Remove your flag!
TYLER-July 4th is just a few days away and to observe the holiday many East Texans decorate their homes and businesses with red, white and blue. But after one East Texas man did just that the city of Tyler is now telling him to take it down.
Cutter's Equipment is a small local business in Tyler who wanted to show off their patriotism. So they bought a flag display. But almost as fast as they put it up, the city asked for them to take it down.
They put up the display last week and just a few days later general manager Kevin Lewis said he was served a notice stating he was violating city codes and to take it down.
According to the notice he was handed, the display violates a section of the city code which states that any sign that's flashing, fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving is prohibited.
But Lewis says there's no way he's taking it down.
"I think it's a violation of our rights to be able to fly an American flag," Lewis said.
So what's the cities response? Barbara Holly with Planning and Zoning says it's not a flag.
"It doesn't have the right number of stars or stripes," Holly said.
Officials say the display is also distracting to drivers.
But the question still remains, are these flags really a violation of city code or are they just an innocent July 4th decoration?
You got it wrong Parker....I think the cameras and the attention is coming from people who are wasting there time talking about this flag this man has flying. I havent seen him put any plugs in for his company. I bet he wasnt even thinking of his business when he displayed his freedom...Drive over there and ask him...I'm sure you are wrong in everyway you are thinking here Parker..Maybe we should put you in a war for 2 years then bring you back so you can listen to people complain about the flag that we fight for. I think you would look at it very differently. Enjoy your freedom this weekend and thank a soldier everytime you can.
Mr.D
5 months agoI guess that stupid concrete divider in place all over Tyler is not a distraction. With all the U-turns, near misses and problems those stupid things are causing and the city wants to give a business a hard time over a flag. I think common sense has taken a permanent vacation and left a bunch of "knuckleheads" in charge to ruin the lives of the rest of us.
Ronny Ricks
5 months agoI have to say that I support Mr. Lewis in his stand against the city. It is not like this flag display is right at the edge of the road...it is off the road considerably. I also have seen all kinds of displays in Tyler such as huge balloons flying in the air or a squigly balloon filled charachter that just jumps all around due to the machine blowing into it. Why is that okay obviously for a grand opening...but we cannot show support for our own country on the week of July the 4th? I think we should all show our support in such a way. I am like the Proud Veteran, Fred that said he would gladly stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Lewis while the city tries to take them down....Kevin give me a call if they come and I will be right there!!!! Yeah to all the staff at Cutter's Equipment...stand tall!!!!
Michelle Cole
5 months agoLeave them alone!! Let the flags wave LONG AND PROUD! DO NOT TAKE THEM DOWN!
Darren
5 months agoCity of Tyler should take care of their business and quit worrying about things like this. Leave the flags up. If the City fines you I think it is time for a revolt.
Rod Dowdle
5 months agoIts a sad day when a person or business cannot display and show there patriotism.The same City officials turn there backs to the laws when they post there signs all over town sounds like the pot calling the kettle black.Saying that there is not enough of stars or stripes is completely asinine.I would hate to have these people protecting me during a war on our country enough said!
Jim Cunningham Sr.
5 months agoHang Tough Cutters!!! The City, County, State and Country are proud of your display!!!
Hawk
5 months agoI quess no one has considered the new signs like the one by channel 19 that is 10 ft. by 20 ft. and very bright even in the day time,flashs repeatedly, distracting. It sounds like just another attack on our flag and our rights.Hang tough, Cutters.
Stuart Mclen
5 months agoLeave them alone, let them show Patriatism. Lord knows not many people are proud of their country anymore....I bet they would do the same thing to a Christian Flag.
Wake up Tyler Texas politco's, get on the American band wagon, not the I am afraid for my job cop ou gut up stand up for the flag.
Ken Beck
5 months agoLet them fly I say. The city could give temporary clearance if they wanted to and they are not distracting to motorist, motorist are to busy talking on there phone or texting there buds to be distrcted by a flag display. Those types of displays are flying all over the US are thousands more accidents happening as a rsult? I think not. Besides yhe police are not noticing either because they have walky talkies, radio's, laptops and cell phones all going at the same time.
Rickey
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