GAINESVILLE - In the wake of the presidential election, many people are expressing their blues by waving the "Red, White, and Blue." But for one north central Florida homeowner, the stars and stripes have become an SOS signal of sorts.  

 

Several neighbors in the Emerald Woods subdivision of northwest Gainesville were surprised to see an inverted American flag waving in the front yard of one of their neighbors. According to the official United States flag code, an inverted flag traditionally serves as a signal of distress.  

 

While a majority of the neighbors we spoke to did not want to speak publicly, many felt the upside-down flag was disrespectful, and even unpatriotic. But those who did agree to speak on the record admit it's within their neighbor's rights. 

 

"I wouldn't express myself that way, but I think they have a right to," says neighbor Marsha Haddock. Neighbor Coleman Sheehy says, "It's his house, his flag. I don't agree with it, but it's within his rights."

 

According to property records, the flag hangs at the home owned by Robert Lynn, a Gainesville realtor. While he would not speak on camera, Lynn says it's his way of signaling the impending decline of america, and his frustration with the current gridlock in Washington.

 

Lynn, who is a Navy veteran himself, says he plans on keeping his inverted flag up for as long as he feels necessary.