LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Many Las Cruces residents are angry and feel disrespected after an East Mesa man has been flying a U.S. flag upside down underneath a flag with a swastika on it. The man responsible for flying the flags said it's not meant to disrespect anyone, but rather make a statement.

Army National Guard Specialist Anthony Del Bozque said he had to go back and take a closer look at what he was looking at when driving by on Highway 70.

“I wanted to go take it down, I wanted to go knock on his door and find out why,” said Del Bozque.

The man responsible for the flags said the answer is simple.

“It represents communism, the politicians don't care about the American people and it's the same way Adolf Hitler got started,” said Ken Triplett of the East Mesa.

Del Bozque said no matter what Triplett’s political views are, he is being disrespectful.

“It's understandable the way that he feels about it, but it's still really disrespectful in my opinion to veterans, or anyone that's currently serving, that he would fly any flag above the United States flag," said Del Bozque.

“It doesn't disgrace the veterans, it doesn't disgrace my flag, or nothing,” said Triplett. “It just says the American people need to wake up and understand that communism is going to be taking over.”

Triplett said the swastika flag is strictly a communist symbol and he's not racist in anyway. Furthermore he said the upside down flag is a symbol for a veteran in distress, but Del Bozque disagrees with that, too.

“That's politics, that's not personal distress,” said Del Bozque. “He's not physically in danger.”

Triplett said he's simply making a point.

“It's a bold statement. It's just saying the U.S. is turning communism,” he said.

Triplett said he is 100 percent patriotic and has served on the front lines, specifically in Iraq for three years.

Triplett said he is fully aware of the negative criticism he'll be receiving.

“If they want to get offended go ahead. I really don't care,” said Triplett.

“I'll fight it tooth and nail as long as I can until I can get something passed to say he has to take it down,” said Del Bozque.