Pink Ties and American Flags, Oh My!

We've all heard the expression that oil and water don't mix, and it's apparent today, that political correctness and common sense don't either. Two separate incidents in two separate states have made it clear that those who spend their lives trying to stop people from being "offensive" are the very ones who seem to "offend" the most. Fortunately, cooler heads have prevailed and public outcry has snapped a few people back into reality.

Case in point. Fox News reports, that an Oregon apartment complex recently banned residents from flying American flags on their balconies and cars. The problem began when Jim Clausen of Portland, flew the flag from the back of his motorcycle as a tribute to his son in the military. He was told by the building management that he would be evicted if he didn't take the flag down because of its political nature. Clausen said he was stunned by the request, as were many other complex residents.

Next, longtime resident Sharron White was told to take down the flag she had been flying on her car for eight years, or she would be evicted. The management again said the flag may be offensive to some , but White said that anyone who didn't like it would just have to live with it. Good for her! Fortunately, after the outrage from Fox viewers, apartment managers with similar policies in other states have banned the no flag policy.

Meanwhile, an Illinois bus driver thought he was being supportive of his relatives when he wore a pink tie on the job to help raise awareness about breast cancer. William Jones of Springfield, said his grandmother and sister had both battled the disease, so he wore the tie on October 2, as a symbol for the kick off of Breast Cancer awareness month.

What did he get in return? A pat on the back? Praises for being a supportive family member? Of course not. He was suspended from work for one day without pay, because his employer said he violated a company wardrobe policy! In response, Jones filed a grievance against the transit system, and is waiting to collect. Good for him! (It should be noted that the bus company has now changed its position and is allowing drivers to wear the pink tie for breast cancer awareness month.)

Even thought these incidents turned out ok, the old addage is still true: "SOME PEOPLE NEED TO GET A LIFE!"

If you're " anti -American" to the point that the display of our flag is offensive to you, then there's a simple solution to your problem----GET OUT! People have fought and died for the flag, and there is no amount of diverse thought that can erase that. Two thumbs up to everyone who protested against the policy. I wonder if the wearing of flag pins will be next? (but then again, our president did start that debate when he refused to wear the flag pin in the early days.)

At the same time, how can anyone be offended by showing support for breast cancer awareness? Are there "pro-cancer" people out there that we don't know about? Is there a collection effort and literature available to help people contract the illness? As bizarre as that sounds, why else would there be a problem with showing support for the fight? I find it hard to believe that anyone would be offended by a man in a pink tie. (except the strange few that may question his masculinity for doing so, which is another blog for another day. I personally think pink is chic. :) )

While, it's good news that these situations have been resolved there are sure to be many more of them in the future. Even though informed citizens are finally starting to realize that enough is enough, we need more people who are grounded in reality to continue the protest.

Perhaps if we continue to speak out about the ridiculous nature of these types of arguments, the ACLU would go out of business, the" politically correct" junkies would get a job, and peace, at least in America, would be one step closer to reality.