Page One

Taking flag off fire trucks violates free speech

Nick Zingo Los Angeles
Tuesday September 25, 2001

 

Editor: 

Imagine that! The first amendment guarantees the right to freedom of speech. The courts have interpreted that as meaning displaying symbols as well, including our flag. As a police officer in Southern California I find it appalling that the Berkeley Fire Department ordered its firefighters to remove U.S. flags from its trucks prior to a UC Berkeley anti-war demonstration. It is obvious that the Berkeley Firefighters have no rights, especially first amendment rights. How narrow-minded are you folks anyway?  

Imagine what would happen if the Berkeley Police Department was directed to stop all vehicles with U.S. flags and have them removed ... think there would be a few problems?  

It is interesting to note that the residents, students etc. have the right to protest under the first amendment, but others are denied that same right. A true double standard that only Berkeley, California could be accused of.  

 

Nick Zingo 

Los Angeles 

 

Editor’s note: city officials have apologized and the flags are flying on the trucks.