FARMINGTON – Owners of a local restaurant have decided to no longer display a Confederate flag out in front of their establishment in response to a letter to the editor that called for boycotting the establishment.
Farmington resident Daniel Salerno’s letter posted here on Jan.7, complained of the flag’s racist roots “of both slavery and open rebellion against the United States of America.” He said flying the Confederate flag featuring the Southern Cross out front of GrantLee’s 20th Maine Tavern & Grill on Fairbanks Road (Routes 4&27) in Farmington was “a disgrace,” particularly, he said, when considering it’s the home state of Joshua L. Chamberlain, a Maine native who led the 20th Maine Infantry in the brutal Civil War battle to hold Little Round Top at Gettysburg, Penn.
“I now imagine what Chamberlain and his men would think to see a business in their very own Maine flying the noxious flag of both slavery and open rebellion against the United States of America,” Salerno wrote.
Vicki Bates, who owns GrantLee’s with her husband Richard Bates, said they decided to no longer fly the Confederate battle flag out front of their restaurant because they “don’t want to offend anyone.”
“We don’t want to rock any boats,” she said. “We’re just trying to run a business here.”
Since they opened their Civil War-themed restaurant in September 2010 that specializes in a northern and southern-inspired menu with a heavy emphasis on smoked barbecue, they have daily displayed two Union and two Confederate flags across the front of their restaurant. In all, they have a total of 20 different battle flags they fly on a rotational basis, alongside the American stars and stripes they always display on the left most position, as they were instructed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars office in Washington D.C. They had called for instructions before opening the restaurant to find out the correct way to display the Civil War flags with the American flag.
The Bates family, including their daughter Danielle, decided to open up the restaurant featuring Civil War memorabilia in Farmington for reasons that included an extended family connection in the area, Richard Bates’ avid interest in the Civil War period and the couple having lived in both the north and the south over the years.
GrantLee’s, named for Civil War generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, features paintings of famous battle scenes, books, guns and other artifacts from the period displayed around the restaurant. The menu itself has facts from the war. Vicki Bates said they intended to provide a little history lesson to go with each meal.
Although all of the flags are battle flags, Bates said, it is the Confederate flag featuring the Southern Cross that has brought a few other complaints besides Salerno’s recent letter.
“A couple of people were perturbed about the Confederate flag,” Bates said. “One woman from New Vineyard was very, very offended.” Bates invited the woman to the restaurant and explained the intent was to have on display artifacts from the Civil War period that include battle flags. “She looked around and said, ‘Oh, I get it,'” Bates said.
Salerno, a University of Maine at Farmington literature instructor, said the restaurant’s owners are making the right decision to no longer display the most infamous of the Confederate battle flags, which today remains a reminder of slavery and segregation. The Ku Klux Klan and other racist hate groups have marched with the flag.
Salerno said he didn’t believe it was their intention to offend, but prominently displaying a symbol of racism at a business gives the perception that racism is tolerated and that reflects poorly on the town, he said.
“I am happy they were quick to make that decision and wish them nothing but the best,” Salerno said.
“We love the area and we want our business to thrive,” Bates said. “We weren’t hanging that flag out because we’re Southern sympathizers. I would hope Chamberlain would understand.”
Seriously? I find the women in black offensive.
So, two questions-
1. Does the display of flags at UMF mean we agree with the policies of every country represented there? Some of those flags represent abuse and opression. Maybe we should be expecting Mr. Solerno to take up that cause next.
2. Does this mean that Dukes of Hazzard reruns will soon be disappearing from my TV, due to the Confederate battle flag on the roof of a car?
I eat at the GrantLee restaurant often. I will admit, I am pleased to know the confederate flag is no longer flying outside. To the Bates family, I know how hard you are working and wish you continued good luck in your restaurant business. After all, the restaurant business is about good food!
Just an FYI to the Bates family — you can please some of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time. I am disappointed in your decision to remove the confederate flag in your restaurant. If we can’t learn from our past – and I truly believe that was your intent — to TEACH — we are surely destined to repeat it. Shame on Mr. Salerno for not being able to see past his own narrow mind that your restaurant is as much of a history lesson as it is an eating establishment. Do we remove all confederate flags from history textbooks as well? He is certainly welcome to his opinion, but now I’m offended that because of a select few narrow-minded people you removed an integral piece of history from your restaurant.
Okay. First the flag, what next? If you want to start telling people what they can and can’t do on their property, go find a country you can be the Dictator of Mr S. They were being impartial with their flag displays. Some people can’t stay out of other people’s business!
I do NOT think they are making the right choice this too is part of history. I do not agree with slavery or racism, but when will enough be enough. This flag when I was growing up was about being a little rebel not being racist. People like the instructor here have brought out the meaning and prejudice behind the flag.
Geesh! That’s too bad but I guess I can understand the point of offense to ‘some’. I feel most people were not offended and understood the North and South theme. Be careful guys, next someone will have you cut the ‘Yankee’ from the menu. C’mon People! Love the food and the family. Best of Luck!
I’m SO surprised the whiner would be an instructor at UMF. Remember, this is the same institution that allowed students to walk on the American flag during some artsy demonstration a couple years ago. Rights seem to be a one way street to some. If this gentleman had stopped for a good meal and witnessed all the Civil War memorabilia he might understand, as did the lady from New Vineyard. I’ll bet the history lesson in the Bate’s establishment is much more accurate and unbiased than anything taught at UMF.
No matter who is right or wrong wars usually have 2 sides and this one was a huge part of history.(For the record, I rooted for the North but I have no problem with my neighbor and good friend flying the Confederate flag daily.) Does that make me liberal or a racist? I think neither, but I’m confused; so many mixed signals!
Apparently there’s no end to what will hurt some people’s feelings.
Chamberlain would have understood, as would most Americans, whether from the North or the South.
It is too bad that people can or will not stop and find out the reasons behind something they don’t like. Becouse of their beliefs someone else has to bend over backwards to please them. Instead of making someone hide a themed display do your part to change the ignorance and educate what is a sad fact in the nations history and why there is one true flag now. You can’t change the past but learn and make the world a better place for everyone instead of passing judgement.
I believe I will have to make a trip to this establishment now. Thanks for understanding that the confederate flag is a symbol of hate. You did the right thing. Thanks for setting a great example for our youth about understanding.
Good show everyone. Let’s all go to GrantLee’s for some bbq!
This is kinda bs no one see’s that flag for what it use to be and stand for. Its sad to see ppl get all up sent you can go there and eat some good food and read about the history of the USA. That flag weather ppl like it or not is history.
great food and service=you need to try it.
People really don’t get it: the rectangular “Confederate Flag” that we all think of has little do do with “history.” It never existed as a representation of the actual confederacy. There was a “square” battle flag with that ensign used in battle, but the actual national flag of the confederacy is the “Stars and Bars” which is actually still flying at Grant Lee’s.
The rectangular version of the CBF is purely a 20th century invention, and became a symbol of racism and white supremacy during the struggle for Civil Rights. It’ s pure ignorance to suggest otherwise. If they want to be historical the National Flag of the Confederacy (which they are actually flying) is more appropriate.
“? If you want to start telling people what they can and can’t do on their property, go find a country you can be the Dictator of Mr S.”
He did no such thing. He said in plain English they had a right to fly the flag. He asked them not to. They complied. What’s your beef?
Political correctness gone rampant! Why doesn’t the professor and others of his ilk rail against the racist rants of the black rappers, or the divisive term “African- Americans” . American blacks are no more African than whites are European.
Burying or trying to rewrite history benefits no one. In the context of modern society slavery is dastardly. We judge history in light of today’s mores. But, we shouldn’t bury history by eliminating the symbols of it’s sordid past. These are reminders of past evils . These reminders help mankind to be vigilant in the quest to improve the well being of all mankind.
“I’m SO surprised the whiner would be an instructor at UMF. Remember, this is the same institution that allowed students to walk on the American flag during some artsy demonstration a couple years ago.”
Do these two things have anything to do with each other? That art installation was done by a right wing student.
“No matter who is right or wrong wars usually have 2 sides and this one was a huge part of history.(”
Brilliant. Yes, it’s pretty hard to have a war with only one side.
“For the record, I rooted for the North but I have no problem with my neighbor and good friend flying the Confederate flag daily.) Does that make me liberal or a racist? ”
I think it would make you about 150 years old. Congratulations!
“Apparently there’s no end to what will hurt some people’s feelings.”
Haha. Yeah. Slavery, segregation, Jim Crow…people can have such thin skins. Hey, wanna come by and help me hang my Swastika flag tonight?
U know i am flipping black and i have that flag in my truck maybe people should ask if it realy bothers others and if it does then they need to leave. Yes it was once a way of life and now its just history.. I feel ofended for not hangin the flag
Thanks, “From Away”! We are getting quite a history lesson! That’s the advantage of disagreement if we use it to expand our knowledge. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America
http://www.usflag.org/history/confederatestarsandbars.html
I personally think that store owners should be able to display what they want, and people should be free to criticize, and potential customers are free to stay away if they are offended by it. I personally would not have gone there because of the flag, and also because I am a vegetarian!
Good publicity though, for what looks like goodhearted people running an interesting place. I had not heard of it before the controversy, since it’s not in a part of Farmington I have occasion to go by much.
Let a thousand restaurants bloom!
Maybe they should remove the Lee from their name too since he fought for the South. How PC is this world going to get? It’s ridiculous.
So what is it Mr Salerno???
Are you a modern day UMF Lit Professor Living Your Life Vicariously Thru a Dead One From Bowdoin College?
I mean all the righteous Indignation on Mr Chamberlains behalf!!!!
As If He needs it from you.
I’m sure Joshua Chamberlain would have been smart enough to leave this whole thing alone,,,
Besides (unlike Mr Salerno),,,he would be too busy doing something worthwhile…
To From Away,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
The beef just may be the hypocrisy the libs demonstrate about “tolerance”,,,
I wonder how “Sensitive and Cooperative” Mr Salerno is,,.
Never mind,,,I dont have to wonder,,,I remember Mr Salernos “constant comments” on past subjects here…
I’m sure he’s a BIG HERO at the SuperLIBERAL place he works!!!
YUP,,,a real american hero.
It’s funny how cuddly he is now that HE GOT HIS WAY.. haha
But THAT”S typical behavior from the folks FROM AWAY….
I would say the only beef anyone has is the hypocritical manner in which the Enlightened Ones conduct their “Business”… They LIVE to shout at US.
Someone said it earlier,,,,,How receptive has UMF ever been about respecting anyones objections to what they PORTRAY…
I would say the Owners of GrantLee Tavern see this ALL as the small minded meddling that the LIBS cant refrane from..
By removing the flag,,,they demonstrated they have something Mr Salerno and From Away dont possess,,,,,,,,
COMMON SENSE…
From this article: “The Ku Klux Klan and other racist hate groups have marched with the flag.”
I’m not sure any restaurant or person would want to be associated with this type of activity unless they truly believed in it, i.e., are racists or support racist activities. The removal of the flag from its FLYING POST is a signal to all that the owners of GrantLee’s clearly don’t subscribe to these beliefs.
Many of you criticize Mr. Salerno for his opinions and actions, but I’m positive the majority of you would never stand up for anything you believe in or see to be socially disturbing/wrong. I can do nothing but commend Mr. Salerno’s bravery, and am certainly glad he is a part of this community.
There is a difference between FLYING a flag outside of an establishment and simply displaying one within the context of the indoor environment. The owner of GrantLee’s/article even states:
“One woman from New Vineyard was very, very offended.” Bates invited the woman to the restaurant and explained the intent was to have on display artifacts from the Civil War period that include battle flags. “She looked around and said, ‘Oh, I get it,'”
This citation alone speaks to the confusing nature of the flag FLYING for passers-by and others unfamiliar with the theme of the restaurant.
For those of you who think it’s a travesty for them to have removed the flag, or that it signals some sort of intolerance on Mr. Salerno’s part, I feel very sorry that you cannot tell the difference between right and wrong. In fact, the flag itself is a symbol of intolerance and is still used as such by many white supremacist groups and other racist groups.
The Flag, undoubtedly is PART of American history, but there is a TRUE and UNDENIABLE difference between FLYING a flag outdoors (which is an act symbolic of pride in whatever beliefs that flag stands for) and DISPLAYING one in the context of other memorabilia.
Thanks GrantLee’s for the fine food and amazing judgment. You all are responsible and socially-aware citizens. Hats off to you, Mr. Salerno, for standing up and saying something about an issue others clearly were concerned about but, for whatever reason, were unable to come forward about in order to enact real change.
God bless your Rose for trying to bring some level headed sanity to this thread.
Whats Their Beef (you ask),,,:
Someone said it earlier,,,,,How receptive has UMF ever been about respecting anyones objections to what they PORTRAY…
I don’t think that Mr. Salerno is the only professor or administrator at UMF or in the UMaine system, unless you know something that I don’t. Typically, colleges and universities are run by the collaborative effort of several, if not hundreds, of individuals.
Also, if you don’t like people “from away,” I hope you won’t go to GrantLee’s, as the owners hail from Florida.
It’s funny to watch a bunch of white people that have never experienced racism based on color argue about this.
Personally, I find it treasonous since we were at war with the Confederacy.
My question is why are all the flags flying at the same height? Isn’t it the law the Stars and Stripes fly higher than all the rest?
I propose we all boycott What’s Their Beef (you ask,,,)’s posts until he/she learns how to use commas.
I think the whole ordeal is just silly. It’s a flag. It represented the south a hundred years ago. It is a piece of our history and we shouldn’t go hide it in the closet. I thought those of us up north had a better sense of humor and common sense. The flag was not hung to be racist or saying “the south will rise again”. It was to create an atmosphere. The restaurant is called Grant Lee’s. Lee was a confederate solider. I grew up in Brunswick and I have frequented the bar Joshua’s. And yes it is called Joshua’s but that is where it stops. Inside is filled with all sorts of wall hangings of the surrounding area. Its set up to create an atmosphere. And I doubt most regulars even notice now. I do think the comment made about the Dukes of Hazzard is hilarious. The show didn’t represent racism. It was a flag on top of a car owned by 2 southern boys who stirred up some trouble. The car was named the General Lee! Just because the north and south went to war with one another a hundred years ago doesn’t mean their history is any less important than ours. We have no right to ask them to hide it because it may have been unacceptable back then. Should we ask the Jews to stop wearing the Star of David because the Nazis sewed cloth ones to the uniforms from the concentration camps? They wear it with pride, to show the struggles their people endured. Who cares if a restaurant has a flag hanging outside their establishment? Its a theme! If you’re offended then you don’t have to go in. As for the comments made about the flag demonstration at UMF. I was a student at UMF back then. When I saw the flags on the floor I was puzzled. I like most Americans stepped around or over. The point of her project, which was cleared by the administration, she must not have been aware she needed permission from every veteran in America. This was to show HOW people in this age would react to a flag on the floor. She was NOT allowing people to walk on a flag. These were PAINTINGS, not real flags. She did it after speaking to her father who was a military man. He AGREED with her message. Had they been real flags then yes there could have been a rational argument. And if those who argued against her project had gotten the facts before jumping to conclusions they would know she was trying to show that people most of the time do not take the time to care. Yes a good portion of those walking through the student center stepped on the flags, they were perhaps in a hurry or didn’t care. THAT was her point. She was keeping track of how many stopped and walked around vs how many just stepped on it. I thought it was a great idea. I had never thought of it that way. I grew up learning the flag was sacred. And what I witnessed that day by people stepping on the paper paintings that I was one of a few who learned that. THAT was her mission, to gather information and draw conclusions of it. The event got way out of hand. I feel bad that the visiting veteran was offended and saw our university that way. Its because of veterans UMF is free to allow students to express themselves. The girl assured the veteran, as did Theo, our president, this was not trying to offend or take away from the soldier’s experiences but to bring awareness to it.
Odds & Ends: See: http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html
Second section on Displaying outdoors. VFW gave them the correct directions.
odds and ends:
“It’s funny to watch a bunch of white people that have never experienced racism based on color argue about this.”
This is mere conjecture based on the fact Maine is 90-something percent homogenous, but we shouldn’t assume individuals commenting on this issue don’t have a vested interest just because they are not Black American.
“My question is why are all the flags flying at the same height? Isn’t it the law the Stars and Stripes fly higher than all the rest?”
You’re certainly right, but uh oh….I see another can of worms here!
“Salerno said he didn’t believe it was their intention to offend”
Then why create such public disturbance about it? A simple talk with the owners could have cleared this up and avoided this mess. To ‘boycott’ such a restaurant does nothing but hurt your fellow community members in an already troubled economy. For someone as educated as he you would think that a sophisticated resolution would be pursued; not just a complaint sent directly to regional level.
Several themes keep popping up –
Hypocrisy – yes, Mr. Salerno showed a wonderful display of hypocrisy because, yes, it was UMF who had the horribly distasteful “demonstration” of walking on the American flag a few years ago and fought for their right to do so publicly. If there is such concern at UMF for the right to do whatever one wants with the American flag, how about sharing that right equally with restaurant owners who have their own, legitmate reasons for displaying one? Reasons that are actually educational, which UMF should support rather than claim to be offended by.
Common sense – yes, the Bates have shown common sense in removing the flag simply because this is an issue that seems to be a lost cause since the fight is against hypocrisy. Hypocrisy will never back down since, by nature, the hypocrite always believes their position is the only right one whether it conflicts with their previously-stated positions or not.
Lack of common sense – One has to wonder why Mr. Salerno didn’t simply choose the method of the woman from New Vineyard. If one is offended by the display of a flag, why not simply go to the restaurant owners and talk to them personally about their display and explain your concerns? Is it really necessary to bring it into a public forum just so you can publicly spew your distaste and cast dispersions on the restaurant? If that was the intention, based on the other comments to this article, I think it may have backfired. It seems that all this publicity about something that could have been handled quite simply and privately has given Grantlees some great publicity and will probably boost their popularity. Good for them! Great restaurant, great food, great education!
@from away
Yes, these things have something in common. Perhaps ‘flag’ might be the common theme.
As far as the confederate flag goes, it is flying today. Does that make you 150yrs old too, or just confused?
I seriously doubt there were many ‘right wingers’ stomping on our nation’s flag. Prove it.
‘from away’. Nice name. Don’t change it.
What did we expect from a Libral College Professor teaching at a Liberal College like UMF. Years ago UMF had better teachings
I can’t fathom the idiocy of continuing to bring up, again and again, ad nauseum, the UMF “flag” controversy. As if the letter writer was involved in that in any way. It was a student project, a conservative student project, mind you.
It has nothing to do with the issue at hand, and there is no “hypocrisy.”
Kelly:
” Does that make you 150yrs old too, or just confused?”
???
You said you “rooted” for the North. How, pray tell, did you root for the North? Unless you are 150 years old.
“Years ago UMF had better teachings ”
liek wen u where ther?
What is your basis for this baseless analysis, Concerned Citizen?
I will go to the restaraunt only when they put the flag back up. Typical LIB town college professor. When will UMF go away.
I won’t jump on the pro or con bandwagon as concerns one particular flag, but I have been a little concerned since the day the restaurant opened that, without any intent to do so, the name and theme seem to me to glorify one of the bloodiest and saddest periods in the country’s history. We need to understand it, but not to celebrate it.
To M: I wondered the same thing since Salerno posted his letter calling for the boycott of a local business. Why couldnt he find the strength and inner courage to go to the restaurant and speak to the owners in person. He could have told them directly what a sensitive person he was and they might have agreed to take it down right then. Maybe he feared he would be attacked by a pack of KKK raciest if he went into the restaurant. I dont know? Or maybe he was just really wanted to see his name in the paper?
good example of picking your battles. i like history, and i like the idea of lee and grant sitting down together, but it was a wise business choice to move the flag. although you don’t have to drive all the way to fairbanks to see the confederate flag… chances are some copperhead in your neighborhood has one on their truck. every time i see that flag i think, “what the hell are you doing in my free state, you filthy reb?”
Rose Ingersoll’s last post was insulting and snobish yet it was allowed to stay. Why are comments from someone who belittles everyone who disagrees with her far left views tolerated by the Bulldog?
@from away
Sorry about my bad grammar, but never was intended to be taken literally. Most clear thinking people would understand I was implying that I was a Yankee, yet tolerant.
@ The Bates
As Joe Biden said to Obama, “this is a big feffin deal!” The best advertising that money can’t buy! You’ll see a surge in business and I bet most people will want to see the flag back up.
We’re ‘rooting’ for you!
we live in a free country.It is a civil war resturant? People need to address a lot more important things then what flags we fly.Is’nt what they all fought and died for.let that flag fly high.Just dont get caught up in one’s opion.Life is to short for this crap
Are you kidding? no I guess youre not…Guess it would be boring if SOMEONE didnt have something to complain about DAILY! I didnt think it was offensive one bit..probably only to the one that complained. Its almost like someone doesnt want a new business to be successful. People complain about no jobs and new businesses starting up but when one does someone always has to ruin it….by complaining about something!
the food AND service is good…
When I see the Japanese flag I think of the Rape of Nanking, treatment of American prisoners of war, and especially the Batan Death March. Do you think it would be a good idea to remove that flag, if it is flying over the UMF Student Center?
I have not set foot in the restaurant because of that flag and what it stands for. I will now!
I had no interest in parking my car under a symbol of racism and bigotry while donating $ to the owners who put it there. I felt like my patronage would be an endorsement of the confederate flag and what it stands for (today).
I voted with my dollar, taking the flag down was a good economic move for this business.
I’m looking forward to dining there soon.
Jay: I hear you, but as others have stated in response to the article, and as the owners stated themselves, others have already gone into the restaurant to express concern. Also, I would be (and was) frightened to enter an establishment flying a flag of this nature due to the activities and beliefs associated with it. I would not have felt comfortable in the least going into GrantLee’s on my own to lodge a complaint with that flag flying outdoors (please don’t tell me again how nice these people are. I sure believe it to my very core).
Bob: You’re personal dislike for me, as an “e personality” doesn’t give you the room to spew garbage like:
“Rose Ingersoll’s last post was insulting and snobish yet it was allowed to stay. Why are comments from someone who belittles everyone who disagrees with her far left views tolerated by the Bulldog?”
Why is it insulting to ask someone to actually MAKE an argument instead of just making a blanket statement without the use of any evidence to support it? By that faulty logic, we’d all be primeval. Your statements only further my point…too bad for you.
And how is something like, “Typical LIB town college professor. When will UMF go away.” not judgmental? Do these words get a pass for some reason?
You, Bob, are the one who needs to check yourself. Here you are whining about the injustices of the DB moderator, when you’re position is that people need to be more “tolerant.”
Lastly, how do you know I’m “far left?” I was raised a staunch conservative, just like you baby!
Bill Ried: “When I see the Japanese flag I think of the Rape of Nanking, treatment of American prisoners of war, and especially the Batan Death March. Do you think it would be a good idea to remove that flag, if it is flying over the UMF Student Center?”
When some people look at the American flag, they see the same thing! If you think the Japanese did a lot of crap…uh America a-bombed them! So, maybe you dislike the American flag too?
Also, again, the difference is that the Confederacy is NOT in existence (1), and that this flag is used as a symbol for racism and promoting beliefs related to such (2).
In reference to Joshua Chamberlain’s feelings – does anyone know he had a confederate flag pinned to his ceiling. Visit his Brunswick home and you’ll find this to be a fact.
This is quite the ongoing discussion, I found it very interesting to get a minor flag history lesson as well as frustrated to hear people crying. It pains me that the world has so many becoming “offended” get over it! This is America after all! If nothing else it was a prime invitation to have new patrons stop to see what the flags were all about, while others were quick to jump on the band wagon. Too many are quick to scream “I’m offended” or “that goes against my beliefs” play, its right up there with the sue crazy population,( I didn’t get my way so I will just sue you). What happened to make so many so freaking sensitive? Put on your “big girl panties” and get on with your day! The rest of us are offended by the pure lack of allowing others their freedoms…whatever they may be.
Regarding the Updated Story:
The Bates lived up to the restaurant’s reputation as a fair minded, reasonable, caring place.
The question I have regards whether the end justifies the means.
Could the same have been achieved in a meaningful, private conversation or did it necessitate a public call for boycott and the spirited, at times heated, exchange here in this forum to see action?
Sticks and stones may break my bones but flags will never hurt me ! What’s next cotton ?
Right on, Nik.
Seems to me that no matter what you do, someone is going to be offended. We just need to tell the obsessively offended to take a flying leap. If they don’t want to go to to the restaurant because of a flag, then don’t go. Simple as that.
Who Cares? Let’s go eat some GREAT FOOD @ Grant Lee’s!!
The flag won’t change the good quality of the food or service!
Daniel Salerno must have skeletons in his closet, we are taught to be more tolerent of others. Who’s his next victim? Southern food is the best!
I find it offensive that someone had nothing better to do than to write a nasty letter to the editor about a wonderful restaurant run by decent people. There are much more important issues than trying to put hardworkimg folks out of business. I hope his letter had the opposite effect and drew in more business.
Alright everyone, back to work. Let’s put this much energy into something worthwhile, feeding homeless people, stopping child abuse, etc. It’s a FLAG, and really, it has nothing to do with the quality of the establishment in question. So seriously, stop squabbling and sniping at each other like children, and do something useful.
Ridiculous. People have nothing better to do nowadays than get upset over nothing. It would be totally different if the restaurant was flying the Confederate flag with the intent to offend and promote racism, but where it is a Civil War Themed hangout then it appears only proper to fly both the Union and Confederate flag at corresponding times throughout the day.
They serve BBQ? Yum!
What are their hours?
Give me a break. The flag is part of US history, and that is what it was representing in this case. It was NOT put there as a political statement.
Glad my dad wasn’t alive for this debate. He was a lifelong (87 year) resident of Franklin County and proudly displayed two Confederate battle flags on the front of his motorcyle! He knew Civil War history better than any man I have ever met and understood that we cannot change history just because we don’t like it.
Let us all make an effort to contact the owners and request that the flag be flown again and forget this pc hogwash.
wow all these comments are interesting…ive never been to this restraunt i dont go that way often in my travels but since its opened and ive heard the name and heard it was a Civil war themed restraunt i for one would have expected to see the confederate flag…I understand people get offended but those who get offended are they assuming the owners of the restraunt are racist? But then again you cant please everyone its not possible…although my family and I will be trying this place…nothing better then good food and history together!
simply unbelievable, it’s a civil war artifact, not a promotion of slavery!
this salerno guy needs to get back to work and stop causing problems. this is a FREE country. i think we should all fly confederate flags on our properties, not to promote slavery, but to make a statement.
I agree with Dave- it is what it is, and these fine people should not have been BULLIED by otherwise intelligent people into taking down a flag with historical significance to the theme of their business. It was, and should still be, part of their decor. I say good for them for not being so short sighted as to read into something an intention that was clearly not meant. If the criteria used in judging this flag display were used in judging ALL flag displays, I dare say I would never see a flag flown anywhere in the Farmington area. Bates’ family, fly that flag! Show us that you will not be bullied by those that will see the bad in everything! It is, after all, your right as Americans to do so. I for one will be more likely to be a patron of a business that does not bow to narrow minded citizens (and other businesses looking to boost their own bottom line) than a place that uses hypocrisy to earn more $$$. BTW- your BBQ is the BEST this side of the Mason/Dixon Line!
Keep flying the flag for it is a Civil War Themed establishment. If Mr S doesn’t like it he doesn’t have to eat there or drive by it. He can always leave Town and take his Liberal views with him to some other Country and live
I agree with Nik and the others in the fact that OUR beautiful Nation has become so boohooey and sue happy! The Restaurant was obviously not trying to offend! The cry babies could have approached the Bates’ and talked to them about it instead of trying to have a Public cry of Racism! Most of the Hate crimes in this Nation would probably stop if most people let some things go on any side or view. It is America and we all have rights. Have a great day and GOD speed. OH and by the way! The Confederate Flag is not just a RACIST symbol! It is part of our countrys HISTORY as well as other artifacts! MOVE ON and Stop the conflict!
Well said, Nik and Roadkill, and how true. If everyone would just let it go.
Oh my…the politically correct police are crying again.
Well, I’m offended at the issues about the “improper flag!”
So, should I have my say too?
It’s just a flag and is not there to promote racisim or rebellion…whoodee damn do…
Flamming liberals. Whine about everything, including freedom of speech…as long as it only meets their personal agenda.
Personally I found the flag flying out front to be offensive and didn’t eat there because of it. Im glad they took it down and may finally have to try their food. My response to those that say it is a part of history and can’t be changed and we should just accept it… would you like to see a german restaurant in town flying the nazi flag?
The swastica (SP?) was never the national flag of Germany, it was the flag of the 3rd Reich. The Conferderate flag, however, was/is an American flag, whether you like it or not. Have you ever been to an Italian restaurant and seen the Italian flag there? Italy was a fascist country at one time. How about Chinese restaurants? Russian? Pick a country, and I bet you can find someone, somewhere that has a problem with them. The point is, people,is that we all believe what we believe, and that is a hard thing to change. Fortunately, this is America, and we all get to believe what we choose to, and cannot (should not) be persecuted for it. As I stated before, the historically themed establishment should put the flag back, and not be BULLIED into removing it. Oh, and don’t ever go to the Smithsonian, folks, you’d be very offended at the things on dislpay there.
@Local… unfortunately it is the closed minded views of people like you that bring this world down and close it in tighter and tighter on itself. Do you have kids? If you do, would you take them out of school because their holocaust unit has pictures of a swastika or nazi flag in the history book? Oh my oh my history should be ignored right? Wow, this is unbelievable that this “professor” had to start this episode of BS and that people actually bought into it on his side. GET A LIFE PEOPLE. This is just an embarrassment that some people in this community have to go so low to attack a business trying to EARN THEIR LIVING unlike a good percentage of the people who live here. Maybe the owners should just pack up and bring their business to somewhere it would be appreciated and understood and in turn further deplete our small businesses that help keep your taxes down and provide you with good products and services. SHAME ON ANYONE WHO IS AGAINST THIS ESTABLISHMENT BECAUSE OF THEIR MEMORABILIA AND HISTORY DISPLAYS!!! WHAT IS THIS BECOMING THE NEW NORTH KOREA OR WHAT??? PRETTY SICK AND UNEDUCATED STUNT FROM SOMEONE WHO IS SUPPOSED TO EDUCATE OTHERS. I SAY BOYCOTT ALL HIS CLASSES AND GET HIM FIRED AND SEE HOW HE LIKES TO LOOSE MONEY. Anyone want to start a boycott of his classes and see how he likes to lose income?
@Local….One more thing, comparing a mass murder of a religion/race upwards of millions of people for no reason can only be compared to the United States Civil War when you basically have nothing else to back up your opinion other than pulling two things together that are absolutely non-comparable. Maybe this professor can educate you once he finds free time between “educating” and “bashing”. Thanks for your time. I’m sure you are actually a very intelligent person, just a hazy sense of realism. I’m just plain old REALISTIC. Have a great day :)