Monday, June 22, 2015

Searingly Powerful Symbols

Belchertown Civil War monument, Town Common

The two hour public hearing in the quaint little college town of Amherst regarding the flying of 29 commemorative flags in the heart of the downtown had a particularly dramatic moment: a UMass professor branded the flag, "A symbol of terrorism and death and fear and destruction and repression ... it's nothing to be proud of."

And no, she was not talking about the Confederate battle flag.

Ironically enough terrorism, death, fear and destruction would rain down from the brilliant blue skies only 12 hours later, the worst foreign attack on American soil in the entire history of our nation.  But that was almost 14 years ago, and life goes on.  For us. 

Because of my -- some would argue "in your face" -- insistence the commemorative American flags be allowed to fly every 9/11 to honor and remember the 3,000 slaughtered that day, a "deal" was brokered.  

Kind of like the deal brokered in South Carolina to move the Confederate battle flag from the State Capital building to a nearby historic monument.

Select Board Chair Gerry Weiss proposed they be allowed up once every three years to reflect the shameful 2007 Town Meeting vote that rejected my request by a two-thirds majority.  So in 2009 they did fly in the downtown. 

But then it occurred to new Select Board Chair Stephanie O'Keeffe that the restrictive deal would prevent the flags from flying on the 10th and 20th anniversary.  

So when I went to the Select Board in 2010 with my annual request, not only did they say "no" (although two-of-five voted "yes") to that year, but they then changed the "once every three years" to once every five for "milestone anniversaries".

So that's why the commemorative American flags are not allowed to fly this coming 9/11, but will fly next year on the 15th anniversary of that awful morning.

Simply because the politicians seem to think there's still a (significant) number of citizens who could agree with the UMass professor from all those years ago.   

It's time to change both those deals brokered over the flying of flags.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love how they spit upon the flag that provides them with…the ability to spit upon the flag. The town meeting, which purports itself to be a lone remaining bastion of grassroots democracy, has mutated into being far more restrictive and oppressive to those whose ideas differs from theirs. I am willing to wager that some of those town meeting members drive autos with a faded sticker plastered upon the back of their Subaru or Prius: "Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open". They should edit that and add an all too important line "as long as thou subscribe to my agenda". If you do not they will laugh at you and shut you out to show you how "powerful" they are.

Fly the damn flags every year and be proud to exist and be free to decide BECAUSE of that very symbol. I wish I were there when that moon bat professor made that statement…. keep fighting LK. In this particular endeavor I am behind you.

Anonymous said...

As a veteran of the Global War on Terror I feel Amherst is a disgrace. They tout of fairness and openness to all, well they are not. Shame on Amherst and its citizens for not allowing the flags to fly on this day. This town is as close minded as they come.

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:31, The flag does not provide anything. It's just a symbol. People and organizations provide resources, help, protection, etc. A flag is just a logo. Down with advertising!

Anonymous said...

Obviously Anon 9:31 never served in the Armed Forces. Just doesn't get it.

Anonymous said...

I meant Anon 10:31

Anonymous said...

That professor probably isn't even around here anymore. Another case of an A-hole who came to Amherst attempting to create their own little Utopia.
Keep on 'em Larry!

Anonymous said...

A professor who professes hatred.

Anonymous said...

One pledges allegiance to not only the flag, but also to the republic for which it stands. Obviously 10:13 does neither. I'm guessing he or she cannot be counted on to defend the country when needed. Thanks for spending the money , though.

Anonymous said...

This is 10:13. You are correct, I neither pledge allegiance to the (or any) flag, and certainly not to 'the republic.'

If I am called on to defend my country, of course I would. What the hell does it have to do with flag? My patriotism is born from a love of people (not just MY people, either) and if I had to, of course I'd fight. Duh! What is it with you hard-liners that feel they need everyone else to feel the way they do about symbolic things. Hey buddy, you wearing a flag pin right now in your tighty-whities?

Anonymous said...

You really do not understand what the flag provides, eh? That figures. Ask a vet what the flag provides.

Anonymous said...

You say you would defend the nation if needed? But you pledge no allegiance to your country? Does that make any sense? You would fight for a country to which you are not loyal? Or do not love? Wierd patriotism.