How About More Respect For Our National Flag

The United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag --- Section eight states in part, "The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing." United States Code Title 36 §301. National anthem; Star-Spangled Banner
a.The composition consisting of the words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America.
b.Conduct during playing — During rendition of the national anthem—
1.when the flag is displayed —
A.all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
B.men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
C.individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and
2.When the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
In 2008 an amendment was made to this protocol that gave military veterans not in uniform the option to stand at attention and render the hand salute.

It is with a deep sadness that I watched so many, especially young people, show a lack of respect for our flag and anthem during the opening ceremonies for the Motocross event at the fair. Unfortunately this same kind of disrespect is often shown at other events as well. With the beginning of high school football season there will be opportunities to show a proper respect to our flag and anthem, I would challenge each school to intensify their efforts to educate all about the proper way to behave during the National Anthem and anytime the National Flag is passing or being hoisted or lowered. Allen Barrett

What Is The State Of Our School System?

This topic was requested by a poster who stated, "Mr Barrett - I don't mean to hijack this thread but could you start a thread on the state of our school system? Specially, about how well our children are being taught?"

Did Secret Meetings Determined Votes For Power Board Members?

I was told by a person they had looked up the word shyster in the dictionary and there was a picture of Mr. Andy Hoover, City Attorney, Pulaski Electric Service Attorney and PES Registered Lobbyist. I said I doubt that and looked for myself and while there wasn’t a picture of Mr. Hoover there was a description of his recent behavior, a person who uses unethical or tricky methods, a pettifogger.
It seems that Mr. Hoover acting as city attorney arranged private meetings, in violation of the state Open Meetings Law T.C.A 8-44-101 thru 106, where discussions, were allegedly held between Mr. Hoover and individual city council members about their votes for returning Mr. Bryant and Mr. Houston to the Power Board.
The question is with all the promises of renewed openness and transparency within the PES and City government how can the citizens of the county feel any confidence in these promises when they sit on a foundation of secrecy, double speak and questionable behavior? Allen Barrett

Should The County Executive Be Bound By County Rules?

There are many who would argue on both sides of the issue of whether part-time employees should be given full time benefits or not? That question can be discussed at length but the reality, at this moment, is that part-time employees are prohibited from getting full time benefits.

The county is prohibited from paying for medical insurance for part time county employees as if they were full time but that hasn't stopped the County Executive from quietly hiring several part-time personnel and giving them full time benefits.
The question is should there be a consequence for a County Executive who ignores County policy and makes up their own rules while keeping the information from the County Commission and county citizens? Should matters legally decided by the County Commission be secretly circumvented by the County Executive without penalty?
Allen Barrett