Conservatives howled in rage after the Chicago Tribune used an American flag image to promote a Memorial Day sale on its newspapers.
The ad, which was posted on the newspaper's Facebook page, offered a 50 percent discount to new subscribers in honor of Memorial Day -- but the way the flag was shown angered many conservative readers.
They complained the flag had been shown "backwards," because the blue field studded with white stars was displayed on the viewer's right, which is prohibited by the Federal Flag Code.
"It's no wonder Chicago is in ruins," wrote Regina B. Mondiale. "Their Tribune can't even display the American Flag RIGHT."
"Do not give the anti-American anti-Christian Chicago Tribune one red cent!" demanded Carl Segvich.
Another reader directed his anger at Tribune columnist Rex Huppke.
"Buy this lefty crap! You're lucky I even read it on here," wrote Rick Duncan. "Gee.. Was the backwards American flag Rex's idea or just the leftism coming out? Pfft."
Many others pointed out that the newspaper may have violated the federal flag act, which does not set forth any penalties, and state law by using the American flag for advertising purposes.
Using the flag for advertising or publicity purposes is a Class C misdemeanor under Illinois law, which carries a possible one-year sentence and a fine of $2,500.
"Sad, using Memorial day for thier (sic) commercial," complained Peter Duffy. "Un-American idiots."
"Using the Anerican (sic) Flag to sell your product, displaying it backwards and trying to our nonintellectual being on, of all days, Memorial Day, is commercialism at best and thoroughly disgusting at its worst," wrote Dick Strauss. "As a ret. SSGT. I am very disappointed. As of my next bill...good,bye Tribune. G-d Bless America..."
Some readers spattered their rage all over, festooned with plenty of exclamation points.
"Dudes got issues!!! I Think you need to move to Iraq or Afghanistan!" wrote Suzanne Costello. "You ought to lose your job! You need help sicko!! You don't have any problem taking Americas money though!"
