Flagging Foolishiness in Public

Loads of people have spotted a diplomatic boob at the recent UK China Summit. The Union Flag was displayed upside down (normally a signal for distress)making fools of British politicians.

This foolish behaviour isn't restricted to the UK other people have noticed similiar foolishness. Check out Son of Bill Brasky who gives readers a neat look at ex-president Bush flying the flag for the USA. A recent check of wikipedia, and like the UK an upside down flag means 'I'm in distress'(how prophetic)

And her the Star Panel on the US flag is upside down.

Now you might be thinking that it is just a foolish error, well think again, flag etiquette has consequences as this episode in Panama shows with 23 panamanians and 4 americans dying as a result.

The subject is so serious that only a fool would choose to ignore it and the RYA have devoted a whole knowledge base to maritime flag etiquette.

Flag Lady gives a great run down on how to avoid trouble in the USA. Perhaps she should have been consulted in 1994 when McDonalds and Coca Cola made a faux pas with Saudi flag.

And to finish here is a great flag site here's examples of wrong Portuguese flags