Mall says U.S. flags on kiddie train must go

KATU ^ | 7/29/2012

[hiho hiho]

CLACKAMAS, Ore. - A fight over the American flag is brewing at the Clackamas Town Center.

The manager of the children's train at the mall says he's being forced to remove flags that he uses to decorate the train ride.

Why? The mall told him the flags are against policy.

Thomas Phelps said he was floored when he got a letter from mall management telling him that the flags were "unapproved visuals."

That reference didn't sit too well with Phelps, who also happens to be a military veteran.

"That is dedicated to veterans and military, police, firefighters, EMTs - all those people that daily put their lives on the line for us," Phelps said. "That's what it's dedicated to. And if you're going to call that a Christmas decoration or something, then I'm sorry, I don't want to be around you. You're not in my country."

Phelps said he would understand if it was causing a problem but he said nobody has complained - not once.

And he isn't alone in his feelings. Connie Marsden, a local grandmother, told us "It's the United States. That's our flag. We should be proud of it. Not be forced to take it off a little ride for the kids."

The mall did not allow our news camera on its property but a family who took a train ride on Sunday told us they enjoyed the ride and didn't understand why the flags were a problem.

The Clackamas Town Center sent us a written response when we asked for comment. General Manager Dennis Curtis wrote in an e-mail "we honor, appreciate and respect everything the U.S. flag represents."

Still, Phelps said mall management isn't budging and he's prepared to lose his job before he takes down the flags.

"I may be fired, I may be thrown out of the mall, but I am not taking it down," he said.

[Liberal Bob]

There was a study a while back that showed that children raised honoring the American flag turned out more likely to be Republican. Does anybody out there remember that study and where I may get my hands on it?

[smoothsailing]

The flag shouldn’t go, but it’s preferable that it be properly displayed, IMO.

The Flag Code further says; “ When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender”

http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#175

[jimtorr]

Clackamas is in Portlandia. What do you expect?

[jimtorr]

Win the the “BS” fight first, then move the flags to a proper display.

[Salvation]

I wonder if any of the stores in Clackamas Town Center sell any Fourth of July decorations? Or decorate with flags in their stores?

What idiocy!

[Salvation]

Thanks for posting the contact info.

Freepers — go for it!

[5th MEB]

MINE IS FLYING OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW. It will fly continually until I am to dead to lower the lanyard. I fly a storm flag with a spotlight so it never has to come down. I removed the bear flag about 15 years ago when I decided California was to commie/progressive/liberal to display it’s colors along with the Stars and Stripes. Sounds like we might have been “in country” at the same time. 3/11th Marines, Khe Sanh 69.
SEMPER FIDELIS brother.

[Salvation]

If you aren't on this ping list and are interested

in articles about Oregon, please FReepmail me.

[cableguymn]

I hope you mean like minded freepers...

I won’t want the liberal filth escaping..

They made their bed. They can sleep in it.

[samtheman]

nobody has complained - not once

I bet that's not true. I bet some leftist complained directly to mall management, who are obviously leftists themselves.

[ZULU]

And THAT is PRECISELY what they rely on!

In a simpler and more virile, less politically correct America, the Mall would simply be trashed and burned down and the manager tarred and feathered.

[cableguymn]

Might I suggest a bright yellow “don’t tread on me” flag as a proper replacement for the failed state flag..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6vwXbQZvJo&feature=related

[stormer]

It’s not about what I think. It’s about the proper display of Old Glory. Draped over a kiddie train like an old saddle blanket doesn’t cut it. Do it right or don’t do it at all.

[dragnet2]

I hope you mean like minded freepers.

Well, from what I've seen on here, they're generally the first to run.

[ConorMacNessa]

Semper Fidelis, Brother!



Old Glory flies over Castle MacNessa day and night without ceasing. I was in country late spring to summer '69. My tour was abbreviated by an AK to the back during an ambush 18Aug1969. I had no idea then that I would be called again to fight for our Nation in my old age, but so be it! This member of the Grey-Haired Brigade is ready and eager!



Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[FlingWingFlyer]

You know this country is in big trouble when the American flag “offends” 50% of the creatures living here. This isn’t America anymore. This is now the planet’s sewer.

[ConorMacNessa]

OORAH, Janie! You nailed it!!



Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[thecodont]

Even in the deep-blue SF Bay Area, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains wear American flag emblems.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

At least display it properly...

[SkyDancer]

Thankee kind sir.