Barnett and his patriotic display
It was only a matter of time, I suppose, until someone co-opted Rovian phrasing to try to make a buck [see update]. A Florida business owner named Barry Barnett designed a yellow flag meant to show support for the troops. Then he tried to emotionally blackmail St. Augustine city officials into purchasing it.
“We’ve got people right now dying (in Iraq),” he said. “How do you think they feel about a community that won’t have the courage to fly a flag to support them?” Barnett said.
Ah yes. If you don’t spend $125 apiece on this junky looking thing I created — and buy one for every city flagpole — you don’t love our troops. Rove himself couldn’t have said it better.
Barnett had more success pedaling his product in nearby Palm Coast, where he lives, along with other cities in Flagler County. St. Augustine commissioners, who developed a strict flag flying policy a couple of years ago after gay pride supporters had the city purchase and display rainbow flags downtown, stood firm.
“We’ve got the red, white and blue up every day,” [Commissioner Errol Jones] said. “And for (Barnett) to suggest that if you don’t fly his flag, you don’t support our troops is ridiculous. He’s taking it to another level.”
Update: When this post was written, I was referencing local newspaper coverage which said Barnett was selling his flags.
The city would have to buy it from Barnett at a cost of $125. He says other cities, including Palm Coast where he lives, and De Land agreed to fly the flag.
Barnett has suggested that St. Augustine would be unpatriotic not to fly the flag.
I apparently missed the later correction, which Barnett has called to my attention.
Barnett took issue with a reference in our editorial Sunday — City should say no to yellow flag — that said he was selling the flags at $125 each. He said he is not selling the flags or making any money from this project. A flag company in Daytona Beach — Bob McGarity Advertising & Flag Co. — will produce and sell the flags after Barnett completes the final design, Rob McGarity, owner, said Monday. We stand corrected.
I have invited Barnett to post further corrections of this record, and look forward to finding out more. In the meantime, we can slam him for his definition of patriotism, but not for any profit motive.
Understand this …
Would you kindly show me where you have obtained your facts and in what written form.
Your intent is clearly questionable and worthy of question.
I have never sold “Our Yellow Flag.”
I have never asked anyone to buy “Our Yellow Falg” from me.
I have had to purchase a yellow flag for others.
How do I profit from that which you have said I profit from?
In truth, how can anyone profit from the suffering of others?
Thank you for the opportunity to share your thoughts. Now please prove what you have written as fact.
Others have had the courage to correct their statements. Now is your opportunity.
I will pray for you.
God Bless,
Barry Barnett.
Hi Barry. Thanks for reading, and for your prayers. The article is based on local newspaper accounts, from which the quotes and photo were also taken. If you click on the boldface words in the text, they will take you to the source. Of course, that the flag is junky looking is just my opinion. Thanks again.
“In truth, how can anyone profit from the suffering of others?”
That’s a good one Barry. Ever heard the term War Profiteering? Check the headlines.
Ironic how many “conservatives” jump to spend government money on junky flags while voting against pay raises for the military.
Don’t buy flags, send the money to a soldier. Money talks. Flags are empty patriotism.
26 July 2007
Dear Pensito,
I believe in a place called, “Hope.”
Remember “Our Yellow Flag” is NOT about Barry Barnett. It is about giving hope where there is often, none to be found.
“Our Yellow Flag” is about the price of chicken. When I see a military wife with three kids trying to figure out the price and chicken per meal and how far it will stretch, I must say something. I must do something to draw our attention to the price of that chicken.
“Our Yellow Flag” is NOT a well balanced design. I know. I am an artist. The hardest thing I have had to do is to keep my hands OFF the design. It is a design of the people. That is why it keeps changing. One thing that has not changed is its purpose. That purpose is hope.
Question “Our Yellow Flag?” You had better!
Keep “Our Yellow Flag” up to replace out national flag? NO!
“Our Yellow Flag” is a flag that should have NEVER had a reason to fly in the first place. However it is a voice where there is no voice. I would like to see our troop home. I would like “Our Yellow Flag” forgotten. But as long as I see a military mother sorting out the price of chicken, I will ask everyone I am able to fly “Our Yellow Flag.” As long as I know there is a service man or woman in arms way I will ask everyone to show that service man or woman that they are remembered and that we stand the wall with them. That there is a place called hope. It is a place called home.
No “I” am not a flag waver. I just can not stand by and do nothing to help.
Audit this effort if you please. Question “Our yellow Flag”if you will. Fly it if you please.
But please when you see anything you can do to help these who serve please do it.
My friend. You have been given a gift. Consider what you may do to use that gift to help feed those who are hungry, cloth those who need clothing and fine housing for those who need shelter, and I will do what I may to support you.
Do one thing please above. When you see closed hearts and minds try not to get angered as I do. I am an artist not a politician. I am the very wrong person to speak for “Our Yellow Flag.” That is why others are taking “Our Yellow Flag” forward.
Now my friend. If you would like to draw attention to a common good I can tell you where to acquire “Our Yellow Flag.” You will not be able to purchase it from me. I know the size is smaller. And yes it maybe as low as $45.00 or less.
We have seven cities who have adopted “Our Yellow Flag” as their own. Others are asking for more information. Only one, however, has it flying while we wait for final print production. When will that be? That is up to the cities and the flag production company.
So you see. “Our Yellow Flag” has never been about Barry Barnett after all.
I received word today that the people of Saint Augustine are 62% in favor of flying it. I must see the local newspaper to confirm. I pray that my source is correct.
Please draw attention to the lack of health care given to our wounded service men and women. Please draw attention to the price of feeding a family while one family member is in a war zone. Please help us NOT to forget 911.
Please forgive my zealot attitude when I see indifference to the suffering of others. I have been in the killing fields of Bosnia and I know I must do something. Even if I do not know how to speak without correct manner.
Please never stop questioning anyone. Not me not even an elected official.
God Bless and yes I am here to help you,
Barry,
Barry Barnett/Artist International.
Pleae forgive my poor grammar …
Seven cities NOW fly “Our Yellow Flag.â€
One county waits to fly “Our Yellow Flag†once received.
MANY individuals also are securing “Our Yellow Flag.â€
“Our yellow Flag†is “our†way of showing support for those who serve in our armed forces and their families. This is not a political statement for or against war.
This “IS†a gift of the heart from those who have a heart.
You may purchase “Our Yellow Flag†from Bob McGarity of Bob McGarity Flags, Daytona Beach, Fl
386-252-6655
His cost to you is $45.00.
This is just one of many ways the people are showing that they care.
Remember the military emblems have been fully approved by each branch of our services.
This was hard work and the job got done thanks to many that saw the why of it all.
This flag is a design of the people and from the heart. It was not meant to be a work of art.
Barry Barnett does not see one dime from this effort.
Find fault with this simple yellow flag if you please, but do something to show support if only a smile when needed.
Yes this effort is getting national attention … From the people.
God bless every one of them and you as well.