and this:
from here (scroll to the last story).
-PJ
Posted on 07/03/2010 3:19:40 AM PDT by Bad~Rodeo
Governor Schwarzenegger issued an apology Friday after California residents are up in arms that a flag mural — paying homage to victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks — was painted over after the state ruled it was graffiti.
"It has come to my attention that Caltrans has recently removed a patriotic and meaningful flag mural that was painted on the side of Interstate 680 following the tragic events of 9-11. To do so only days before we celebrate our independence and reflect on the freedoms we are lucky enough to enjoy in America is unconscionable. I extend my apologies to the artists whose mural inspired drivers along 680 for over eight and a half years," the governor said in a statement.
His remarks come after state transportation workers on Thursday turned the 35-foot hillside mural on Interstate 680 in Silicon Valley back into a gray slab of concrete, KTVU-TV reported. The explanation? It simply had been put on a list for graffiti remove, one official said.
But the landmark had been a favorite among residents and motorists. "It just made me feel really patriotic just seeing it every day," motorcyclist Dave Freely told KTVU-TV.
The artist behind the mural, Eric Noda, was among those confused as to why the state suddenly deemed the flag graffiti and motioned to take it down. "It should not be classified as graffiti. I mean it was a well-done flag and I felt like it's part of America," said Noda said.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Let’s see...what would have happened if the artist had painted a great big Mexican flag? Painting it over would have been racist, bigoted, and a form of ‘hate speech’.
yeah yeah. “do it then apologize later”
Good point~
DId Arnold paint over it? Why is he apologizing. Another Republican apologizing for no reason. Ridiculous. Good Thing that the Democratic candidate for Governor has not mentioned Arnold to try and say how horrible it was with Arnold as Governor in Cali or else the Republican candidate would be toast.
“Why is he apologizing.”
Because he is the Governor and the buck supposedly stops with him.
Now, what he really should do is see to it that the idiot who made the operational decision is fired.
Anyone have a pic?
Here is related article from Contra Costa Times
http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_15422157
“The flag’s original painters, R.J. Waldron, Eric Noda and Thomas Hanley said they were inspired to get up before dawn on Sept. 24, 2001, pile into a truck armed with red, white and blue paint and sketch out the 35-foot flag to show solidarity with those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks earlier that month.”
“For all the thousands of commuters on the Sunol Grade, the flag served as a symbol of patriotism — and also as a reminder “why they are going to work every day,” said Waldron, 35, of Concord.”
“Waldron found the spot during his commute and Advertisement
thought it a perfect spot to paint a flag. He asked his two friends, Noda and Hanley, to join him.”
wait... Arnold is a Republican?
I agree with the other poster. If it were a Mexican flag, all hell would break loose.
Couldn’t find one, thanks
Kalifornia needs to paint a fly on the Mexican flag and say it’s the national bird.
Imagine if somone painted over a picture of Mohammed?
California would be burning.
ping
Um do you know where we can get a picture of Mohammed to paint over in California?
I wish someone had “taken care” of those state workers when they were defacing this monument.
LLS
High-quality paint, at that.
Then put it back DBAG.
I am sure a cartoonist with a death wish could come up with a great picture of Mohammed.
Thanks for the pics.
Looks like the Lefties really did not like the flag. They must foul everything that opposes them, which is anything that is good.
Lefties are inherently evil cretin.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.