We just don't get OUT there so I truly appreciate your pictures, Will, to show what's happening locally. Loved your review/description of the whole Pride flag issue. The solution seems SO easy, with wonderful ideas, as you described Diana Palmer providing for the Common Council about San Jose, CA. The objectors seem to work so hard to find problems.
I live near Troy, a city about the size of Glens Falls. (I think.) I love Troy. Like many small cities across the country, it is enjoying a revitalization, a renaissance. It also "enjoys" the loud clamoring of small minded people. I just wanted to remind you, Will, that as you comment on the activities of Glens Falls, you are commenting on some pretty universal themes. Thanks for all you do.
I can’t help but think this is more about the fear of backlash than anything else. I’m sure no one would fuss over a vegan or vegetarian flag should there be one. Sadly everything is political now. Who would have thought people would be so upset over rainbows at Target? There are some very unsavory groups that might ask to fly flags and this would require a “ no” from the city so it may not only be the initial conflict they anticipate with the LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 but also future requests from other groups and the criticisms that come with saying no to some. Maybe flags should just be for “kind, caring, healing and loving” groups. Anything destructive is given a “ no.” I realize that is very subjective to some.
Will, I feel both your comparison of the flying of the MIA/POW and Pride flags, and your lifting up the San Jose solution are insightful and helpful additions to the conversation.The flags are stark reminders that we live in a real world of real people who feel the pain of loss, rejection, fear, prejudice, injustice, and hatred, It is not enough to merely fly the flags without really addressing the issues.
I write as one who, in another place and another time (in Ohio in the 1960’s) was asked to and served as chair of the community’s local MIA/POW Committee (though I opposed the Vietnam war). Also, I am the “proud” grandfather of three delightful, openly gay grandsons. And as a pastor/counselor cared for and ministered to individuals and families facing these life situations of loss and rejection.
The MIA/POW and Pride flags remind us of the value of every human life, just as the Stars and Stripes remind us of the democratic values of diversity, equality, and inclusion
As a veteran who served during and after the Vietnam War, and cared for POW’s from WWII, Korea and VN in my career as both a Navy nurse, hospice nurse and chaplain, I am a purist when it comes to the position of the American flag and the POW/MIA flag below it. The stand-alone site to the left of the City Hall building preserves that tradition nicely.
But given that a second separate flag pole, flying those identical flags, is positioned within the City Park garden site facing Ridge St., (seen in your photo) there is ample room for an adjacent pole with an LGBTQ flag.
That site, as people are walking or driving by, is a non-government neutral beautiful space with the bandstand in the background, representing a welcoming city which accepts diversity.
Perhaps a fundraiser, held in City Park, could raise the funds to cover the concrete base and flagpole set up.
Actually, I realized yesterday that City Park has a third flagpole, on the lawn between the library's old entrance and Maple Street. That pole yesterday was flying only the U.S. flag, so maybe the Pride flag could fly there for June. It's not City Hall, but it is a prominent place.
Mr. Doolittle has pointed out that the Confederate flag is flown in Glens Falls and other surrounding communities and I haven't heard about City Hall being actively concerned about controversy over that. That flag is divisive, the Pride flag is inclusive. A simple, temporary, if it is decided, gesture of support would signal a positive step toward recognition of human rights and a new attitude away from fear and persecution.
I just listened to the city council meeting remarks.
Mayor Collins - wow. Some weird comments from him that I didn't quite comprehend. And that he's afraid if controversy.
Seems like he made a strange comparison to vegans maybe wanting to fly a flag in comparison to the Pride flag????
One is representative of an idea - the other of a group of people who've struggled for YEARS to be even acknowledged.
Until the flag flies I have committed to not spending my money in GF.
Won't spend my hard earned cash in a city that refuses to join this century.
Obviously the mayors (and some council members) remarks upset me
We just don't get OUT there so I truly appreciate your pictures, Will, to show what's happening locally. Loved your review/description of the whole Pride flag issue. The solution seems SO easy, with wonderful ideas, as you described Diana Palmer providing for the Common Council about San Jose, CA. The objectors seem to work so hard to find problems.
I live near Troy, a city about the size of Glens Falls. (I think.) I love Troy. Like many small cities across the country, it is enjoying a revitalization, a renaissance. It also "enjoys" the loud clamoring of small minded people. I just wanted to remind you, Will, that as you comment on the activities of Glens Falls, you are commenting on some pretty universal themes. Thanks for all you do.
I can’t help but think this is more about the fear of backlash than anything else. I’m sure no one would fuss over a vegan or vegetarian flag should there be one. Sadly everything is political now. Who would have thought people would be so upset over rainbows at Target? There are some very unsavory groups that might ask to fly flags and this would require a “ no” from the city so it may not only be the initial conflict they anticipate with the LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 but also future requests from other groups and the criticisms that come with saying no to some. Maybe flags should just be for “kind, caring, healing and loving” groups. Anything destructive is given a “ no.” I realize that is very subjective to some.
Will, I feel both your comparison of the flying of the MIA/POW and Pride flags, and your lifting up the San Jose solution are insightful and helpful additions to the conversation.The flags are stark reminders that we live in a real world of real people who feel the pain of loss, rejection, fear, prejudice, injustice, and hatred, It is not enough to merely fly the flags without really addressing the issues.
I write as one who, in another place and another time (in Ohio in the 1960’s) was asked to and served as chair of the community’s local MIA/POW Committee (though I opposed the Vietnam war). Also, I am the “proud” grandfather of three delightful, openly gay grandsons. And as a pastor/counselor cared for and ministered to individuals and families facing these life situations of loss and rejection.
The MIA/POW and Pride flags remind us of the value of every human life, just as the Stars and Stripes remind us of the democratic values of diversity, equality, and inclusion
As a veteran who served during and after the Vietnam War, and cared for POW’s from WWII, Korea and VN in my career as both a Navy nurse, hospice nurse and chaplain, I am a purist when it comes to the position of the American flag and the POW/MIA flag below it. The stand-alone site to the left of the City Hall building preserves that tradition nicely.
But given that a second separate flag pole, flying those identical flags, is positioned within the City Park garden site facing Ridge St., (seen in your photo) there is ample room for an adjacent pole with an LGBTQ flag.
That site, as people are walking or driving by, is a non-government neutral beautiful space with the bandstand in the background, representing a welcoming city which accepts diversity.
Perhaps a fundraiser, held in City Park, could raise the funds to cover the concrete base and flagpole set up.
Actually, I realized yesterday that City Park has a third flagpole, on the lawn between the library's old entrance and Maple Street. That pole yesterday was flying only the U.S. flag, so maybe the Pride flag could fly there for June. It's not City Hall, but it is a prominent place.
Mr. Doolittle has pointed out that the Confederate flag is flown in Glens Falls and other surrounding communities and I haven't heard about City Hall being actively concerned about controversy over that. That flag is divisive, the Pride flag is inclusive. A simple, temporary, if it is decided, gesture of support would signal a positive step toward recognition of human rights and a new attitude away from fear and persecution.