Flag Language in Buchanan

by Mayor Sean Denison

Recently, the subject of offensive language on flags being flown in our community came across my desk. I feel obligated by my position to address it here. This is not an opinion piece that leans either way politically, but rather it is a plea for all of us to use common sense, and good judgment.

The flag in question used a certain four-letter word that starts with “F”, followed by the President’s name. Our city does have an ordinance that prohibits the use of indecent language.

Sec. 58-149. – Indecent language.
No person shall use indecent, profane, or blasphemous language in any public way or place, or in such a way as to subject or expose the public or any member thereof to such language.

While there is some question about whether the ordinance could be enforced based on recent Supreme Court cases, I would hope that we would not need to debate it. I would hope that we could all agree that no matter what your political views, we can still distinguish between right and wrong. I say this all the time, our children are watching us. I don’t believe that flying a flag with vulgar language is the way to teach them how to solve problems, or to effect change. We should be teaching them the importance of being involved in politics, starting at the local level. We should be teaching them that their voices matter when electing officials. We should teach them that being rude or vulgar to others is wrong.

Again, this isn’t about politics. This isn’t about policy. This is about parenting. This is about respecting others enough that we use common sense. We can either be part of the problem or we can be part of the solution. I would urge everyone in our community to search for ways to be a part of the solution. Our city and our country will be better for it.

Thank you, see you around town,
Sean Denison, Mayor

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