Police Department demands removal of Marine Corps flag from taxicab

Self | 11/12/2008 | DC Wright

[dcwusmc]

For those interested in such things, I drive a taxicab in Vallejo, California. Because I am retired from the Marine Corps and am proud of my service, I fly a 12x18" Marine Corps flag from the cab I drive. Within the last couple of years, the city passed an ordinance regulating cabs. Now, the officer in charge of this (son of the chief) tells me that flying my colors is unacceptable to him. His rationale is that, because we are regulated by the city, we work FOR the city and thus he can do as he likes. Perhaps some comment on this to the Chief of Police at 111 Amador Street, Vallejo, CA 94590, would let them know how veterans and military retirees and others feel about this affront to the Services and to the First Amendment. I did talk with him and informed him that my colors would NEVER be struck for any reason.

[dcwusmc]

If, in fact, I work for the City, I want HIS PAYCHECK AND BENEFITS. Vallejo, now in bankruptcy court, has the highest paid police and fire departments of any city in the state and, indeed, most of the country.

[Cindy]

Ping.

[atomic conspiracy]

He’s got it backwards, he works for YOU.

[gundog]

Does he wear an American flag on his uniform?

[llevrok]

Do what Andy did to punish Barney - take away his one bullet.

[Kitanis]

So the City REGULATES your cabs company.. but dose it PAY the paychecks?

I would be in the mayors office so fast on this one

[Yench500]

Thanks for your service...happy belated birthday.

Let’s try sending e-mail to this link:

vpdcomplaint@ci.vallejo.ca.us

Officer’s name/nature of the complaint/dates

I’m thinking if enough people are as angry as we are...the officer will see the error of his ways.

[tbpiper]

because we are regulated by the city, we work FOR the city

The city regulates restuarants, too. Does that make them city employees? Your ego inflated regulator has no argument.

BTW, happy 233rd B'day, a day late.

[PeterFinn]

Disgusting that this POS works in a town with such a storied history of supporting the Navy and the Corps.

[dcwusmc]

Of COURSE he does, but to way too many of our “public servants,” the relationship is reversed. We hire these people to do certain things in our names and on our behalf. But there are SERIOUS limits to the authority we grant them. Sadly, they fail to recognize that and too often the courts back them up.

[1rudeboy]

His rationale is that, because we are regulated by the city, we work FOR the city and thus he can do as he likes.

Here's your problem. Unless your flag is deemed a "threat to navigation" (my term) by state, county, or local law then you're in the clear.

Just get ready for those daily "safety checks."

[BenLurkin]

His rationale is that, because we are regulated by the city, we work FOR the city

Doesn't sound right to me?

[MrB]

About time to read “Unintended Consequences” again...

[Jeff Head]

Send the guy these images:

Many more designs here.

[coon2000]

Yes, I do not know how that got left off.

[dblshot]

I hauled milk for para-marine trucking in Okeechobee Fl. The guy who owned it was a para marine and we had the marine corps globe and anchor with parachute as the company logo on our truck doors.

As for bankrupt Vallejo, maybe you can put a sticker on your cab that says, Vallejo- bankrupt but proud. Get a few other cabbies to do that too and see how that goes over.

[dcwusmc]

Sadly, that support is pretty much all gone. Based on the turn out at yesterday’s Veterans’ Day service, only the old folks (mostly vets themselves) and the JROTC kids support us anymore.

[D Rider]

His rationale is that, because we are regulated by the city, we work FOR the city and thus he can do as he likes.

How very German of him.