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Can this REALLY be happening in America?

By Jane Penttinen

Mortgage and Lending with V.I.P. Mortgage

October 19, 2009 09:50 AM

I read a disturbing article this morning and all I could think was can this REALLY be happening in America?

The fire department in Chester, PA has a rule that mandates all stickers and statements - union, cartoon and political - be stripped from lockers so as not to offend anyone. On Friday, a seasoned firefighter was suspended by the Fire Commissioner without pay because he had an American Flag sticker on his locker.

Today, after a meeting with union representatives, the firefighter is allowed to return to work this coming Thursday - and the sticker is allowed to stay. No word though on whether he will receive back pay.

I never thought I would see the day where people could be suspended without pay - and possibly fired - for displaying the American Flag because it might be offensive to someone. Seriously???

American Flag

Can this REALLY be happening in America?

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Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME

Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Maybe we forgot it is patriotic to show you are America..waving the red, white and blue. Someone was offended so their goes the apple cart..big upset.

Oct 19, 2009 10:00 AM

Kenneth Cole

Weichert Realtors Appleseed Group, 2043 Richmond Ave. S.I.N.Y. 10314. office phone 718-698-9797, Appleseedhomes.com... - Staten Island, NY

NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

If anyone is offended by our National Flag, they can just leave. We may not be perfect, but we're the best there is, If anyone thinks otherwise my question to them is why do you stay? God bless America!

Oct 19, 2009 10:03 AM

Margaret Goss

@Properties - Winnetka, IL

Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I am speechless - but I have also heard of these things happening elsewhere. It's political correctness gone amuck. He probably would not have been fired if he'd put up a foreign flag!

Oct 19, 2009 10:05 AM

Jane Penttinen

V.I.P. Mortgage - Tucson, AZ

NMLS #222178

Andrew - if anyone is offended by the American Flag in any place at any time they need to seriously consider moving to another, less forgiving country.

Kenneth - I so agree. I LOVE my country and I am proud of everything we stand for - warts and all.

Margaret - I fear you are right about the foreign flag. It seems anything to do with pride in our country is not politically correct. I hope the Fire Commissioner is embarrased by his bad behavior and the publicity he has and will be receiving.

Oct 19, 2009 10:15 AM

Matt Listro

National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro - Vernon, CT

Your Credit Repair Expert

Hi Jane: Say it isn't so! Wow that is an amazing story!

Oct 19, 2009 11:16 AM

Matt - It is true. SAD - but very true. We have lost all focus in this country and we need to work to get it back.

Oct 19, 2009 11:33 AM

Lee & Carol Barbour, REALTORS

Murphy and Hayesville, NC; Hiawassee, Blairsville, Blue Ridge GA - Murphy, NC

Mountain Living Team in Murphy NC and North GA

How on earth can this be! What an sad statement for this fire department. Sounds like the Fire Commissioner should be fired. Why should anyone in America be offended by the FLAG!

Oct 19, 2009 12:28 PM

Lee & Carol - It seems this is not the only incident. A few weeks ago, there was a funeral procession for a soldier killed in the line of duty. People lined the street holding American Flags. Part of the procession was in front of a Bank of America branch. The manager came out and told the people to get rid of the FLAGS because they might be seen as offensive to bank customers. Bank of WHICH America?

Oct 20, 2009 02:11 AM

Bonnie Vaughan

Scranton, PA

CNE SFR - Buyers/Sellers - Lackawanna & Surroundin

This has been covered on Fox News for days. They tried to interview the chief and he slammed the door in their face. I find it horrible anyone could take it that far. What is wrong with us?

Oct 20, 2009 01:55 PM

Bonnie - I think what is wrong is that we have become so concerned with what is politically correct we have lost all common sense. We need our sense of patriotism backand that means it is up to all of us to fight for it - before we lose it all.

Oct 21, 2009 01:52 AM

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