Comments on: Really Old Glory

By: Rick Horowitz

Rick Horowitz — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 09:45:13 +0000

Well, I think everyone who has a concern for this needs to do their part.

So far as I can tell, those with the power to change the flags don’t care enough. If there were more public outrage over this disgraceful treatment of our flags, maybe they’d find themselves a stepladder. (The idea that they can’t change the flags because they don’t have access to them is ridiculous; the flags are not that far above their door. The fact appears to be that they just don’t have enough incentive to show respect for the American flag.)

By: Brenda Hook

Brenda Hook — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 08:55:07 +0000

The flag pictures on this blog reminded me of the tattered soldiers in Iraq. It is quite symbolic of the holes that have been blasted through our soldiers and the fatigue of this long drawn out battle for democracy in a country so far away. America is strong and beautiful and a new flag would be wonderful. Do you need me to call them and put a bug in their ear too?

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 19:01:13 +0000

Just for the record, I emailed Bill McEwen at the Fresno Bee and pointed him to this article. I am hoping that he feels compelled to get involved.

Also for the record, its surprising to me that a Councilwoman from Fresno (or her staff person) cannot find the owner of that address as quickly as a “friend” of yours who doesn’t like to post comments. It’s all about having friends in high places…maybe high enough to climb a ladder?

By: Rick Horowitz

Rick Horowitz — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 16:35:32 +0000

Someone who I know is a regular reader, but doesn’t like posting comments, tells me she researched the building at 1033 Van Ness and the owners are listed as being Club One, Inc.

Frankly, it doesn’t look like it would be that tough for them to get an extension ladder up to the flags to replace them, if they really wanted to do so.

But maybe they’re afraid of heights…

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 16:18:41 +0000

And now for the REST of the story …

Councilwoman Sterling’s office called back. Here’s the issue as they described it to me.

1 – Club One occupies the first floor of an otherwise vacant hotel.

2 – Club One admits to owning the flags but cannot get access to change them (via the vacant hotel).

3 – Sterling’s assistant is trying to determine the owner of the hotel and will request that they allow access for Club One to change the flag. BTW, Club One (via Sterling’s assistant) claims to have new flags ready and waiting once they get access.

Cudos to Sterling’s assistant (She said her name so quickly, I thought she said Amy. If you read this Amy, you were great!).

By: Steve Malm

Steve Malm — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 15:03:51 +0000

Call me unpatriotic, but I’m far more concerned about the tattered and torn bodies of our young soldiers in Iraq than the flag-symbol of what the United States could be, once perhaps was, and should be. It’s difficult to get behind a true concern for that “image” of our country when our government tarnishes the “symbol of America” daily with every denial and mistatement offered in support of its policies. I wish America still stood for democracy and freedom, but instead, the tattered flag seems more to hit the point.

Maybe liberals could mount a movement “Take Back Our Flag,” that would include an idea that our policies should posture our true principles — but it will take many a long time to readjust to the idea that America might truly stand for something once again. I’d like someday to see an America that was truly worthy of what our flag should symbolize, our soldiers fighting for something worthy and noble — only as a last resort.

Thanks for bringing that glim possibility to the fore.

Steve Malm

By: Sinclair

Sinclair — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 13:59:26 +0000

I cannot find anything regarding what citations or punishment might be imposed on an individual for flag rule violations, but I do recall that there was another flag flying in much the same tattered condition as this one about a year ago on the corner of Wishon and Olive. After a bit of bad press, and some radio commentary, the owner of that flag did, in fact, replace it with a new one. With a little push, the same outcome ought to occur here. I will keep further personal derogatory comments to myself.
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/casecode/uscodes/4/chapters/1/toc.html
I have attached some flag rules here that are from Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1, sections 1-10, & pursuant Executive order 10834.
Title 4, United States Code, section 6:
(a) It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
(b) The flag should be hoisted brisily and lowered ceremoniously.
(c) The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.
(d) The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year’s Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20;…Memorial Day(half-staff until noon)…Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day…and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States;
the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.
Section 7:
(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.
Frequently asked questions:
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html#1
My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code (see below) states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks), the American Legion, or the Knights of Columbus. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service.
According to Executive Order 10834, official flags (not personal flags) must meet these standards.

Executive Order 10834 governs flag and pole dimensions, as well as the design of the flag.

By: Rick Horowitz

Rick Horowitz — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 12:14:46 +0000

Thanks, Bob! I sent email last week to the Fresno Bee — no response yet — and today I finally had sent an email to the Mayor’s office. (I tried other avenues first because I believe the property is privately-owned.) Maybe, though, if enough people call, the Mayor will step in and do something. I’ll post an update to the story if anything happens.

By the way, want a little irony? TOMORROW is Flag Day!

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 12:05:01 +0000

I agree with every word written except for Mr. Bradley (again).

Has anyone reported this to the city? Aren’t there regulations about flying the flag (such as material condition, illumination at night)? We’re only a second rate city when second rate citizens live there and allow it to be run that way.

I just called the Mayor’s Office (621-8000). I was put through to the City Council secretary who promised me that she would pass my message to the councilman in that district (Cynthia Sterling) and that I would get a call back.

In my message, I included this web address so she could see the pictures for herself.

I sincerely hope that this is addressed and I expect it to be.

Mr. Bradley, was it really so hard to do this?

By: FresBlog

FresBlog — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 00:09:18 +0000

Really Old Glory

Rick over at Unspun provides a humorous post about the sad state of the American Flags above Club One Casino in downtown Fresno.