The American flag in front of Dwight and Lori Smith's house is flying right-side up again for the first time since November.
The Garland couple started flying it upside down in November as a protest against the deficit, health care and other reforms.
"I want people to know how angry I am,” said Dwight Smith. “I'm angry at Washington. I'm not angry at people."
Some neighbors along Colonel Drive, near South Garland High School, thought the flag protest went too far.
"You're offending me as a veteran and all veterans,” said Vietnam veteran Michael Rodriguez.
But on Wednesday, the Smiths reversed course and hung their flag right-side up again.
They said Tuesday's election of Republican Scott Brown to fill Democrat Ted Kennedy's Senate seat in Massachusetts gave them reason to believe the country is headed in the right direction again.
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"That was a big deal because hopefully it's the 41st vote to kill the health care plan,” Smith said.
The Smiths, who both served in the U.S. Navy, said their flag protest was meant to send a message.
“It's a gauge of whether our nation is in distress or not,” said Lori Smith.
“And we think it's seriously in distress,” her husband added.
Neighbors are relieved the flag is upside down no more.
"I definitely understand his right to protest and whatever, but I was hoping there would be a change,” said Kathy Faz, who lives a few doors down. “Yeah, good to see."
The Smiths aren't making any promises about keeping their flag right side up. They say they could start flying it upside down again, depending on what they see happening in Washington.
