Flag Image Sparks Controversy

In a Sunday posting on Facebook reminding readers about Bristol Borough’s African-American Day celebration an image was used some have found “disrespectful.”

The image of the American Flag dressed in the colors of African-American heritage sparked a number of comments from readers.

The intent of the image was in no way meant to light a match to the issues of national pride, symbolism, and racial tension(s), as one reader asserted.

Quelling free speech and expression is not something we are in the business of, nor is going out our way to disrespect the thoughts and feelings of our readers.

We  have the highest regard and respect for readers and the response often provided to us for stories, topics, and ideas.  A number of readers we have established rapports with and when time permits, we engage in free exchange with those that communicate with us because we respect and value the community’s response. That’s what it truly means to be “hyper-local.”

The communication and exchange of ideas is fundamental to the operation of LevittowNow.com.

From time to time there will be controversial issues, images, ideas, etc we will cover. It’s the nature of  the information  business.

We have done a number of stories in the past where we have been asked through private communication or public comment to remove and or edit content.

As general rule,  removing anything that is legal and an expression and exercise of  First Amendment principles usurps the very soul of those ideas.

Unless what’s posted is factually incorrect , an error in copy,  or breaks a law, our practice is to let those comments stand whether created by LevittownNow.com or readers.

Similarly, there was recently a controversy in Bristol Borough about a political event taking place in front of a Veterans memorial.

A number of  the comments about that issue were similar to those posted by readers and touched on the very same issues. As much as we respect differing views and opinions, it’s the discourse – or reasons why – we are curious about.

In June, we published several stories related to the celebration of the Flag and the ideals embedded within it.

It’s those ideals that allows LevttownNow to freely publish news and content .  And it those ideals that go to the heart of the image used, discussion, subsequent comments and opinions.

The Supreme Court of the United States in some cases using “The Strict Scrutiny Test” has weighed in on the issue  pertaining to  flag “desecration,” (see Texas v.  Johnson for further elaboration) under free speech ideas.

We should also note, the image was not staff created and is common along with several African-American pride events throughout the nation. Going forward, we will continue to review our posts and work to best serve our readers.

We encourage any and all comments in response to this posting.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Jeff Bohen & Tom Sofield

Publishers & Editors of LevittownNow.com