LETTER FOR THE FORUM SECTION
Why should we “move forward on flag change”? On 22 November The World editorial board reminded us that 23 years ago flags were erected along the Coos Bay boardwalk as “tribute” to “34 nations around the world” and to acknowledge that the port is open. Tribute? Which of the Webster definitions? If flags were necessary to show the port open to the world by paying tribute to 34 of the 248 countries of the World, Wim deVriend is correct in his “Jobs Messiahs” book; the port was doing a shabby marketing and managing job. The World considers flying various flags “and (sic) necessary expression of the city’s soul”. Huh! The World acknowledges the city council promise of five years ago; that only the US flag would fly over the boardwalk until such time that there were no US military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon has reported that this country is years away from total troop withdrawal; if ever. Coos Bay city government should keep its promise to active duty military and Vets of the community.
Apparently city government has identified infrastructure requiring repair and planned remedies are known. Potholes have been filled. Apparently agreements with Jordan Cove Energy that benefit the people are in place and the CEP that will benefit a few, not the taxpaying majority, is complete. Possible tax relief has been identified. And, having remedied the cigarette smoke close to the library problem, elected representatives now have time for the important stuff; considering flag changes recommended by a “subcommittee” of unidentified political appointees.
The city council again seeks public input on the flag matter. Isn’t one time enough? Southbound travelers can’t see the flags. Most alert northbound drivers look along the road, not at the tall flags. Which of the 249 flags shown at www.cia.gov (search for The World Fact Book) should fly over the boardwalk? Mexico? Canada? Who shall we offend with a variety of flags changing every six months? There are thousands of battle scared Vets residing in our community who would not be supportive of removing Old Glory to fly the rising sun, or the flag of China. Do remove the tattered Fisherman’s Wharf flag soon. There are professional politicians amongst us who would have the tribes flag fly over the boardwalk in addition to our forests and roads. Why? The local tribes fly the US and tribal flag only.
Fred Kirby
Coos Bay
Why should we “move forward on flag change”? On 22 November The World editorial board reminded us that 23 years ago flags were erected along the Coos Bay boardwalk as “tribute” to “34 nations around the world” and to acknowledge that the port is open. Tribute? Which of the Webster definitions? If flags were necessary to show the port open to the world by paying tribute to 34 of the 248 countries of the World, Wim deVriend is correct in his “Jobs Messiahs” book; the port was doing a shabby marketing and managing job. The World considers flying various flags “and (sic) necessary expression of the city’s soul”. Huh! The World acknowledges the city council promise of five years ago; that only the US flag would fly over the boardwalk until such time that there were no US military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon has reported that this country is years away from total troop withdrawal; if ever. Coos Bay city government should keep its promise to active duty military and Vets of the community.
Apparently city government has identified infrastructure requiring repair and planned remedies are known. Potholes have been filled. Apparently agreements with Jordan Cove Energy that benefit the people are in place and the CEP that will benefit a few, not the taxpaying majority, is complete. Possible tax relief has been identified. And, having remedied the cigarette smoke close to the library problem, elected representatives now have time for the important stuff; considering flag changes recommended by a “subcommittee” of unidentified political appointees.
The city council again seeks public input on the flag matter. Isn’t one time enough? Southbound travelers can’t see the flags. Most alert northbound drivers look along the road, not at the tall flags. Which of the 249 flags shown at www.cia.gov (search for The World Fact Book) should fly over the boardwalk? Mexico? Canada? Who shall we offend with a variety of flags changing every six months? There are thousands of battle scared Vets residing in our community who would not be supportive of removing Old Glory to fly the rising sun, or the flag of China. Do remove the tattered Fisherman’s Wharf flag soon. There are professional politicians amongst us who would have the tribes flag fly over the boardwalk in addition to our forests and roads. Why? The local tribes fly the US and tribal flag only.
Fred Kirby
Coos Bay
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