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the real question there to me is why he said "If i had a shotgun...."

why is this guy unarmed?

I'm sure he does, I think he meant on his person when he caught them. I've never met a military man without a gun

I still don't understand why the thieves have not been caught. I would think that it shouldn't be too difficult to rig an alarm to the flag, security camera, or motion sensor and catch these guys red handed.

Options for what you do after you catch them are wide open. It is after all, night and they are stealing the mans property.

With no intent to broaden the intent of this thread or cast aspersions on the character or actions of the General, I have to wonder why the perps are so persistent in stealing the mans flag. While it's obvious that they are ignorant, disrespectful, SCUM, I just wonder why they are so determined to keep him from flying his flag.

Were I the General, I wouldn't hesitate to do everything in my power to catch the thieves, give them the chance to explain why, and then give then the opportunity to regret the day they started this war. I don't agree with his concession of removing the flag at night (even though I believe that is proper flag etiquette unless it is lighted).

bpet wrote: I don't agree with his concession of removing the flag at night (even though I believe that is proper flag etiquette unless it is lighted

True, I bet many former boy scouts here remember learning the flag rules at summer camp. Of course many home owners, even vets I know fly at night on flag poles without a light.

http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

bpet wrote:With no intent to broaden the intent of this thread or cast aspersions on the character or actions of the General, I have to wonder why the perps are so persistent in stealing the mans flag.

A little background on General Mayes: http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=6335

Looks like the Patriot Guard contributed the most recent flag and pole. Anybody want to send some more? Think of it as making sure these punks have enough rope to hang themselves eventually.

Looks like the man is driven to do good by his Country. Enlisted risen through the ranks to BG. Not bad at all!

Must have tried to instill some military decipline in the neighborhood and the locals didn't appreciate it.

I for one would be glad to buy the man a new flag to fly at his house. I wouldn't give it to him though. As long as it was my property, I believe I have a right to protect it. Especially after dark.

I understand the USC on flags, but if you have served long enough to be promoted to BG, then he can do whatever the hell he wants with that flag!!!

Having served, I guess I would not be offended if someone stole my flag who really needed it. Sadly, it just being stolen by people who do not understand anything about honor and service. With a little luck they will be caught as that flag means a lot to the retired General.

I'm starting to wonder if there's any body armor manufacturer or other company out there that would be able to make a Spectra fiber flag that would be extermely resistant to cutting or tearing, and attach it to a reinforced steel pole, firmly enough anchored that they will be caught trying to get it loose. Mounting sensors to detect the attempt should be fairly simple at that point.

I'd contribute a few bucks to that project...anybody know an armor company rep?

The man might want to think about a couple of these "Burglar Bombs", strategically placed (preferably semi-concealed and/or camoflaged) on each side of the flag (possibly even mounted on the pole).

http://www.stopthecrime.com/prod-ab2000.htm

Or, for a few hundred more, an "Interceptor" : http://www.stopthecrime.com/prod-interceptor.htm

I can attest to the fact a thief is not inclined to want to stick around when one goes off in his face.

And, especially under the circumstances, may very well be "reasonable when the device is installed".

Greybeard wrote:The man might want to think about a couple of these "Burglar Bombs", strategically placed (preferably semi-concealed and/or camoflaged) on each side of the flag (possibly even mounted on the pole).

http://www.stopthecrime.com/prod-ab2000.htm

IMO, the key consideration would be setting it up such that only someone tampering with the flag would get sprayed, so using the tripwire run up the pole and attached to the flag itself, this could be a quite reasonable way to deal with the problem.

If not, what are the odds the thief will come forward to do anything about it?

That actually looks pretty cool. Although, I have to admit, the warning on their website is pretty funny!

Warning: Not for use in aircraft or automobiles.

They used to make a "landmine" type thing for paint ball games that was trip wire activated that you just loaded with paint balls. Is it possible to get ahold of some of the pepper balls that police use? We had an issue with kids riding their dirt bikes in town up and down the alleys at around 3:00 in the morning every weekend. I just stayed up late one night, and when I heard them go by once, I went out to the backyard and waited by the fence with the water hose. When I heard them coming back, I got ready, then popped up over the fence and hosed them. It sure was entertaining, and it made me feel better.

Back on track, I really hope something can be done for the General. Someone who's given that much for our country deserves more. It's a true shame to see the lack of respect youth has today.

KD5NRH wrote:IMO, the key consideration would be setting it up such that only someone tampering with the flag would get sprayed, so using the tripwire run up the pole and attached to the flag itself, this could be a quite reasonable way to deal with the problem.

Rig it to go off by remote instead of a tripwire.