Nationwide chain Camping World is in the courts again for the same reason: flying an American flag! While this may seem crazy to many, flying an American flag in America on your own property does seem to offend some city officials. Earlier, a California town had ordered the company to take down the flag as it restricted traffic, although it flew way over the traffic and did not obstruct it in any way. Now, two North Carolina and Tennessee towns also demand the removal of the large flags. But the Camping World’s owner refuses to comply.
Who Is Camping World?
Camping World is the largest retailer of RVs and related products and services. In addition to its camping equipment, Camping World is known for the large flags it flies.
Restrictions
California wanted the flag taken down because, they asserted, it blocked traffic. However, the large flag flies so high that no traffic is impeded.
Meanwhile, across the continent, Greenville, North Carolina, is complaining about its size. They say it is almost the size of a basketball court. Its pole is 130 feet high.
Other cities, including Statesville, North Carolina, Morgan Hill, California, and Onalaska, Wisconsin, also requested the flag be removed.
Refusals
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis remarked,
Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down [1].
He went on to say,
And I think this is a perfect example… of local and city and state municipalities putting regulations on businesses that don’t advance the business [2].
What is wrong with displaying a large flag and denoting patriotism?
Notes:
- ^ {Camping World CEO defiant amid lawsuit over huge American flag: ‘The flag will not come down’} (go back ↩)
- ^ {Camping World CEO defiant amid lawsuit over huge American flag: ‘The flag will not come down’} (go back ↩)
