According to the United States Flag Code approved by Congress in July 1976, “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” Well, there’s nothing dangerous about eating home fries and hash browns at the American Diner, 214 Oswego St., so why is its Stars and Stripes hanging upside down? You can deduce the answer by checking out the other flag flying at the diner, a yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” banner also known as the Gadsden flag. It depicts a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. That flag was designed in 1775 during the American Revolution by U.S. General Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina. It now stands as a symbol of disagreement with government. Since 2009 the Gadsden Flag has been adopted as a symbol of the American Tea Party movement. Opposition politics
The American Diner and its owner, Mike Tassone, are no strangers to opposition politics as epitomized by the Tea Party. My fellow writer Hal Smith, who penned a feature profiling “Lakeside Liverpool” in the summer edition of Plank Road Magazine, reported that the diner’s decorated with patriotic posters such as this one: “If you really don’t like America, leave.” The diner’s most expensive hamburger, Smith noted, is “The anti-Michelle Obama, Don’t Tell Me What to Eat or Feed My Kids Burger.” The one-pounder with fries goes for $11.99. You get the idea: don’t tread on me and don’t tell me how to live.
Which brings us back to that upside-down Old Glory.
Mike Tassone surely agrees with Idaho defense contractor Jeff Head, who proudly flies his flag upside down. Head explains why: “As a result of the many traitors and enemies we as a free people have, both foreign and domestic, as a result of the many unconstitutional acts, legislation and atrocities passed and/or committed against U.S. citizens and their life, liberty and property, and as a result of policies that have allowed (and continue to allow) enemies of this nation to enter in large numbers through a porous border policy, I believe the life, liberty and property of U.S. citizens are in dire danger and distress.” By the way, the American Diner is located kitty-corner to Heid’s where the U.S. flag flies right-side up. Syracuse Nationals origin
The Syracuse Nationals, which started as an idea in summer 1999, has grown each year since its record-setting debut in July 2000 when more than 4,300 vehicles rolled through CNY. We locals are annually awed by the sight of brightly colored hot rods and the sound of roaring engines. The Nationals is now one of the largest automobile shows in the country featuring street rods, custom, classic, muscle and antique cars. All of its cars were manufactured before 1980. The auto extravaganza kicks off at the New York State Fairgrounds, Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20. Admission at the gate costs $17 for adults or $8 for kids. “We’re honored to have been a part of the Upstate New York and car community for the past 15 years,” said Bob O’Connor, Syracuse Nationals founder and director. “Our goal has always been to show everyone a good time, give back to the community with our various charitable events and continue to broaden the love of vintage vehicles.” For a schedule of events, including performances by 15 area bands, or to register a vehicle, call (800) 753-3978 or visit syracusenationals.com. Merry marimbas
A couple of unusual musical performances are coming to the Liverpool is The Place Summer Concert series in Johnson Park at 7 p.m. July 21 and 23. On Monday, July 21, the folk duo Merry Mischief will play tunes from its newest disc, “Kids at Heart,” which includes songs such as “Polly Wolly Doodle,” “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and Five Little Monkeys.” Of course Merry Mischief also makes music for adults. One of their earlier CDs is titled “Lusty Ditties.” Another, “Evenin’ on the Erie,” presents songs popular on the Erie Canal. Merry Mischeif showcases the dual guitar work and harmony vocals of husband-and-wife team Harry and Merlyn Fuller, who live in nearby Jordan. On Wednesday, July 23, the Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble will perform two sets of happy, percussive music that is rhythmic and driving. I guarantee that you’ve never heard a concert quite like this one. The African-inspired septet is both percussive and passionate. Bring the kids; they’ll definitely dig this! The free concerts run every Monday and Wednesday through Aug. 20; liverpoolistheplace.com.