City removes all American flags to save money

[Bloodwhiner]

Clearwater, Florida (where else would such lunacy happen) has taken down all the flags and even removed the flagpoles to save some money.

Is there a requirement that public administrators be stupid?

[www.tampabay.com]

 

[Aurian]

Why on earth would that save them money? Are the flags made out of pure gold?

 

[Vulcan Princess]

^ That was my first thought, too. I don't see how removing the flags will save money. Neglecting to replace them when they wear out will save money, but it seems to me that proactively removing them will actually cost money.

 

[JuanBolio]

Indeed... what the hell? I'm no flag-lover, but how does this save anyone money?

 

[RoJoHen]

Maybe now they don't have to pay a guy to raise and lower the flags?

I don't get it.

 

[Vulcan Princess]

I'm sure a Boy Scout troop would be willing to do it for free.

 

[JuanBolio]

I'm sure a Boy Scout troop would be willing to do it for free.

Yep, that was the only thing I could think of, too, and you're right. There goes that theory.

 

[Trekker4747]

The article gives two reasons.

The first being a flying flag at night has to be lit. (this is one of the "rules" for properly flying the flag) Which costs money.

When a flag gets ripped/damaged it has to be destroyed and replaced (again, this is one of the rules for properly displaying the flag.)

 

[FrontLine]

Why on earth would that save them money? Are the flags made out of pure gold?

Replacement costs. The weather beats the hell out of flags down here. Also if left up all night flags must be illuminated. So there are power savings as well.

I'm sure a Boy Scout troop would be willing to do it for free.

We're already making our calls for retirement ceremonies.

But yeah this is pretty stupid, which is on par for Clearwater...Southern HQ for Scientology

 

[Aurian]

Why on earth would that save them money? Are the flags made out of pure gold?

Replacement costs. The weather beats the hell out of flags down here. Also if left up all night flags must be illuminated. So there are power savings as well.

OK, the weather issue I can understand, but still.. a few flags should still always be displayed right? Is that not important american symbolism?

In Sweden we don't fly the flag unless it is a "flag day". But we do keep them around..
And why must the flags be illuminated at night? That seems like overkill.

 

[Trekker4747]

And why must the flags be illuminated at night? That seems like overkill.

That's just the "rule" for displaying the American flag. If it is flown at night it must be illuminated.

 

[Aurian]

And why must the flags be illuminated at night? That seems like overkill.

That's just the "rule" for displaying the American flag. If it is flown at night it must be illuminated.

Rules that serves very little purpose should be altered. At night most people sleep, therefor it should make little difference if it is clearly visible or not.
People should be able to atleast view it in daylight. Maybe I am getting in too deep with the symbolism, but it is maybe even more important to keep some symbols in a recession. You know.. show some extra pride that "we" (you) will pull through.

 

[SeerSGB]

And why must the flags be illuminated at night? That seems like overkill.

That's just the "rule" for displaying the American flag. If it is flown at night it must be illuminated.

Then lower it at the end of the business day.

I'm sure a Boy Scout troop would be willing to do it for free.

Maybe now they don't have to pay a guy to raise and lower the flags?

I don't get it.

Or Just task someone in the office to do it.

 

[JuanBolio]

And why must the flags be illuminated at night? That seems like overkill.

That's just the "rule" for displaying the American flag. If it is flown at night it must be illuminated.

What happens if you ignore the rule? Flag police?

 

[FrontLine]

Why on earth would that save them money? Are the flags made out of pure gold?

Replacement costs. The weather beats the hell out of flags down here. Also if left up all night flags must be illuminated. So there are power savings as well.

OK, the weather issue I can understand, but still.. a few flags should still always be displayed right? Is that not important american symbolism?

In Sweden we don't fly the flag unless it is a "flag day". But we do keep them around..
And why must the flags be illuminated at night? That seems like overkill.

It's an important symbol. But who knows why those rock heads across the bay from me do the things they do. Im sure the new paper tomorrow will be filled with an article of residents blowing their stacks. I mean these (the government) are the same idiots who put in a round about in the road to the beach in the worst possible place, thus guaranteeing boat loads of accidents. To add to the mayhem they put in a ginormous water fountain in the circle. After they realized that folks were wrecking their cars because they were too busy looking at said water fall they removed it. They love blowing public money. Then in their construction mayhem they destroyed acres of public parking (with no intent to replace it) so they have a good beach with no parking now. It the same place that forbids stores (but not bars) from selling alcohol after midnight. Go figure.

Maybe now they don't have to pay a guy to raise and lower the flags?

I don't get it.

Or Just task someone in the office to do it.

Quit making sense.

And why must the flags be illuminated at night? That seems like overkill.

The part of the federal legal code requires it. It has to do with how we view the flag as s symbol.

 

[john titor]

meh flags are just flags

 

[Jayson]

What about indoor flags? Are they been removed as well?


Jason

 

[sojourner]

No, indoor flags are not affected by the weather and do not deteriorate, so no need to remove them. They also do not need to be lit at night nor taken down at different times.

 

[Plecostomus]

meh flags are just flags

Yes.

And as far as I know there are no laws governing flag displays just a few guidelines that should be followed. *shrug* Whatever. This isn't news in my opinion.

 

[SeerSGB]

No, indoor flags are not affected by the weather and do not deteriorate, so no need to remove them. They also do not need to be lit at night nor taken down at different times.

Even if you need night time lumination: Just spend out one time for self charging solar lamps. After that no more electric bill for keeping them lit at night.

See a one time-- small-- expenditure, for long term gains.