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Natalie Gulbis gets first win, prepares for jail after desecrating U.S. flag

Monday July 30, 2007 | 07:36:14 am 348 words, 7068 views  

Natalie Gulbis has finally put herself in the winner’s circle, beating Jang Jeong in a one-hole playoff at the Evian Masters in Evian-les-Bains, France. For Gulbis, a satisfying victory for a golfer who was being called the “Anna Kournikova of golf” for her great looks and lack of wins.

But Gulbis, who has been knocking on the door seemingly all year long, finally kicked it in in France for her first career LPGA victory. Sadly, it’s entirely possible Gulbis will be arrested the moment she returns to the U.S. for desecrating the U.S. flag (see photo below).

Gulbis desecrating U.S. flag

Now while this may seem innocent at first, keep in mind - the U.S. is a nation at war ©. This is something that Mark and Deborah Kuhn of Ashevile, N.C., had to learn the hard way, after being arrested on flag-defiling charges, among other things, for pinning signs like the ones below to an American flag:

Kuhns

According to the Asheville Citizen Times, N.C. state law prohibits anyone from knowingly mutilating, defiling, defacing or trampling the U.S. or North Carolina flags. Lt. Randy Sorrells of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said the Kuhns desecrated the flag by pinning signs to it.

While Gulbis’ intent may be in question, the simple fact is this: her backside is pinned to the flag. Also, the flag is upside down, which is an obvious statement by Gulbis. Finally, taking it even further than the Kuhn’s, the flag is touching the ground, which as all Americans learned in grammar school, is a crime punishable by death, at least in the southern states. Great American scholars like Michelle Malkin agree - those like Gulbis must be punished for treating the American flag like a prop.

While we congratulate Gulbis for her victory and feel she is a sterling example of an all-American girl, her actions - coming just one month after playing golf in North Carolina, mind you - are far too egregious to go unpunished.

For her callousness in regard to the American flag, Natalie Gulbis must be jailed, just like the Kuhns.

–WKW

Permalink 24 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Kiel Christianson [Member] · http://www.travelgolf.com/departments/authorarchives/christianson.htm
Oy. She's going to have to go into exile, obviously.
What a shame. Her first win anywhere, and now she'll
be banned from ever even attempting to win in the
U.S.

If you have X-Ray vision like me, you can also see
her flag thong (a la the Amorica album by the Black
Crowes: http://www.sleazeroxx.com/censored/amorica.shtml).

But I say cut her some slack. We all do some terrible things
in the name of patriotism. Some sit on flags, others
condone illegal wiretaps, false imprisonment, and torture.
PermalinkPermalink 07/30/07 @ 10:39
Comment from: Anthony Urquhart (PGA Punter) [Visitor] · http://www.pgapunter.com
I'd like to volunteer to be an American flag please.
PermalinkPermalink 07/30/07 @ 11:01
Comment from: jim conway [Visitor]
Either you were trying to be funny and missed or you're an idiot. She is displaying the flag as a proud American
not defiling it. Lighten up and address something of
substance.
PermalinkPermalink 07/30/07 @ 11:02
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
I'm with Anthony on this one.
PermalinkPermalink 07/30/07 @ 11:25
Comment from: BV [Visitor]
WoW - these Kuhn folks are REAL fringies! Did you notice the "Ron Paul for President" signs?? Unfortunately, from reading the article it appears they've already reproduced...

If she's wearing a flag thong, I'd rather be THAT than the flag! ;) Just my .02...
PermalinkPermalink 07/30/07 @ 12:09
Comment from: JR [Visitor]
Wolfram.... your idiocy amazes me.
PermalinkPermalink 07/30/07 @ 20:29
Comment from: Ryan [Visitor]
You flag nuts are ridiculous. If you feel so strongly about protecting your flag and being so patriotic about it, why don't you go to these websites and read all the articles, literature, and published books by the "fellows" and "honorables" that are associated with them:
Security and Prosperity Partnership
Council on Foreign Relations
The American Enterprise Institute

All the "top tier" candidates are members of these groups in both partisan parties.

These groups think patriotism is a (quote) "sick religion". (end quote) They also want your country to become borderless and become a "state" of the North American Union. Maybe it's time you fly your flag upside down also, and realize what's going on.
SOS!
Or just keep watching your sports, sitcoms, drinking your beer, and taking your over-marketed prescription drugs... completely oblivious to what is going on because you get all your information from the same media conglomerates that own all the major TV networks, newspapers, radio station, and interstate billboards. The controlling members of these media conglomerates are part of these groups also. Thanks Rupert!

You aren't going to have your flag or your "freedom" very much longer if you don't wake up, and start doing something.
PermalinkPermalink 07/30/07 @ 20:33
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
I've spent many decades protecting the Flag and defending the Constitution of these United States. I've also been witness to the Flag ripped, burned, torn, spit on, and disrespected by various scum around the World including some from within our own borders. But, I swore an oath to defend the rights of vermin like them to act like idiots.

One of my most solemn and respected treasures is a Flag that flew over the Arizona on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. It does not bother me in the least when I see a beautiful American girl celebrating another American Victory on the soil of France.

I earned the right to have my opinion about the Flag and that should count for something.

PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 04:42
Comment from: Dave Marrandette [Member]
Gulbis is wrong! She owes an apology to every veteran of the U.S.
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 07:26
Comment from: Shanks [Member] · http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/shanks
Wonder how much THAT flag would sell for on E-Bay?
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 07:53
Comment from: Oui Oui Oui [Visitor]
Many men would love to be that flag. i.e. having Gulbis sit on their face.
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 09:52
Comment from: Hoyt Decker [Visitor]
I can see the French photographer now. "Come here, Meez Gulbis. Set your rectal orifice right on zee piece of clothe on this rock. Now smile for zee camera and later on I vill make sveet love to you for many hours." Makes me puke. I can't believe Natalie has so little appreciation for the men who have died to keep Old Glory flying.
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 10:04
Comment from: Sweet Lou Anselmo [Visitor]
LOOKS LIKE NATALIE CONFUSED OLD GLORY WITH OLD GLORY HOLE.
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 10:06
Comment from: Ron Mon [Member]
oui oui oui...thanks for setting the record straight. Have you met insinuation?

Sweet Lou...ummm, too much information.

Hoyt Decker...nice French imitation. Are you sure it's the rectal orifice, or is it the vaginal orifice...nah, too much information, part two.

A flag thong? Seriously? Have any of you guys ever seen a thong? There's not enough material to begin to make a flag. That's why it's called a thong. No male parts, not much material needed, get it?
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 11:36
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
One-Putt,

Like you, I am also a US military veteran.

Also, as much as I dislike it, I will defend the right of any clown to disrespect the flag and all it stands for.

However, it is unnerving that so many athletes and other celebrities don't have any idea as to the proper etiquette and display of the flag.

The flag should not be used as an article of clothing nor should it be draped over the bodies of runners as they take a victory lap.

Natalie should not have used it in that manner, but it was just ignorance on her part, not a crime.

Willy conveniently ignored the fact that the people in Asheville were told several times of the local ordinance against that type of flag display, that they refused to supply ID's to the investigating officer, and that the real reason for being arrested was for assaulting a police officer.

Willy's liberal bias allows him the discretion of selective reporting.
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 15:26
Comment from: smudge [Visitor]
Holy crap you americans are nuts. One of your own triumphs and tries to do you proud, having won in a foreign country, to show the world whe is a proud american, and you crap all over her for some weird ritual rules that govern the display of the flag of your nation. Sounds like these rules were developed by some crazed white cloaked, dunced cap individuals. Give your heads a shake. Oh I guess I forgot you are all the ones that elected Bush, twice...yikes. Kudos to you Gulbis, you deserved your first win, hopefully the first of many. You are one of the true future stars of women's golf. And these veteran critics will no doubt never have the chance to display the flag for anyone other than their beer bellied neighbours, so don't worry the rest of the world applaudes you for being proud of who you are and where you came from.
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 18:01
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
smudge,

Go easy there, my man!

I assume by some of your usage and spelling that you are British or of a former British colony.

You then should surely know that Great Britain as well as most of their former protectorates have rules of etiquette regarding usage of the Union Jack virtually identical with those of the US flag.

There are almost no criminal punishment in either country for not following these rules, but a good citizen should want to follow traditions that have been set down by honorable folks, not the Klan as you insinuated.

Of course, Natalie didn't knowingly disrespect the Stars and Stripes, but I'm sure that the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, some of those beerbellied dunces you referred to, will graciously correct her.
PermalinkPermalink 07/31/07 @ 20:03
Comment from: 2under [Visitor]
It is obvious that Ms. Gulbis just didn't know. It's her first int'l professional win, she wasn't aware of proper flag equiquette, etc. Disconcerting? Yes. High crime? No.

Practical solution here: LPGA and PGA governing bodies, if you are listening, HIRE A PROTOCOL REP. I do know MS. Gulbis has competed in international events, and someone needs to instruct our professionals and amateurs US and international customs and courtesies. These are HUGE $$ and media events, so cough-up some $$ and hire someone so we don't piss off our int'l hosts or our fans at home.

#2 - What ever happened to the customs and courtesies class in our grade schools? Is this no longer taught? If not, can't we spare a couple of hours in the curriculum to teach proper flag etiquette, etc?

Lastly, why does nationalism ultimately creep into our professional events? Don't get me wrong, I am all about the Ryder Cup, President's Cup, etc., but why is it so important that a flag be displayed as part of Ms. Gulbis' win?

I am a proud American, one who has served in our Armed Forces. But I wouldn't feel compelled to pull a flag over my head should I win the "The Open Championship". The Olympics? Yes.

PermalinkPermalink 08/01/07 @ 08:43
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
2under,

Semper Fi, brother!

It was customary at the Olympic Games for the winners on the victory stands to hold their National Colors aloft and hanging free for the photographers, even to take a victory lap with the colors aloft and waving free.

This custom was similar to photos taken of our guys when they concluded a major firefight by pacifying the situation, the most famous being that one on Iwo Jima.

The main thing about such celebrations is that they should be respectful and BRIEF.

Alex
PermalinkPermalink 08/01/07 @ 09:49
Comment from: jhr [Visitor]
These people were arrest in their own homes for Political Speech.
PermalinkPermalink 08/01/07 @ 17:50
Alex-- you don't what you're talking about-- take from someone who lives there.

"Willy conveniently ignored the fact that the people in Asheville were told several times of the local ordinance against that type of flag display, that they refused to supply ID's to the investigating officer, and that the real reason for being arrested was for assaulting a police officer.

Willy's liberal bias allows him the discretion of selective reporting."

The Asheville police were complained to by GOP operatives in the National Guard. They investigated and found no problem. The Sheriff's Deputy, who was also in the Guard an an underling of the GOP Guardsman complaining went into city jurisdiction and assaulted the two people in full view of all his neighbors and a construction crew. The Kuhns had run into their house and locked the door to escape the loon who then tried kicking in the door and when that didn't work broke the glass out of the door. The Kuhns were subdue by another deputy who threatened to taser the wife.

Furthermore, what part of the Constitution requires to supply an ID on your own property--which was the Deputy used as justification to terrorize the Kuyhns. Answer: no part.

Later most of the neighborhood displayed upside down flags. The DA dropped the charges. If you want more facts try the link.

This had little to do with the flag and a lot to do with bullies, badges, and the GOP.

Btw, I'm a vet, and my kids are currently serving.
PermalinkPermalink 08/12/07 @ 13:40
Comment from: Dhalgren [Visitor] · http://modifiedlimitedhangout.blogspot.com/
Wolfram, this is a hilarious op-ed. There's just one thing. The charges against the Kuyhns were DROPPED this week.

Something to do with this being a free country, and the right of a flag owner to do whatever he or she wants to it.

But brownshirts like you don't understand the concept of freedom, do you?

And you were joking when you described Malkin as a 'great scholar,' right? This is comedy. If not, then you really are a brownshirt and have zero respect for Freedom.

"For her callousness in regard to the American flag, Natalie Gulbis must be jailed, just like the Kuhns."

Fortunately, that did not happen. Freedom scored a big victroy this week.
PermalinkPermalink 08/14/07 @ 13:25
Comment from: Paul [Visitor]
From the looks of things, Natalie pretty clearly appears to have been pleasuring herself on Ole Glory. Federal law says that such an act constitutes proof of witchery. Looks like she's going to have to be burned at the stake
PermalinkPermalink 08/14/07 @ 14:39
Comment from: CessnaDriver [Visitor]
It this had been a known Democratic supporter in the picture, the republifaciest line would have been, "When on enemy soil, a member of the Democrat party draped the Flag of Our Nation over a rock,upside down and touching the ground, and proceeded to be photographed wiping her ass on The Flag that our brave troops fought and died for!"
PermalinkPermalink 08/14/07 @ 16:20

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WorldGolf.com's William K. Wolfrum blogs about everything in the world of golf and travel, including Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa, Tiger Woods and other PGA and LPGA headlines. Plus, he offers the humorous and obscure in news, politics and pop culture.