LETTER from CHIP NORTHRUP
Protocol Directs: Don’t Put
Private Flag On Public Pole
To the Editor:
I was so flummoxed over the slavery flag issue that I almost overlooked the other flags. Public flag protocol is governed by established tradition and state law, not by local plebiscites or whims.
If any flag goes up on a public flagpole, it should be the national flag, then the state flag, then a municipal flag.
A municipal flagpole is not a sign board for a cause du jour. Under no circumstances should a public flag pole be used to display the banner of a private interest group, a religion, political party or local glee club.
If you want to fly a special interest group flag in public, get your own flagpole.
CHIP NORTHRUP
Cooperstown