Florida GOP Rep. Allen West loves the American flag.
He loves it so much he decided to take it with him during a dive off the Florida coast at Deerfield Beach this past Sunday, an act which technically violates federal law.
The United States flag code contains a clause under section eight saying: “The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.”
The photo-op took place during Fort Lauderdale’s “Learn to Dive Month.” Rep. West dove with veterans to visit the Ancient Mariner Wreck, formerly the United States Coast Guard cutter Nemesis, which now sits as an artificial reef. The wreck sits at a depth of 50 feet.
Since Rep. West’s photo was taken underwater, with the flag in hand, he seems to have broken federal law. But as far as politicians go, he isn’t alone. Both former President George Bush and former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin caught flak after signing flags for supporters.
Rep. West is also a retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel, so perhaps he has some leeway. The flag flap went public on Flag Day.