American Flag Ban at MA Public Housing Complex Enrages Tenants (Updated)
- Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:02am by
Billy Hallowell
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WRENTHAM, Mass. (The Blaze/AP) — Residents of a Massachusetts public housing complex are outraged that the town’s housing agency has banned the display of U.S. flags outside their homes.
The Wrentham Housing Authority notified residents of the policy through a letter taped to their doors Wednesday.
The unsigned letter says the move was made after a tenant complained to the state Department of Housing and Community Development over the Fourth of July holiday.
Barbara Marshall kept a U.S. flag flying outside Wednesday even after the letter was delivered and tells The Sun Chronicle she has no intention of removing it.
“I’ve always had a flag. I’m very upset,” she told the Chronicle, at moments speaking through tears. “All my family is so indebted to the veterans, to that flag.”
“If somebody wants to come and take the flag down, I’ll take pictures. Somebody’s got to help,” Marshall added.
The 82-year-old Marshall, whose brother took part in the D-Day invasion of France, says she was so upset about the letter she had to lie down.
Update: CBS Boston reports that the state is now claiming that the ban was “a mistake”:
Housing Authority executive director Nancy Siegel told WBZ-TV they received the order from the state Department of Housing and Community Development.
Their spokesman, Jason Lefferts, issued this statement late Thursday morning:
“We were not aware of this decision when it was made, and it was a mistake that is being corrected immediately. Department of Housing and Community Development policy for local housing authorities includes not allowing displays of private materials in public areas. This does not extend to respectful and safe displays of the American flag.”
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Comments (117)
gpk
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:22amThe end is near. I was fortunate as a child growing up in the 1950′s. My parents didn’t have much but 4th of July parade was something to behold.
Report Post »Good luck to us all if that idiot pos potus holds onto the presidency in the fall.
CABERNETQHS
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:52am“Never give up, never give up, NEVER,NEVER, NEVER give up.” I grew up in the 70′s and feel the same. I fear what my kids a grandkids have to look forward to. They will always hear me reminding them to fight for our freedom.
Report Post »DrunkGOP_Hack
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:59amWE ARE AMERICANS AND WE DON’T GIVE UP!
TIME TO SQUEEZE THE TINY MINDED LEMMINGS OUT!
HOAs are a EVIL power loving CONTROL freaks and need to be fixed and put in their place.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:20amThe America Spirit is commendable but when they come with guns to put you in the FEMA camps I think you will have a different frame of mind. Behold the NWO; coming soon!
“Countless people will hate the New World Order and will die protesting against it.” — H G Wells 1940
The 100 year plan started in 1913 with the establishment of the Federal Reserve. Think about it.
Report Post »KeystoneState
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:21amI hope the “camera” they use is a Remington 870 Express! Say Cheese!
Report Post »pavnvet
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:22amAs a disabled vet, I have a deep respect and love for what our flag represents. I fly my flag 24 hours a day (with a light on it and taken down in inclement weather). It is my tribute to the men I knew that didn’t come back from Vietnam and all wars. It is time we as a Nation, tell these morons that think it is politically correct to not show the colors where true Americans stand. Let these people know how you feel.
Wrentham Housing Authority
Nancy Siegel, Executive Director
Barbara King, Administrative Assistant
Address:
1 Garden Lane
P.O. Box 312
Wrentham, MA 02093
Phone Number:
(508) 384-2054
I have called, will you?
Report Post »hayesstephen
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:34amIt’s getting that if a 100 people want to do something and on does not, well the thinking now is that since someone object we won’t do it. Crazy White Liberal Trash is a cancer that is killing our great nation.
Report Post »When oummer gets re-elected or as I believe what will happen, to wit he will suspend the election, he is going to declare martial law, he is going to suspend both houses of Congress, cancel the Bill of Rights, and the all liberties.
God save our Glorious Republic and our People. God Bless American and Israel.
turkey13
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 12:00pmThe Houseing Authrity has no choice! If you let people fly the American flag, someone will want to fly a Confederate flag or a Muslim will want to fly their flag. All will be resolved next year as Harry Reid has a bill to only allow The American flag on government property and no where else as it might offend someone here or a visitor over here on vacation.
Report Post »Wolfgang the Gray
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 12:51pmIf somebody, anybody, comes on my property and tries to take my flag, that will be the biggest and possibly last mistake of their miserable life. 4th Generation veteran and not going to take that kind of crap from ANYONE! If my American flag offends you, move out of the country!
Report Post »Wolfgang the Gray
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 12:52pm“We are never defeated unless we give up on God.” – Ronald Reagan
One Nation, Under God!
Report Post »Bloody Sam
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 12:58pm“The unsigned letter says the move was made after a tenant complained…”
This really steams my clams. The standard response to the complaining a-holes should be:
“Your objection is noted. Go get 51% of the tenants to agree with you and then come back.
At such time we will consider your petition and take appropriate action.
Until then, we will not act in a heavy handed manner simply because one or two tenants feel offended.”
No one has any testicular fortitude anymore. Catering to the whims of the minotiry seems to be the trend of things. Well I’ve had enough. I will not comply. I will never submit.
Report Post »2Fedup
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 2:12pmThats what happens when u accept a “freebie” from the government, they decide the terms. I feel bad that this person who has such rich veteran history n their family and prob has to live where they do, but this is a lesson about government provided anything (think *healthcare). Indepence is always bettr than government assistance.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 5:18pmDrunkGOP_Hack This has nothing to do with an HOA. Perhaps reading comprehension is not one of your strong suits.
Report Post »do_it_all_again
Posted on July 13, 2012 at 2:22amThis is only a test, to see if the people are ready to lay down and take it,, a little here,,a little there, just to wear you down, eventually you will either just give up, or fight back, so, which will it be??
Report Post »Are you tired of it yet? Or are you getting used to it?
lefty5005
Posted on July 13, 2012 at 8:38amIf Obama gets elected in November, violence will ensue. If Romney gets elected in November, violence will ensue. Unfortunately it will be from the same people.
Report Post »Deckle
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:20amI bet if someone complained that they didn’t pick up the trash they would do nothing, but heaven forbid they complain about the flag. Come on America get these people removed. There are so many people who believe in America looking for work, let’s remove those who hate America and replace them with people that really care!
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 12:04pmDoesn‘t Obama’s aunt Zatuti live in public housing in Massachusetts?
Was it her? Or was it some other ne’er do well American hating liberal.
Report Post »DSTSS2010
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:15amI have a suggestion, put a picture of our flag on their food stamp cards to see if these people refuse to take them.
Report Post »bobby12
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:47amThere already is a picture of the flag on the NC food stamp card! I saw it while I was standing behind a person would was not speaking English used her’s!!
I didn’t know it was a food stamp card until ther cashier told me. …………..
.I am a seventy year old on a fixed income, cliping coupons and buying store brand to make it through the month!!! I have NEVER seem so many people before thinking the world “owes” them!!!
Report Post »bees
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:51amexactly!! Good point!
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:02amSniff…sniff…brings a tear of pride to these eyes to see Old Glory on a card made so some freeloading moron who can’t even speak our language gets free food on me.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:24amI hear you, Bobby. Between food and medicine my wife and I are broke. This last month the car has killed us. We live in a rural area and a car is a necessity. However, we do get $16/month in food stamps. That “really” helps out.
Report Post »MAX0O1
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 8:34pmALLright!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »jamesctheman
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:14amKeep pushing. Come on. Keep giving reasons why we should throw you all out with the bath water. That is our flag. If someone is complaining about it maybe they shouldn’t live here. Possibly investigate them. Maybe the problem they have with the flag is just a small bit of what they really think of america. Wake up america!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gestapo at the door. Dropping unsigned warnings about our flag flying. Where the hell do we live anymore? This is not my america. Maybe lenin’s but not mine. You commie bas%^%*s. I’ll fly there and erect a 200 ft pole & a 200 x 400 ft. Flag up in the middle of the night. I have the construction company and equipment, with money in my pocket to pay my crew.
Report Post »ENIGMA28724
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 6:57pmI suppose if it had been an Obummer flag or Mexican, or other country flag, it would have been ok. Freedom of speach, and so on.
Report Post »perry1980
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:14amTenants, repeat after me…………..I Will NOT Comply.
Say it over and over again
Do not comply. Force them to come and take it!
Report Post »Ch
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:12amGood for the tenants!
Report Post »Snaker
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:05amPhoto-shop, and an un-signed letter…
Report Post »Uh huh… c’mon over, I dare ya to try to take down MY flag….
thibx
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:01amto really piss them off if i lived there i would get enough flags to give to every household to put in every window plus the large one. everyone stand up for the usa. fly the flag.
Report Post »pudssweetie
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 1:59pmAnd every morning all the residents go outside and say the Pledge of Allegiance using a bull horn…;)
Report Post »ginger100
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:00amOne of these days, after America. U.N. blue helmets beware.
Report Post »ENIGMA28724
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 6:55pmPerhaps they should follow the lead of one neighborhood in which a Jewish family’s home with a Menorah in the window was vandalized. A few days later virtually every home had a Menorah prominently displayed in their window. Every one should display an American flag in front of their home and dare anyone to take it down.
Report Post »DrunkGOP_Hack
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:58am“Love it or leave it Tommy!”
Report Post »“Love it or leave!”
- Born on the fourth of July, oliver stone
TommyGuns
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:58amSeems like a classic case of the tail wagging the dog again. Someone complained about flags flying on the Fourth of July. So to placate that person, everyone must adapt to their sensibilities? What about the sensibilities of the woman who wants to fly her flag in support and thanksgiving for the veterans. Are her rights to be subordinated to those of the complaining party? We are giving too much away to too many whiners and malcontents. It’s time, long past time, that we told those who wish to change our way of life and take away our freedoms to go take a flying leap.
Report Post »routnom23
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:54amShe is probably the only one there that cares.
Report Post »williamak
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:48amA hand basket,,,in HELL…..
Report Post »davidwjohnson
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:44amWe have been conditioned from birth to always respect authority. When someone tells you to do something, whether it’s your parents or the government, you comply.
Because an institution is making the demand, no individual can be held accountable. When anyone from the agency comments, they will refer to the institution as the authority, not any person in particular.
The only recourse here is civil disobedience. The one thing to learn is that no individual will ever claim to speak for the institution because they would be assigned the blame, and thus would lose their job.
Instead, if enough residents refuse to comply, as always, the institution will issue a retraction.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:30amIn WW2 the Jews went quietly to the gas chambers. If they had resisted there were more prisoners than guards/bullets. If your going to die anyways, die resisting.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:36amMy getting-to-be-standard reply to people as unAMERICAN as this is:
“Unless you are a minor or incarcerated here, you are free to go. Please do. Now.”
Those who do not like America, Americans or the way we are may leave right now. Borders are open for you. They will be closed after you leave, and we AMERICANS will take care of problems left behind. Sign us, WE THE PEOPLE.
Report Post »TAXEVERYONE
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:35amThe chickens are coming home to roost in Mass.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:34amBut if you put Obama‘s ugly mug on it then it’s OK.
Report Post »MAX0O1
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 8:37pmLove a person who says it like it is!!!!!!!
Report Post »sandy21957
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:34amThe complainer doesn’t like the Flag, symbol of the American people, but sure likes “tapping” the American taxpayer for help with their housing. Seems like an ungrateful, petulant child to me.
Report Post »wbedding
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:04amjust following in BHO’s footsteps.
Report Post »snapperman
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:33amMy guess is tat the residents know who filed the complaint; he should be shunned and the complaint ignored. I guess maybe Congress should pass a law stating that the flag of the US (below a specific size)) is exempt from all housing ordinance/homeowner restrictions.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:11amIf they know who the complainer is you take a handful of pennies and wedge as many as you can between the door and the frame. The pressure on the lock won’t let you open it. “Pennying the door shut”; Ah, what you learn in college.
Report Post »biffo
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:32amExpose the resident who complained. Hold them accountable. Shun them. Start shining lights on these anti American cockroaches. Get rid of the whole housing authority or you get what you deserve.
Report Post »Listen_then_think
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:18amSo If one person complained that the flags were up, ALL of them should complain that the flags were down. Then is the housing authority picked the one complainer over the 100, that is proof of bias and they need to be fired and replaced or sued.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:38amIt’s just like in a neighborhood of 50 homes on the 4th of July – 20 may be setting off fireworks – 29 don’t mind listening – yet 1 household will call the police and the police will shut the entire thing down. The entire U.S society is based on bullying (now), and all you people are too divided to do anything about it, because love has grown cold and those 49 neighbors can not find a common ground to tell the police it isn’t gonna be that way.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:49amThat’s like the U.S has this Liar in chief now calling for an end to bullying of children, but not calling for an end to the only bullying that matters, and in the calling into focus of school bullying – you all become blinded to the bullying which affects your lives the most.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:53amNow the reason those 49 neighbors can not find a common ground [ a firm footing] is because your earth has been destroyed for which you could find a common footing for your legions.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:12amSomeone is loose again : with a new name and off the old meds…spare us…
Report Post »Call2Action
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:00amAt some point, the 49 need to stand firm and block the police thugs from doing unconstitutional actions. The police need to fear the people. It keeps them in line.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:14amI bet it would be ok if they flew the flag with obama on it
Report Post »williamak
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:46amThats never ok….
Report Post »DrunkGOP_Hack
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:02amThe crazy thing about that flag is some lame graphic artist put that together to get recognition and it never happen.
Like in the gaming world, EPIC FAIL!
Report Post »tothepoint
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:11amThose who complain about the flag hold allegiance somewhere other than the United States of America.
Report Post »Why is their voice listened to over those who love our country?
johnjamison
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:16amBecause ASmerican have been made weak by progressive legislation and increased police state. TIME TO CHANGE THAT!
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:10amA lot of people don’t like the U.S flag because it has seven red stripes as in Biblical ‘Seven wives’, and they don‘t like the stars because it’s unto the stars of Heaven. But most think life is more simple than that – go on simple people.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:20amAnd fifty stars are unto 50 chiefs, and 50 Man’s, and 50 pools, and the points of the stars represent the five porches of each healing pool – as in John 5:4. But you go on and think it’s something more simple (Maybe symbolic patriotism) than that.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:32amIf you think it’s a flag more simple than this, then you will lose your flag and your nation.
Report Post »saranda
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:20amSilly me thinking the 13 stripes were for the 13 original colonies and the number of stars changed to the number of states. All this time it was so much deeper than that. Let me guess, you found reference to the stars and stripes in your Bible.
Report Post »OniKaze
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 11:47amLady… Here is some free advice…
Don’t take the flag down… When someone comes to remove it… Shoot them… They were a thief trying to rob you of your own personal property, which you have the right to defend…
Anyone who wants to “play nice” with non-patriots… is a fool who is wasting their own time… I doubt any jury would find an 80 year-old woman guilty of Murder or Attempted Murder for defending her own person property…
Report Post »Landon410
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:09amthis had to be a prank, because not even the crazy Libs in Mass are dumb enough to say you can’t fly our flag….. but maybe they are…..
Report Post »drbage
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 10:27amOh, yes they are. About a year ago, remember the young high school student in MA that was upset about the fact that there were not flags in the classrooms and there was not morning recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The principal told him that they didn’t do the pledge because some of the teachers felt it was “offensive.” OFFENSIVE!!!!!-really???? What I find offensive is that I pay taxes and work 50 weeks/year so you can get a much higher salary than I do, overly generous benefits, months of vacation, and retire after 25 years without much loss of pay.
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:06amI’m sure it was some illegal complaining. When the heck will these stupid authorities stand up to the .00000001% of the people complaining?
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:16amI’m sure you are wrong. Why do people always think they ‘know that really happened’? The stories are incomplete, get over it, but don‘t say you are Sure what Really happened when you aren’t
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:29am@ RRFlyer….it is called inductive reasoning
Report Post »Oldphoto678
Posted on July 12, 2012 at 9:52amNo KAYDEEBEAU, it’s called jumping to a conclusion, and doing it without all the facts.
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