Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Hospital raised flag to stem complaints from Citizen story

The article, "No Flag for Now at Fayette Community Hospital," published in The Citizen April 16 was appalling. The disappointing comments made by the spokesperson for Fayette Community Hospital, Ryan Duffy, do not reflect the opinion of all personnel at Fayette Community Hospital.

The American flag should be viewed as neither offensive nor its honorable display be interpreted as any person's opinion regarding current events or politics. On the contrary, it is insulting that there is ever a question of an inappropriate time to fly our flag in honor of our country.

As for the flag pins provided "to the staff members to wear if they choose" (on the afternoon of April 16, 2003), they were provided as an afterthought regarding this issue, not to commemorate or support our troops or country. The influx of telephone complaints to the hospital reportedly prompted a flag to be hastily affixed to the front of the hospital.

The purchase and maintenance of a flagpole and flag versus purchase of medical equipment is the poorest comparison for a facility that boasted a substantial profit the last fiscal year. Furthermore, the comment of "getting the staff trained," is inconsequential. Many years ago, it was considered an honor that befitted the most privileged of school children to raise, lower and fold the flag. It is a task that may be mastered by the smallest of school children to the oldest veteran.

As for any future expansion of Fayette Community Hospital, the only "conflict" the hospital administrators may be faced with are the surrounding communities expressing their sentiments of disapproval by taking their health care issues to other medical facilities.

Name withheld by request

An employee of Fayette Community Hospital