Fair is fair.
The Bull posted here about the FDNY ban on American flags, mass cards, photos, etc. displayed in/on firefighter lockers. To voice my displeasure I wrote to the FDNY and complained bitterly about this anti-American stance and the attack on individual rights. I was surprised to find a reply in my email today. Here it is, complete and unedited.
Thank you for your email, and thank you for taking the time to let me know of your concern regarding recent media reports about firehouse locker regulations.
The reason the Department had to remove certain materials from a few firefighters’ lockers is because they were blatantly offensive and in violation of Department regulations, not to mention common decency. Racist and obscene materials have no place in a firehouse, as I am sure you would agree.
Furthermore, at a meeting last week, top Department chiefs assured members of the firefighters’ union that we would not be demanding the removal of American flags or Mass cards remembering deceased firefighters. Statements to the contrary made recently in news reports- however vehemently- are simply not true.
Let me be very clear: the Fire Department does not, and will not, prohibit our men and women from displaying American flags or Mass cards on their lockers. Pride, patriotism and love of family are core values of this Department, and we do not wish to change that.
I deeply regret that this issue has caused you any concern. Let me reassure you that this Department continues to hold our cherished values dear.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Scoppetta
So, there you go. I will be forwarding this to the source I cited, Fox News.
One thing to keep in mind is that the higher-ups in the FDNY made the decision that flags and mass cards are OK only after Union officials announced Wednesday that they planned to hand out 10,000 decals of American flags to firefighters so they could stick them on lockers in defiance of the crackdown.
Folks, since the days of the very first lockers users thereof have posted flags, mass cards, pictures of loved ones, and most definitely pin-ups. What is the problem? Racist things I kinda understand, but the rest is simply silly. Even the female firefighters have pin-ups!
Oh well, more silliness from one of the Silly States.
Bull, out
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