From : John K. Press, Ph.D.
President of the Brooklyn Tea Party
To: Linda E. Johnson, Interim Executive Director
1 Grand Army Plaza #1
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Re: American Flag-Flying Requirement
Dear Ms. Johnson,
State law (NYS Executive Law art. 19, § 403) requires that all public buildings, including the public library, fly the American flag prominently outside of their doors. As you may be aware, however, some of our library branches have empty flag poles. The Brooklyn Tea Party respectfully requests that you immediately remedy this oversight and comply with this State law at all branches.
The statute eloquently asserts, “The American flag is the symbol of our country, of the ideals embodied in our constitution [sic], and is the symbol of the spirit which should animate our institutions. It is the emblem of freedom in its truest and best sense, signifying government resting on the consent of the governed; liberty regulated by law; . . . “[i] Following the law would honor these sentiments.
Analysts have noted that our national discourse has become increasingly polarized.[ii] During such a time, it becomes more important than ever for public buildings to convey that which unites us. And the law of the land commands the flying of the American flag to “produce a patriotic effect.” [iii] The Brooklyn Tea Party asks you to do just that.
No matter what the books inside the library teach, following the law and displaying the American flag prominently at all of our branches will educate the public through a positive social message of unity and demonstrate conviction concerning America’s lofty ideals. We look forward to hearing from you in a timely manner.
For the Brooklyn Tea Party
John K. Press, Ph.D.
President - The Brooklyn Tea Party
www.brooklynteaparty.org
cc: Bay News, Sheepshead Bites, Brooklyn Eagle, NY Daily News, Fox Business News, Brooklyn Ink, Indypendence Paper, Canarsie Courier, Bay Ridge Press,
[i] Section 400 of the NYS Executive Law, art. 19 [ii] Six Questions for John Avlon, The Economist, May 16th, 2010, http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2010/05/john_avlon_interview [iii] Section 403 of the NYS Executive Law, art. 19
