and the person that assaulted me got six months.
Justice???? Where the hell is this nation going?
azcop on April 6, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Well, its the part where he brandished the knife and then armed with a military knife DARED someone to take the private property away from him tht he stole
He’s damn lucky to get probation
EricPWJohnson on April 6, 2008 at 11:00 PM
In a word?
South.
MB4 on April 6, 2008 at 11:52 PM
My response to that is …kiss my a$$ , I’ll do the time.
It would be a very very very cold day in hell before I replaced the Mexican flag and they can shove their anger management class.
Mojack420 on April 7, 2008 at 1:30 AM
EricPWJohnson on April 6, 2008 at 11:00 PM
What is a military knife? Is that like an assault weapon?
Johan Klaus on April 7, 2008 at 1:33 AM
It’s the kind of knife Hillzilla carries.
Serrated on one side and razor sharp on the other. Nice big handle and a blade about 8 inches long.
Ares on April 7, 2008 at 5:16 AM
Can he replace that Mexican rag with an American flag? That would be true justice.
Hening on April 7, 2008 at 5:45 AM
His actions were worth the consequences of the current- but hopefully temporary- treasonous legislative and judicial, branches.
K-Bar Justice, Semper Fi.
Alden Pyle on April 7, 2008 at 7:19 AM
While serving in Berlin back in the early 80’s. We had a soldier from Puerto Rico who flew the US flag upside down at the rifle range. It was a mistake and he NEVER forgot about it as my Platoon SGT would not let him for about a year.
When I saw this article I had to let out a big laugh.
TroubledMonkey on April 7, 2008 at 10:06 AM
You can’t vebally threaten someone with a weapon and get away with it in the act of a crime
EricPWJohnson on April 7, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Is part of the sentence learning the mexican language and customs so as not to be difficult when released?
geminicontender on April 7, 2008 at 10:32 AM
You would’ve been great counsel, for the British Crown, in the American Colonies prior to the American Revolution…
/sarc
eanax on April 7, 2008 at 11:05 AM
So Allah if it is a property crime, then who own the building the Bar is in? A Mexican or an American?
Anyone find that out?
§ 7. Position and Manner of Display. (c) No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the
right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services
conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown
above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person
shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international
flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to or in place
of the flag of the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided,
That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice
heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of
superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal
prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the
headquarters of the United Nations.
I love how people just walk all over laws. Some people in this thread are prime examples!
upinak on April 7, 2008 at 11:24 AM
If you’re not willing to do the time, then you shouldn’t do the crime. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have supported them, only that I wouldn’t want them to be above the law. No one should be.
I can’t say that’s a great example as its illegal to deny the holocaust there, and even though it’s horrible to pretend it didn’t happen, I prefer free speech rights.
I’m a little torn on the whole issue though. Some people fly the flag because of pride in their heritage, which can have nothing to do with racism or slavery. Those people would like to be able to “take back” the flag the way blacks have been able to take back the n-word.
However, it seems society will never let them take it back, so they might as well give it up.
No, it’s because the man tampered with someone else’s Mexican flag.
For those of you who want to protest the Mexican flag, by your own and burn it. Just don’t take someone else’s.
Esthier on April 7, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Did you know, until a year ago it was almost illegal to fly a German Flag on a house in Germany as well? The German Government let people fly the flags AFTER the German Soccor Team won the world cup. Your example is useless as well.
You might want to look at my comment above yours. I.E. that IS the Federal Law for the American flag! Learn something will you.
upinak on April 7, 2008 at 12:02 PM
It’s not perfectly acceptable to tear down someone else’s American flag. It’s a property crime. Just like this is.
Allahpundit on April 6, 2008 at 2:23 PM
++++++++++++++
You’re a leftist shill, AP
fabrexe on April 6, 2008 at 2:28 PM
I got a tongue-lashing for less, fabrexe, so watch out.
If our dear AP doesn’t want to get a reaction perhaps he shouldn’t expose his puerile attachment to being ‘judicially correct’ while ignoring the blatant unlawfulness and willful ignorance of La Raza, (in this case).
Someone said that ‘Mexico is a 3rd world garbage dump’, well, if you visit S. Cal (and the southern portion of the border states), you will find that Calderon is right: ‘Mexico doesn’t stop at the border’ and it’s coming to a town near you, if it hasn’t already.
Christine on April 7, 2008 at 12:08 PM
The law is just that, the law. And in this case, I would think that the display of another Countries flag would trump property rights in relation to the ownership of the flag.
RINO_Hunter on April 7, 2008 at 12:13 PM
A little late, but I’ve just thought of an appropriate punishment: 160 hours community service teaching flag ettiquite at mandatory attendence public school assemblies (lesson plan to be approved by the court). Plus restitution for any physical damage suffered.
njcommuter on April 7, 2008 at 12:37 PM
A suspended $1.00 fine and a patriotic smirk from a good judge. Considering the lawlessness in failing to secure our borders, that ought to be just right.
Feedie on April 7, 2008 at 12:46 PM
So, since the vet was sentenced, when is the shop owner going to be sentenced for violating Nevada law for his contemptuous display of the US flag in relation to the Mexican flag? I quote Michelle from http://www.dvorak.org/blog/?p=13925:
Miss_Anthrope on April 7, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Yeah, any law that the police refuse to enforce is unenforceable.
James on April 7, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Continued displays of contempt for your readership for the loss.
Bad Pundit. No Iphone.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 7, 2008 at 1:17 PM
What’s interesting is that intransigent, absolutist application of the letter of the law only hinders us and does significant damage to the law’s spirit.
spmat on April 7, 2008 at 1:57 PM
There was a time when our flag ment something…..
HotAirExpert on April 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Some things worthwhile come with a price. This was one of those things in my opinion. He’s still one of my heros.
Geronimo on April 7, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Yep…*inhale* it smells a bit skunky but tastes oh so good…*exhale..cough…cough*
Liberty or Death on April 7, 2008 at 5:19 PM
I thought it was our first amendment privilege to desecrate the American flag any way we want. Why is it otherwise for that Southern tinpot country’s flag? It seems to me that all he should have had to do is give them $2 for their lousy flag.
TimothyJ on April 7, 2008 at 5:23 PM
Yeah, just like the immigration laws.
Johan Klaus on April 7, 2008 at 5:43 PM
We can all agree that the law is the law, but this flag was on University property as I understand it. Did the University press charges? Does anyone know?
orlandocajun on April 7, 2008 at 6:11 PM
orlandocajun on April 7, 2008 at 6:11 PM
A tax supported university?
Johan Klaus on April 7, 2008 at 7:45 PM
When the militars ruled Argentina in the late ’70’s, the government flags had the blue and white striped flag with the sun in the middle. Regular people could only have the blue and white striped flag sans sun.
RickZ on April 8, 2008 at 8:51 AM
Sensitive, PC judges in California. Who woulda thunk it?
It will be interesting to see how the so called progressives treat the protesters who want to disrupt the passage of the Olympic torch. Somehow, I do not expect the Frisco crowd to be quite so solicitous of private property rights as this judge has been. Of course, as noted elsewhere, the PC crowd protest against Chinese aggression in Tibet because it’s safe to do so in their minds. Tibet is not Christian, or a Western democracy, or capitalist, so it qualifies for leftist Official Victim (TM) status.
Orson Buggeigh on April 8, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Jamiel Shaw-another victim on the altar of Political Correctness
Last month, a young man named Jamiel Shaw was gunned down in Los Angeles for no other reason that he was assumed to be a member of a rival street gang. Shaw, an African-American high school student, football star-and not a gang member, was shot down by an (alleged) member of the notorious 18th Street Gang, a Mexican gang that is considered one of the most vicious in Los Angeles. The suspect had been recently released from jail and was apparently, an illegal alien. This, of course, raises the obvious question: Why, if he was an illegal alien, was he not deported upon release from jail? Here is your answer: Los Angeles is a “sanctuary city” that does not turn over illegal aliens-even criminals-to the Immigration authorities. This per the wishes of the mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, the police chief, William Bratton and the LA City Council.
Who was Jamiel Shaw? He was a young man with a future. He was a football star at his high school and had at least two universities interested in recruiting him, Rutgers and Stanford. His mother was serving in the US Military in Iraq at the time of his death, while his father, Jamil Shaw Sr. was raising him. Throughout Jamieel’s short life, father did everything he could to keep his son out of trouble. He enrolled him in every sports program possible. At the time of his death, young Jamil was preparing to take the SATs so that he could academically qualify for whatever college recruited him to play football.
Yet, some scumbag, who was not even in the country legally, just out of jail, approached him and asked him where he was from. Not getting the right answer, the gunman shot him dead thinking he belonged to some rival black gang-which he did not.
So, once again, someone has to die on the streets of LA because the city will not do its duty and cooperate with federal authorities in ridding itself of the criminal element that exists among the illegal alien community. To be sure, not all illegal aliens are criminals, but some are, and we must deal with them. Yet, Los Angeles, like San Francisco, Denver and many other cities, will not act against this plague for reasons of political correctness.
Today, Walter Moore, a former candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles and Jamiel’s father appeared before the LA City Council to plead with them to allow the LAPD to sidestep LA’s Rule 40, which designates LA as a sanctuary city, when dealing with gang members. As yet, we don’t know what the decision will be. Knowing the makeup of the leadership of the city, I don’t have high hopes.
This is just another cost of this insane philosophy of political correctness that has infected our society. People actually have to die.
gary fouse
fousesquawk
gary fouse on April 9, 2008 at 1:19 AM
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