THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 4, 2024 Page 9 ~ Guest Commentary ~ Raising Eyebrows With Flag Ordinance By Sal Giarratani I still remember well the decision by the City of Boston preventing a group of Christians from flying the so-called Christian Flag outside Boston City Hall at the flagpoles in City Hall Plaza. I was happy to see Harold Shurtleff take that denial all the way to the SCOTUS, where the justices voted 9-0 that the City of Boston had violated the First Amendment of the US Constitution. I was also at Revere City Hall where Christian citizens showed up outside on the lawn for the raising of the Christian flag. Here in Revere, I have found far less drama about celebrating like-minded folks to share their celebratory times to the whole city. The new ordinance for Revere was put together by the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department. According to Revere DEI office, the proposed ordinance states the city’s flagpoles are not for personal expression but rather for city expressions of public sentiment and with special cut outs for both the LBGTO Pride and Juneteenth flags. Will there be a cut out for the Christian flags returning to the City Hall flagpole? However, City Councillor Tony Zambuto proposes that only the American, state, city and military flags should be flown out on the City Hall lawn and stated that “was the fairest way I could make this work.” Meanwhile, the city’s DEI Director Steven Morabito stated TV | FROM Page 5 the Police, Firefighters, DPW and more. Watch RTV’s coverage as Mini shows off the sights and sounds of the event while interviewing attendees. This coverage is also playing on the Community Channel and posted to all social media outlets. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Revere ADHC held a celebration for the Independence of several Latin American countries. This party included food, dancing, and entertainment such as a clown performer. RevereTV was able to catch some coverage from the celebration. This coverage is replaying on the Community Channel along with the most recent flag raising ceremony celebrating the same Independence Days. Both of these events can be watched the City’s greatest strength is in its diversity. He is right, it’s not about flying a flag or fabric but flying respect to everyone in the community. Revere does have to be very careful how it writes up the flag ordinance because it doesn’t need a lawsuit against the City of Revere. I think both the DEI office and the City Council are overthinking things here. I don’t agree with an all or nothing approach and I’m not sure who would be in charge of creating cut outs. What I think is missing in this whole debate is what is most important in creating any ordinance on this matter. Giving any segment of Revere’s population a right to fly a specific flag does not mean that the City endorses what any flag might represent. I am not Columbian but I support those who have the right to celebrate their roots with a City Hall flag waving. I am not Tunisian (but am 4 percent Tunisian), but if Revere folks with Tunisia roots want to fly their flag, so be it. Finally, I find this an important point. I attended the Christian flag raising not necessarily because I support that flag. My personal choices on the matter have no bearing on what flag is getting sent up a flagpole. Stop overthinking here. Just make it clear in any ordinance that flying ethnic or cultural flags or Rainbow flags or Juneteenth flags is about respecting the entire makeup of the City of Revere where everyone should count equally. That’s it, that’s all it is. on the Community Channel and YouTube. This week’s “In the Loop” PSA highlights a new upcoming online event. The Department of Public Health is proud to announce its first-ever online auction for the Public Health Emergency Fund. Funds raised will directly benefit the city’s most vulnerable residents, helping families secure temporary housing after a flood or obtain essentials like clothing, food, and toiletries following a fire. Items available for bidding include a variety of exciting options, such as gift cards, unique experiences, day trips with dining experiences, a private dinner with the mayor, and more. Bidding will open on Friday, October 4th and close on Sunday, October 20th. Visit rphd.betterworld.com to explore all the auction items! (857) 417-1936 Check Engine Light On? We Can Help! Our Services include: * Tune-Up * Lube, Oil & Filter * Tire Services * Exhaust * Transmission * AC / Heating System * Maintenance Open Daily 8AM - 5 PM Closed Sat. & Sun. We Service All Makes & Model Vehicles 24 Winter Street, Saugus Contact@vtechautoservices.com “Your Neighborhood Mechanic” Over 51 5-Star Reviews on Google & Scan QR Code Here! 1865 Revere Beach Pkwy, Everett (617) 389-7000 Open 9-6 Tues.-Fri. / 9-5 Sat. / Closed Sun. & Mon. sales@parkwaycycle.com Parkwaycycle.com Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma
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