Posted on 08/15/2007 5:31:41 PM PDT by exg
Pro-troop decals removed UPDATED: 2007-08-15 02:54:03 MST
Calgary garbage trucks pulled into the garage to have yellow ribbon stickers scraped off
By SHAWN LOGAN, SUN MEDIA
Yellow ribbon decals were removed from a handful of garbage trucks as some city employees continue to defy council's decision that shot down a plan to adorn civic vehicles with the patriotic decorations.
A foreman for Calgary's waste and recycling services sent about a dozen trucks to the garage yesterday to have the offending decals -- proclaiming Support Our Troops -- scraped off the bumpers, leaving one worker, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal, questioning why the city would step in to prevent him from showing support for soldiers in harm's way.
"We're driving down laneways picking up everybody's garbage and I'm sure there's a few people out there with family and friends in Afghanistan and this is just a good shot in the arm," said the employee, who said he was upset when he heard the yellow ribbons were to be removed.
"This really bothers me -- what's the harm in putting a sticker on a truck?"
The worker said the stickers were picked up at union headquarters last week and placed on the vehicles but when they were noticed, a foreman ordered the trucks into the maintenance yard to scrape them off with tools and solvent.
He added he's not sure if they will defy the order and place new stickers.
Rick Valdarchi, manager of collection services, said the foreman was simply following council's policy.
"This is a sensitive issue but at the end of the day we were given direction by council and the policy is decals will not be displayed on fleet units," he said.
"The foreman was correct to remove them -- I'm not sure (our employees) were aware what the policy was."
Valdarchi said the workers won't be disciplined in this case and he wouldn't speculate on what action would be taken should there be further defiance.
Dozens of city vehicles, including police cars, buses and ambulances, showed up at a "yellow ribbon checkstop" earlier this month at the Calgary Police Association headquarters, contrary to last month's council decision.
Ald. Ric McIver, who pushed to have the entire civic fleet emblazoned with yellow ribbons, said he was disappointed the stickers were removed.
"This is a shame -- it's a poor decision by whoever made it," he said. "I appreciate the staff did this to say they support the men and women who are putting themselves in harm's way. Previous
Sounds good.
(but) I hate to be the one to point out its Afghanistan, not Iraq.
—nevertheless—good letter.
—I agree with what you said about remembrance day—that;s the thing-—why is it that yellow ribbons are “offenseive” while Veterans Licence Plates are not?
—These soldiers are veterans too.—so does that mean we can only show some kind of recognition when they are at home out of danger?—and then the minute they step on the plane to go back overseas, its back to forgetting about them?
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/War_Terror/2007/08/17/4425527-sun.html
-Mother of Fallen Soldier Outraged by decision to ban/remove support troops decals/yellow ribbons
From the article.....
“Decals will be offered for sale at city hall and the city’s website starting Monday.”
So, it gets worse. They won’t allow the decals on city vehicles, but they will profit from the sale of decals?
*SPIT*
I’m starting to think that this is all just a publicity stunt for this mayor to get his name out there—an election is only weeks away.
-if so—then shame on him even more for using our soldiers as pawns in his political game.
One can shame only those who have some shame to start with.
This man has no shame.
I will, too. Agree to disagree, that is.
But, be careful. This is one of those “slippery slopes” that we sometimes don’t see because our Patriotism blinds us. ;)
Dear Fanfan:
Thank you for your recent e-mail to Mayor Bronconnier. Mayor Bronconnier has had the opportunity to review your e-mail regarding the Support Our Troops Decals and has asked me to respond on his behalf.
Mayor Bronconnier fully agrees with you that it is important to show our support for citizens performing military duty. On the advice of General Hillier that soldiers truly appreciate knowing that there is support for their families, especially when they are away on tour. Mayor Bronconnier wishes to ensure that the support and recognition from The City of Calgary is in keeping with this goal.
Soldiers from 41 Brigade and local reservists will be deployed in early 2008. The City has had preliminary discussions with the military to plan and coordinate a civic send-off prior to departure. Calgary City Council unanimously supported the decision to raise awareness and funds for the Calgary Military Resource Centre which assists families who’s loved ones are deployed overseas. In keeping with this decision, The City of Calgary is proclaiming September as Yellow Ribbon Month in order to raise awareness of the Calgary Military Resource Centre.
Displaying a yellow ribbon or displaying other Support Our Troops items, is one way that individuals can show their support their troops and Mayor Bronconnier encourages any individual wishing to do so to contact the Military Family Resource Centre. Further information is available at www.calgarymfrc.ca. “Support Our Troops” decals can also be purchased either online or at the following City of Calgary facilities:
Southland Leisure Centre, 2000 Southland Drive SW
Village Square Leisure Centre, 2623 56 Street NE
City Hall Cashiers Office - Third Floor, 800 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary Transit Customer Service, 224 7 Avenue SW
Bylaw & Animal Services, 2201 Portland Street SE
Monies raised will directly benefit the many military families in Calgary.
With regards to the Support the Troops decals being removed from City vehicles, The City of Calgary has a policy that no third-party decals can be placed on City vehicles. Therefore, when a City vehicle is brought in for servicing, if there is a decal of any type on that vehicle, it will be removed.
Thank you for taking the time to share your view with Mayor Bronconnier. Feedback from our citizens is important in understanding the priorities of Calgarians.
Patricia Proudfoot
Office of the Mayor
____________________________________
The City of Calgary has a policy that no third-party decals can be placed on City vehicles.
Well, isn't that nice.
What ever happened to freedom of speech? Why is wrong to show support for those protecting you and your freedom?
Stupid commies
Well I can see that...who'd want NDP decals on there anyway.
Seriously though, our soldiers belong to all of us, they aren't a third party
Why is the city okay with declaring Yellow Ribbon Month
but not with the placing of yellow ribbons on city vehicles?
Just more bureaucratic nonsense, "there's no reason for it it just our policy".
You nailed it Kanawa.
They say this:
“The City of Calgary has a policy that no third-party decals can be placed on City vehicles.”
*yet they allow Calgary Flames stickers on city vehicles.
*That’s okay, people in the city are rebelling, already saw a picture of a bus the other day with a yellow ribbon sticker on it !
Oh, by the way—the Mayor of Calgary is trying to look like a hero by selling the ribbons-—when in fact, all he is doing by selling them is hyjacking a program already run by the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency and taking credit for it.
Magnets!
Exactly ! Then the driver can remove it just before getting off shift.
Looks like they need to take out the trash down at city hall.
Well, isn't that nice.
Well, they have a policy, you see. That means they don't have to think about particulars.
Go to your home, citizen, and leave matters with the proper Authorities ... before you get hurt!
Yea, Don't you dare support your country or the forces that protect you.
True enough, but of course , the MSM in Canada does not inform the public that they can get free "support our troops" bumber stickers at Tim Hortons.
Fair and balanced reporting,....This is the TRUE shame.
We report on the shame but do not report on how to remedy it.
Farkin MOONBAT Canadian Liberal Socialist trudeauphiliac press.
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