Extremist Republicans

A local radio station called some ideas about tattoos "extremist republican" views. The topic at hand was a recent article in the St Joe News Press "Hey, teacher! What’s that on your ankle".

Actually, this wasn't so much the topic of discussion as was the comments posted online referring to the article. Any poster who was leery of supporting prominently displayed or "visible" tattoos was condemned for not being tolerant.

The radio station dj's started their Monday morning off strong by denouncing those who spoke against the tattoos. Apparently, they believe that teachers should be allowed to "get inked" anywhere they like. Those who disagreed were extremists. And since they were extremists, they linked Republicans in the mix. Extremist Republicans. Wow. Tell me... what does a party affiliation have anything to do with teachers getting tattoos?

Since the SJSD isn't concerned with taking any steps to take a stand one way or another, why is our community having the discussion at all?

Old Glory

My recent evening drive downtown allowed me the opportunity to revel in the majesty of our city hall building. I was sorely disappointed to notice that something was amiss. The light for the flag on the southwest side of the building was burned out. Old Glory should not stand in the darkness!

I knew there was some kind of "rule" that governs flags flying in the darkness, and found the following from the "Flag Code" [United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag]:

It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Ah ha! PROPERLY ILLUMINATED. The keywords. So I have written and called and emailed to no avail. Old Glory stands alone. In the dark.

UPDATE: Got the name of the maintenance manager, Scott Barnard. Found out that city hall has been vandalized repeatedly this year, with one of the primary targets being the American flag. I heard that the vandals have targeted wires, lighting fixtures, etc; What has this city come to? Where is the outrage? I for one am aiming for either an evening security guard or video surveillance. Anyhow - the light has been replaced (hooray!) and our flag stands watch over City Hall. Day and night.

For those interested - click here to view the live webcam of "Civic Center Park"