Confederate Flag In Pickup Prompts Battle At Fla. Company

local6 ^ | May 2, 2008

[stainlessbanner]

The flag is attached to Bobby Tillett's pickup truck, which he drives to work every day, WJXT reported. Because his employer has banned the flag from his parking lot, Tillett is forced to park far from his job.

[pnh102]

I don’t see how this is a “free speech” issue. Private companies have always been free to restrict activities on their private property.

[Slapshot68]

I wonder if this company even realizes the can of worms it’s opened up.

Now every flag, bumper sticker, antenna topper, etc will be the subject of possible offense by someone.

I guess they have nothing better to do.

[stylin19a]

yikes...you read the Constitution ? that makes you a radical right wing conspirator.

[dr.zaeus]

As a resident of Georgia, I have had a lot of time to think about this, and it makes me sad.

I’m sad for those who remember the ugly stain of racism that this flag represents, but I’m also sad for those who see it as a symbol of heritage and are angry that no one else can understand their specific cultural view of the flag.

The problem is that no one stood up for it during the years that it was tarnished by public demonstrations of racist, ignorant, propaganda. If a large group had stood up in the 50s, 60s, 70s,... and said, “This is not a racist symbol”, then I would say that this whole controversy is unfair. The sad truth is that not many people fought for its sanctity, while klansmen and skinheads made it their own.

It could have been a symbol of state’s rights and southern culture, but instead it has unfortunately turned into a hateful symbol of intolerance.

[Question Liberal Authority]

If you’re worried about how your company will be perceived, you probably shouldn’t name it “BJ’s, Wholesale”.

[SF Republican]

Bobby Tillett said. "If you believe in something that strong (you) should have no problem whatsoever to fly it." - there is no problem, you just can't do it at work - you want to fly the flag on your pickup truck at work? get another job that allows such things.

[Non-Sequitur]

bump

[Non-Sequitur]

If you’re worried about how your company will be perceived, you probably shouldn’t name it “BJ’s, Wholesale”.

Post of the Day!

[Rebelbase]

NAACP bumper stickers offend me.

[Past Your Eyes]

Exactly.

[CGASMIA68]

Let it furl on the way from the chicken farm to the job then pack it up go to work take BJ’S $$$ get back in the truck un pack ole glory, furl it and head home.. Sorry Bobbie T but you may be shopping for a new job shortly.

[ejonesie22]

My first thought...

LOL...

[CGASMIA68]

Then dont allow them at the company you own

[carton253]

I like his flag, too!

[mikeus_maximus]

10 to 1 it has multiple UF Gators stickers too.

[Oztrich Boy]

"I'm standing by my guns ... or my flag," Tillett said.

Guy sounds bitter

[Emperor Palpatine]

Well, I just called BJ’s and cancelled my membership. I demanded a refund, too.

[rwilson99]

I guess this is just like back yard football... losers walk.

[mikeus_maximus]

As a resident of Georgia, I have had a lot of time to think about this, and it makes me sad. I’m sad for those who remember the ugly stain of racism that this flag represents, but I’m also sad for those who see it as a symbol of heritage and are angry that no one else can understand their specific cultural view of the flag. The problem is that no one stood up for it during the years that it was tarnished by public demonstrations of racist, ignorant, propaganda. If a large group had stood up in the 50s, 60s, 70s,... and said, “This is not a racist symbol”, then I would say that this whole controversy is unfair. The sad truth is that not many people fought for its sanctity, while klansmen and skinheads made it their own. It could have been a symbol of state’s rights and southern culture, but instead it has unfortunately turned into a hateful symbol of intolerance.

Bingo. As a resident of Georgia, I came to the same conclusion. It's not simply a historical artifact or celebration of ancestry anymore.