Did you know that groups cannot pass out American flags (or anything else) at Coeur d’Alene’s 4th of July parade this year? The organizer of the parade from the Chamber of Commerce sent the Regan Republicans an email stating such.
Your thoughts on this or anything else?
Here is a link to the Chamber of Commerce’s abbreviated rules regarding parade entries.
Comment by Bill — June 29, 2011 @ 12:56 pm
It appears that there was a slight misunderstanding. I was told that the city permits the distribution of flags only. Prior to this rule, candy was thrown from moving vehicles which created a safety hazard for a variety of reasons. Paper passed out was often simply discarded on streets and sidewalks.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — June 29, 2011 @ 2:22 pm
Reagan Republicans asked the Chamber parade organizer this question regarding their rules (as provided by Bill above):
Here’s the answer they received from the Chamber:
Comment by mary — June 29, 2011 @ 3:14 pm
I think it might be time for a little CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Ancientemplar — June 29, 2011 @ 3:35 pm
Ok, so someone must have worked things out with the city because I just got an email from Reagan Republicans saying that handing out flags is now going to be allowed. Whew!…that was a close call…I thought Ancientemplar and others might have to plan something wild!
Comment by mary — June 29, 2011 @ 3:41 pm
Mary, Its not part of my playbook but it seems to work just fine for the “other side”.
Comment by Ancientemplar — June 29, 2011 @ 3:57 pm
Mary, I hope your post about it’s OK now to pass out USA Flags is correct because the County Republican Central Committee voted last night to make a contribution to the Chamber’s Fireworks Fundraiser.
Comment by Gary Ingram — June 29, 2011 @ 4:19 pm
I know, Ancient, I was just joking around! Gary, that’s what the email from RR said, so I guess someone changed the rule or there was a misunderstanding of the rule to begin with. Not allowing flags to be given out at a 4th of July parade?…We’d never think that was possible until the last few years, but now anything absurd seems potentially true.
Did you read about the veteran who was told to take down the American flag he had flying in his own front yard? It was back in Ohio where that particular Home Owner’s Assoc. has a rule against any flags. The vet is not going to take down his flag pole…he says they can try taking him to court! Good for him.
Comment by mary — June 29, 2011 @ 4:38 pm
Gary, feel free to shoot me, at any time,…but I just have to know if the debate at the County Republican Central Committee on the issue of whether to contribute to the Chamber’s Fireworks Fundraiser lasted as long as the same Central Committee’s debate on the issue of whether the USA Flags should be purchased from a Chinese manufacturer or a U.S. manufacturer?
Comment by Joe Six-Pack — June 29, 2011 @ 4:39 pm
Joe Sixpack, are you saying the fireworks aren’t made in the USA?
Comment by mary — June 29, 2011 @ 4:40 pm
Mary, I re-read my question. I don’t see where I asked a question regarding fireworks. It seemed bizarre to me that the Central Committee would even hold a debate over whether USA Flags should be purchased from a Chinese manufacturer, and then peel off the “Made in China” labels, for a cheaper price or whether the USA Flags should be purchased from a U.S. manufacturer, at a price higher than the Chinese manufacturer charged. While I would not go so far as Chuck Yeager and refuse to be driven to a CDA Chamber Banquet in a foreign made car, I would like to think that buying USA Flags from a U.S. manufacturer and not buying them from a Chinese manufacturer would be a no-brainer.
Comment by Joe Six-Pack — June 29, 2011 @ 4:48 pm
Display Fireworks, explosives class 1.3G, can be imported, but most licensed pyrotechnicians will not use any that have not been manufactured to US standards. Non-standard 1.3G stuff is too unstable, unsafe, and unreliable.
Comment by Bill — June 29, 2011 @ 4:50 pm
Joe sixpack, I realize I was stretching your question beyond the limits of reason, but it occurred to me that if we expect (and I do) that our 4th of July parade flags should be made here, shouldn’t the fireworks too?
Hey, Bill, that’s interesting info about the fireworks.
Comment by mary — June 29, 2011 @ 4:56 pm
Mary,
Philosophically, egad I hope I spelled that correctly, I can see how you, and others, could extend the logic that far. However I, personally, don’t. For example I drive a Toyota. I don’t know whether it (all or in part) was manufactured in the U.S., Japan, or somewhere else. I like a particular type of Toyota so that is what I choose to drive. On the other hand, I…and perhaps I am repeating myself here…definitely do believe (as you might have guessed…strongly) that buying USA Flags from a U.S. manufacturer and not buying them from a Chinese manufacturer is a no-brainer. In other words the Flag is the Flag…it is different. Frankly, I wouldn’t give a rats behind if I had to pay more for a U.S. made flag than I would have to pay for a Chinese made Flag. (note: I didn’t refer to it as a “U.S. Flag”) Indeed, to me, for there to even be a debate, on such a basic and fundamental, to me, issue causes my hackles to rise…well, what hackles I have left.
Comment by Joe Six-Pack — June 29, 2011 @ 5:35 pm
Joe Six-Pack.
I guarantee you that your Toyota and my Honda are MORE American than any so called “AMERICAN” vehicle.
GM – Canada
Dodge – Canada and Mexico
Ford – Canada and Mexico
Just like the LCDC, the city council and our friend JohnA, they like to keep the big money floating with the top people, CEO’s and developers, and SKREW the actual working class. Look how our local tax dollars bailed out a developer and paid the most ever paid for land in the history of this state. American car companies are nothing more than a figure head bailed out by YOU and me the taxpayer while they base the actual work out of the country for the cheap labor that they can exploit.
This country has gotten so BASS AKWARDS. So what is the difference if they buy Chinese made American flags? Isn’t that what capitalism is all about? Skrew your neighbor, the American laborer and taxpayer every chance they get? A land where the welfare cases and prisoners have more rights, privileges and benefits than the elderly, youth and law abiding citizen.
YEAH! Happy Independence? day.
Comment by concerned citizen — June 29, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
Joe sixpack, I drive a Subaru, so I’m not a purist either. I actually agree with your distinction about an American flag’s origin being more important than any other accoutrements of the day, but it’s good for conversation!
Comment by mary — June 29, 2011 @ 6:30 pm
Regarding the issue of handing out the flags – it was a misunderstanding.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — June 30, 2011 @ 7:52 am
Susie, a misunderstanding on who’s part?
Comment by Ancientemplar — June 30, 2011 @ 8:14 am
Well, Let’s just hope someone comes to their senses and hands out with pride American Flags made in AMERICA. I would be happy and proud to help.
Comment by Jullee — June 30, 2011 @ 10:57 am