Camping Company CEO Risks Jail For Flying U.S. Flag Over Store

[Kathianne]

However....as an American First, and as an American Citizen, and as an American Retired, U.S.Navy Veteran who pledged my life to this NATION, represented by the AMERICAN FLAG everyone seems to be trying to HIDE, or Prevent from waving.

As long as we live in this nation. Anyone who is so unsatisfied, disturbed, or insulted by the STARS & STRIPES flying in THIS NATION....Needs to find another place to live, or give up their citizenship HERE, and do as the Hollywood ELITES claim to do....and simply "LEAVE".

I gave 30 years of my life, with my family, saluting that flag every day. Anyone who dares tell me I CANNOT FLY IT...will need to take me to court.

I thank you for your service, as I have many times. The city DID give the man a permit for a flag larger than normal; it was the man who chose to bring on a bigger than permitted flag. Somehow I don't see how one justifies breaking the law or in this case ordinance to be represented by a flag that stands for a country of law and call that 'patriotic.'

[darin]

it's kind of a lie to say this is about "The Flag of the United States".

It's like when people say they were stopped 'just cuz they are black' - when the fact is 'they are black and were speeding in a car with stolen plates'.


This is about a shitty ordinance duly-elected officials are trying to enforce. Change the law, or comply - this is about the law. NOT the flag. Headlines and people are trying to change the topic into an issue of patriotism - when that is only being used to stir people up.

[STTAB]

I Live in the United States of America. Our national Flag is the representation of our Nation, to which I, and you have served.

There should be no question, in any True, Honorable, American about that flag FLYING in the United States of America.

And HELL YES....I would have a different outlook, and opinion if someone was permitted to fly an ISIS flag in this nation. It goes beyond Freedom Of Speech IMO, and more so, goes to common sense, civility, and being intelligent enough to know how flying any other flag...in the USA, goes against the Honor, Freedom, and Liberty ALL AMERICANS should feel, instead of trying to test the feelings, or harm common sense just for the HELL OF IT, and because THEY CAN.

Our Enemies easily USE our Constitution, and Laws against us as Americans. Personally. That is a slap in the face of EVERY AMERICAN.

You would have a different outlook because you a partisan who is willing to use the force of law against those you don't like , but don't like it when it is done to you.

[jimnyc]

Update...town might be backing down:

https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-car...ag-rule-change

Good, as they should, IMO. Update the current restrictions on the books. It's not surprising considering past comments from the council on this matter. Perhaps the correct way is to petition and/or take things to court and get things changed legally and then put your large flag up. But this accomplishes the same thing in the end, only much faster if they do it. The flag stays up, no jail time & Statesville comes out on top looking rosy for their support. A win all the way around. Seems it was the mayor of the town that is pushing for the amendment, and appears the council is ready for that change.

[Kathianne]

It's going to be very interesting now that social media is making the rules. Everyone that supports one side, is happy when they win, not so much so when they disagree.

First it was 'fake news' and 'biased tweets.' Now if it's in the interests of one's own point of view, those are good things.

[jimnyc]

It's going to be very interesting now that social media is making the rules. Everyone that supports one side, is happy when they win, not so much so when they disagree.

First it was 'fake news' and 'biased tweets.' Now if it's in the interests of one's own point of view, those are good things.

My opinion is that they more so want to amend to accommodate the flag, but also be a little more lenient in general as so many other cities are around the country. The council had discussed this change even before the issue started making the headlines, which is when the court ordered payments retroactively.

[Kathianne]

My opinion is that they more so want to amend to accommodate the flag, but also be a little more lenient in general as so many other cities are around the country. The council had discussed this change even before the issue started making the headlines, which is when the court ordered payments retroactively.

From the article posted regarding 'change,':

...

Gander originally applied for a permit in June 2018 to install a 40-foot-by-25-foot flag, which was compliant with the city code, but instead made plans to put up a larger flag, which the city had opposed, in September 2018.

...

The city’s change of heart may have come after a slew of social media support for the big flag being flown outside of Gander RV.
Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh recommended amending the ordinance, which will be voted on July 15 by the city council and needs two votes to pass.
“In speaking with city council members, I believe this is the direction the majority of council would like to go at this time,” Kutteh said in a statement Wednesday. “Some terrible things have been said about our wonderful town and it hasn’t come from our citizens. But people from all over the country have jumped on this issue and called us names I can’t repeat. When our community’s efforts to conduct business in an orderly, lawful manner begins to hurt our businesses, then it’s time to put a stop to it.”

June, then September, now May. I went back and read the original article, not finding that the city was looking to change the ordinance or its mind on the size. They served notice on the 'being out of compliance and the impending fines to be levied. Then a 'change.org' petition grabbed the attention of some on social media, and here's the city now.

From your post with 2nd link, that was in reaction Monday to the social media brouhaha:


https://svlfreenews.com/news/effort-...rdinance-fails

The Statesville City Council on Monday heard a presentation about the possibility of amending city ordinances to allow businesses to fly larger American flags than are currently allowed.

During their annual retreat, Statesville’s Planning Director David Currier reviewed the current ordinances. The presentation was the result of a request by Councilmen John Staford.

“I think we could open our sign ordinance up,” Currier told the council, explaining that restrictions could be eased in areas other than those just pertaining to flags.

These areas included: the change of ordinances on monument signs, modifications for wall signs, allowances for temporary signs, and open interpretation to billboards regulations.

City Council was open to reviewing changes in the sign ordinance, but did not take any action during Monday’s annual retreat.

...

Then the latest link provided:

...

The city’s change of heart may have come after a slew of social media support for the big flag being flown outside of Gander RV.Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh recommended amending the ordinance, which will be voted on July 15 by the city council and needs two votes to pass.
“In speaking with city council members, I believe this is the direction the majority of council would like to go at this time,” Kutteh said in a statement Wednesday. “Some terrible things have been said about our wonderful town and it hasn’t come from our citizens. But people from all over the country have jumped on this issue and called us names I can’t repeat. When our community’s efforts to conduct business in an orderly, lawful manner begins to hurt our businesses, then it’s time to put a stop to it.”

...

The last bolded and larger sized is just to explain that bullying does work.

[icansayit]

You would have a different outlook because you a partisan who is willing to use the force of law against those you don't like , but don't like it when it is done to you.

They can do whatever they want to do, as long as it is legal. But, my opinion about our FLAG, and DEFENDING what it stands for WILL NEVER CHANGE.

I see nothing but hatred, ignorance, and stupidity by ANYONE living in this nation who Intentionally wants to prevent the flying of our National Flag.

If you think about this....nearly every member of our Military, and Police Forces WEAR a FLAG on their shoulder because they are in the U.S.A.

Will those people be prevented, antagonized, or told to not wear that symbol if THEY HAPPEN TO ENTER THAT Camping Company Business???

If not...what's the difference? Common sense, and Being Proud to be an American says it all.

[Kathianne]

They can do whatever they want to do, as long as it is legal. But, my opinion about our FLAG, and DEFENDING what it stands for WILL NEVER CHANGE.

I see nothing but hatred, ignorance, and stupidity by ANYONE living in this nation who Intentionally wants to prevent the flying of our National Flag.

If you think about this....nearly every member of our Military, and Police Forces WEAR a FLAG on their shoulder because they are in the U.S.A.

Will those people be prevented, antagonized, or told to not wear that symbol if THEY HAPPEN TO ENTER THAT Camping Company Business???

If not...what's the difference? Common sense, and Being Proud to be an American says it all.

You DO realize that the issue is not flying the flag, right? Indeed a permit was given for a larger size flag than normal, thus the need for the special permit. The owner-the holder of the permit-decided that he'd just go ahead with an even larger, nearly double the size. The issue is the size, NOT the flag itself.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

They can do whatever they want to do, as long as it is legal. But, my opinion about our FLAG, and DEFENDING what it stands for WILL NEVER CHANGE.

I see nothing but hatred, ignorance, and stupidity by ANYONE living in this nation who Intentionally wants to prevent the flying of our National Flag.

If you think about this....nearly every member of our Military, and Police Forces WEAR a FLAG on their shoulder because they are in the U.S.A.

Will those people be prevented, antagonized, or told to not wear that symbol if THEY HAPPEN TO ENTER THAT Camping Company Business???

If not...what's the difference? Common sense, and Being Proud to be an American says it all.

Those that say no laws are wrong are wrong themselves.
Local community can not supersede that of patriotism or else it is itself treasonous..
And some of us live by our integrity instead of by adherence to disloyalty , blindness and going along with the damn modern faithless, mindless and dishonorable fukking herd!
I will fly any damn size flag I want to and be damn any who does not like it or who defends the assholes that say I can not do so!
As they Do not get to tell me to be a fukkin disloyal piece of fukking piece of shit like they are.
Any that think they can tell me not to fly a certain size flag , please come to my property and try and see how damn fast I stomp the fukking hell out that person.
Thus they get to see, how a man (not a liberal/dem piece of shit) handles being told to be a piece shit like they are.
I dont play....

To clarify this post: This is my stand, this is my post made to this nation and the - ENTIRE-world, not to any specific member or group of member here.
It is just how I am made. Nobody gets to force me to break one of my personal principles. Key word in that truth-- is the word nobody..
As I would beat the living hell out of one of my own brothers(that I truly love) that attempted to force me to break one of my core principles.... --Tyr

[icansayit]

You DO realize that the issue is not flying the flag, right? Indeed a permit was given for a larger size flag than normal, thus the need for the special permit. The owner-the holder of the permit-decided that he'd just go ahead with an even larger, nearly double the size. The issue is the size, NOT the flag itself.

What bewilders me, is that we live in the greatest nation on Earth, and American citizens have stooped so low, as to fight over the size of a FLAG that represents ALL OF US, and WHAT WE STAND FOR.....At least....Most of us.

We live in an age now where everything must be organized, permitted, determined, and pacify the FEW who are constantly thinking up RULES they demand EVERYONE ELSE must obey....OR ELSE.

There was a time in AMERICA...at least I remember it....when nobody needed permission to say, do, or think anything that didn't harm someone else.

Guess I'm getting old, and miss the AMERICA I grew up in. Where will all of this stop? YOU CAN'T COME IN HERE BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO OLD????

[Kathianne]

I've made my points. Just one more and hopefully done. To say that those that are saying that a community should be able to set their ordinances without bullying by social media, is not unpatriotic, is right there with saying you're racists if you disagree with a black or any minority.

We may not choose to live in such a community, we may sell our property if our community becomes heavy handed with new ordinances; but the community should have the right to set them.

If there are no limits for one flag, there will be no limits for any flags-some you may disagree with. If you take away the right of the city to control size, you may find your neighbors having a street full of large flags, some you may love, others not so much. The war of the flags may not be in your community's best interest.

[icansayit]

All of this has become a useless discussion for me. Ever lived where a HOA existed? I did, and as a Veteran of 30 years. We were told "NO AMERICAN FLAGS" can be flown on any of our properties.

WE moved from there, long ago. I still can't get my arms around being an American Veteran...UNABLE, or PREVENTED from showing my Love for this country.

Call me old fashioned, but there are restrictions because TOO MANY PEOPLE claimed it was UNFAIR to fly Our Flag, and NOT THEIRS!

If anyone can't stand the heat. Get out of the kitchen.

END OF STORY.

[Elessar]

My only concern is that if it was so large to obstruct a highway or the flight path of an aircraft?
If obstructing a flight path, then It needs a red quick flashing light at the top of the pole.

That was not at all stated.

Tempest in a teapot from the bleacher section.

[Kathianne]

All of this has become a useless discussion for me. Ever lived where a HOA existed? I did, and as a Veteran of 30 years. We were told "NO AMERICAN FLAGS" can be flown on any of our properties.

WE moved from there, long ago. I still can't get my arms around being an American Veteran...UNABLE, or PREVENTED from showing my Love for this country.

Call me old fashioned, but there are restrictions because TOO MANY PEOPLE claimed it was UNFAIR to fly Our Flag, and NOT THEIRS!

If anyone can't stand the heat. Get out of the kitchen.

END OF STORY.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclope...rite-flag.html

Can Your HOA Prohibit You From Flying Your Favorite Flag?



Whether it's a rainbow flag or a Halloween pumpkin, your HOA rules may validly prohibit it -- but watch out for discriminatory or uneven enforcement.



By Beth Ross

...

Can your HOA really ban you from flying a flag? The answer depends on what type of flag it is, where you live, and how you display the flag.
State and Federal Laws Protect Some Flag Displays

If the flag your HOA is prohibiting is the good old stars and stripes, the HOA is probably out of line. Your right to display the United States flag is protected by federal law. The “Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005” makes it illegal for an HOA to restrict owners from displaying a U.S. flag.

Your HOA can, however, reasonably restrict the time, place, and manner of your flag display (provided the restrictions are to protect a substantial interest of the association). For example, your HOA can ban a U.S. flag that might be a danger, such as one on a rickety flagpole over a public sidewalk. The HOA probably also has the right to prohibit a flag so large it blocks a neighbor’s views.

Check your state’s laws, also. Some states prevent HOAs from banning certain other types of flags, such as Native American flags, state flags, or officialU.S.military flags. As with federal law, however, state laws typically still give the HOA the right to reasonably regulate such things as the location and size of flags.

...