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Read comments (58)After a contentious 90-minute meeting, the panel of chairman Almous Austin, Jimmy Putman, Ben Ragan and Terry Parker voted unanimously to allow the SCV to seek a "text amendment" to allow flagpoles higher than 35 feet in areas zoning Forestry, Agriculture and Recreation (FAR).
The request will be prepared by the state planner for the long process to add it to the list of exceptions.
The request first is relayed to the Dyer County Regional Planning Commission for approval. If ratified by the commission, the text amendment goes to each of the county's three municipal planning organization in Dyersburg, Newbern and Trimble, where each must approve it. A public hearing is then set before the issue is picked up by the Dyer County Commission, which must approve the measure by a majority vote.
The issue came to the BZA more than three months after the SCV's plans were publicized and six weeks after the flagpole was placed on land offered by Trimble SCV life member Hamilton Parks.
The issue quickly moved from the flagpole to what has been on the structure since early July, a Confederate flag.
Bill Foster of Union City, commander of the 10-county SCV division backing the flagpole as part of a complex "for history, heritage and honor," is part of the national organization's effort to place Confederate "mega-flags" along routes across the Southern U.S.
Trimble Mayor Jim Stark called the flag "repugnant to more than a few people" and said its prominence atop Pierce Cemetery "would greatly diminish" the community's future for residential and industrial development.
"It will make it difficult to develop our community," said Stark.
Stark used a proclamation approved by a majority of the Trimble town board as a sign of local indignation to the flag.
"They steamrolled in here, did what they did, then ask what they should have done before they did what they did. It's a tactic."
Trimble Alderman Raymond Ballard said he didn't vote for the proclamation.
"As far as I can tell, this is a personal thing," said Ballard.
"You have to remember a lot of Americans see that flag as a symbol of repression," said Stark.
Stark added he had read a recent article on the SCV in the Christian Science Monitor noting how the group's national leadership had ties with Aryan Nation and other white supremacist organizations.
Foster retorted the SCV was for all Americans who fought "in the War Between the States - white, black, yellow, brown."
County commissioner Alan Burchfiel, who represents the Trimble area in his district, criticized Stark for not discussing the matter with him before the meeting.
"I know Bill Foster. He's a fine Christian gentleman. He wouldn't be tied up with anything like this that Jim has portrayed."
Stark said he had been upbraided by his pastor "for not showing leadership" on the matter.
The SCV's legal counsel, Allen Nohsey from Union City, said he hoped to find a gap in the county's zoning ordinance that would allow the flagpole.
The group had asked the BZA to look at approving the flagpole request by three methods - a zoning variance; a special exception/use permitted on appeal; or an interpretation.
State Planner Don Bunton said the variance would not work, given the small area of concern.
"It would be spot zoning," said Bunton.
Board member Charles James said the panel needed to shy away from interpreting anything on the matter.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
Greetings again, newbernite;
I missed this portion of your post...
"Why didn't you put up a memorial there to recognize those soldiers instead of just a giant flag?"
Sorry that I missed this. In response, a memorial is planned. The flag is simply the first phase and will be the center-piece of the memorial plaza. Had you attended the dedication ceremony, you would have learned that there will be a memorial plaza that consists of bricks bearing the names of Confederate veterans. There will also be a granite marker inscribed with the charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The following is copied and pasted from brochures regarding the site.
"We are planning the installation of an 80'-100' pole complete with lighting similar
to the one recently installed near Interstate 10 in Mobile, Alabama. The flag will
be in the middle of a Plaza area displaying a 42"x42"x12" Granite Marker
dedicated to the Confederate Soldiers donated by Va. Division 1st Lt.
Commander, Grayson Jennings."
"PARKS CEMETERY RIDGE MEMORIAL PLAZA
This Confederate Memorial will be located on a 50'x50' plot
of land deeded to SCV,Inc. by Compatriot and Life Member,
Hamilton Parks II.
This site is located on the New Interstate 69 that runs from Canada to
Mexico about 75 miles north of Memphis at the Obion/Dyer county line
@ State Hwy. 105, Trimble , Tennessee.
A 42"x42"x12" granite marker donated by Va. Division 1st Lt.
Commander, Grayson Jennings, along with a 20'x30'Confederate Flag
mounted on an 85' pole will be the focal point of the plaza.
Construction of the park plaza will begin as soon as funds are available.
After the initial memorial bricks are laid, new memorial bricks will
only be added once a year, so anyone interested in purchasing an
ancestor engraved memorial brick @ $50 per is encouraged to do so as
soon as possible. Phone: 731-693-4469 for more information."
If you would like a copy of the brochures, please let me know and I will figure out how to get them to you. I could probably put them in a sealed envelope and drop them off for you at Duncan's, Little General, or something like that.
maynard65 wrote:
"I have also heard that the Pastor of Mr. Stark's church, along with some members of that church (which are also Trimble board members) have flat our said they didn't like the Confederate Flag flying at the cemetery. Brother Oakley, I have met you and respect you, if you said this, please respond."
Well, I can speak for "that church", as I am a member. I haven't heard anyone say they were against (most are for it) the flag, except the mayor. As with any group of people, you will have differences of opinion, and there is surely someone out there with a different one. But the vast majority have no problem with it, some have one in their yard. As for Bro. Bill, he has been misquoted and brought in to a situation that he did not ask for. I encourage you to ask him personally. He is not a "divider" of people and would not be a part of anything that would bring so much conflict. It is sad that this whole thing has reflected so negatively on our church, as it doesn't belong there.
justme30 asked:
"Who all is running for mayor in Trimble so far?"
I called the Dyer County Election Commission today. J. Stark; J. Davis and J.L. Powers have all filed qualifying petitions to run for mayor.
Candidates for the board include J. Hinson; M. Stafford; S. Parker; K. Galloway; R. Ballard; D. Biggers; B. Marbry; L. Norville; J. Ivie, Jr. and D. Isbell.
Hello again, newbernite;
Sorry for the delay in responding. I was preoccupied this weekend.
First, to address your question regarding the Nazi flag. No, I would not approve of a Nazi flag being flown over the cemetery. I would not object to a German flag, however. I believe that there are American flags flying over US burial sites in Italy, but the US conquered Italy in WW II. I do not see anything wrong with that either. I would hope that had I been killed and buried in southeast Asia in the early 70s, someone would place an American flag above my grave.
Second, I must respond "Guilty as charged" to posting something without confirming it's accuracy. I will begin a web search in earnest as soon as time permits, but for now I publicly retract the quote I posted regarding a law existing making a Confederate flag and American flag, and offer my apology. If my web search produces evidence that this law exists or did exist, I will re-post the law with a supporting link.
Finally, in response to your objection to the height and size of the flag, please note the following with emphasis added to sub-section (e)...
From Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7 of the United States Code:
(e) The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group WHEN A NUMBER OF FLAGS OF STATES OR LOCALITIES OR PENNANTS OF SOCIETIES ARE GROUPED and displayed from staffs.
(g) When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
Our Confederate Battle Flag near Trimble is NOT in a group of flags, it stands alone. Therefore, sub-section (e) does not apply. If there was a US flag displayed with the CBF, then they would be required by federal law in sub-section (g) to be flown at the same height and be the same size. Lets remember that the CBF is a flag of another nation, the Confederate States of America.
I apologize again for posting as fact an unconfirmed quote. I patiently await the inevitable flaming from other posters in this thread.
Sinjoines said:
"By the way, ignorance does not have humor, it just makes you look bad."
And you obviously have absolutely NO sense of humor. I didn't know tongue-in-cheek comments were forbidden in the TOS.
PatrolCmdr
Your comment:
"why are they honoring a lazy woman who just wanted to sit down on a bus anyway?"
Your comment is just pure ignorant. Rosa Parks was a hard working woman who went to work every day. Lazy people don't work. They sit on their butts all day long. Rosa Parks may have been tired after a long day's work, but she was not lazy. As far as her being active in civil rights, she most definitely was.
By the way, ignorance does not have humor, it just makes you look bad.
Who all is running for mayor in Trimble so far?
Just to inform the readers, Mayor Stark has visited Mr. Faulkner's residence again, and was once more told to vacate the property. He had to be told 3 times before he left. Now this makes twice in 3 days he came onto private property and was asked to leave. Mr. Faulkner had to contact the Dyer County Sheriff department and the Trimble Police Department to see how to calmly and legally stop Mayor Stark from coming back onto his property.
The most important thing in this town is our elementary school. That is our innocent children, our Future. In the past there was always a police officer at the intersection by the school every morning and afternoon to direct traffic and safely help the kids cross the street. Now there is a police office there sometimes in the afternoon, but mornings there is only a city worker setting in a vehicle at the car wash. Should our children grow up remembering the nice police officer with a smile and a hello that helped them across the street, or different city workers sitting in a car? I appreciate what these city workers and even school teachers that have been known to help out. My concern as a parent is that one day our children may approach a car or truck parked in this same spot and it could be a potential harm to our children. It may not be a city worker but a child molester or kidnapper. This hits close to home with the kidnapping in MO.
I have also heard that the Pastor of Mr. Stark's church, along with some members of that church (which are also Trimble board members) have flat our said they didn't like the Confederate Flag flying at the cemetery. Brother Oakley, I have met you and respect you, if you said this, please respond.
Does Trimble need some major changes in its elected officials? I guess so considering there are 3 people running for the office of Mayor and 10 running for board seats, when a few years ago, they could only get 3 to run for the board.
UHMMMMMMM!!!!!!! WELL, IV'E ALWAYS HEARD CHANGE IS GOOD.
The Old Lady Strikes Again!!!!!
Thank all of U that responded, but I have no interest in becoming Mayor, but I do have an interest in my town. I am an honest hard working person, that stands up for what's right.
I have heard some interesting things about Mayor Stark, of course this is hearsay, but I plan on asking a lot of questions to get real facts. Below are some interesting questions that I will inquire about for myself.
1. Does an elected official have to file a financial disclosure statement? If so, does it provide adequate information to prove that the official would be capable of budgeting and handling a town's finances?
2. Does anyone do background checks on candidates previous employments, criminal background checks? As a town do we not need to know this information? It is a matter of public record that Mr. Stark has been charged (at this time only charged) with assault on a Trimble business owner with a court date of Sept.22, at 10:00.
3. It was stated in the State Gazette that Mayor Stark said the Confederate Flag at the Pierce Cemetery would harm the growth of our town. Fact is that on the Saturday of the Confederate Flag dedication, business at the local convenient store doubled verses a normal Saturday business? Is this not good?
If anyone has heard these rumors and has proven facts, please respond.
Oh, about that Nazi flag question. There was no "Nazi" national flag. The "Nazi" flag was the symbol of a political party. The symbol of the German army during World War II was the Iron Cross. The United States government still, today, erects and maintains that symbol above the graves of German prisoners-of-war who are buried in U.S. soil.
Newbernite,
There does not need to be a "law" recognizing the Confederate flag as an American flag. History does that. That flag was used by the armies of The Confederate States of America. "No flag should fly higher than the flag of the U.S.?" That statement is true only if several flags are displayed on adjacent poles. Check the flag code.
Newbernite,
There does not need to be a "law" recognizing the Confederate flag as an American flag. History does that. That flag was used by the armies of The Confederate States of America. "No flag should fly higher than the flag of the U.S.?" That statement is true only if several flags are displayed on adjacent poles. Check the flag code.
actually the emancipation proclamation did not free slaves in southern states it freed slaves in states and territories that had taken up arms in the rebellion against the union. That way Missouri, Kentucky, and Maryland could keep their slave laws and would not leave the Union to join the Confederacy, and slavary had already been outlawed in the other states of the Union, including West Virginia which suceded from Virginia because its citizens did not want to leave the Union. I know all these laws that you speak of I went to college and took many many U.S. History courses and am an avid reader of the Civil War and lead up to it. I am researching this law you say that recognizes the Confederate flag as an American Flag, I have never heard of this and very seriously doubt it exsist in the sense that you make it out. The only flag that is recognized as the legal and representative flag of this country is our present day stars and stripes. Just because you read something on the internet does not make it true, if that was the case wikipedia would be right about everything it states. As i've stated before i have no problem with the confederate flag flying as a part of a memorial to those soldiers who fought under it, that is part of our american history. I have a problem with the size and heighth at which it flies, no flag should be flown higher then our true American Flag. Why didn't you put up a memorial there to recognize those soldiers instead of just a giant flag?
You also didn't respond to what you would do if a Nazi soldier was buried in that cemetary and they wanted to fly a large nazi flag over him.
Oh, Newbernite..one more thing.
You are right that this is the USA. But take notice what the US government itself says about Confederate soldiers, flags, banners and symbols...
"In 1958, the 85th Congress recognized their loyalty and demonstrated patriotism, along with other significant reconciliation following the WBTS, in the form of US Code 38. That Code effectively deemed all Confederate Veterans, American Veterans and that all symbols, flags and banners of the Confederacy are also considered American flags according to the U.S. Congress and can not be discriminated against as such. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Code into law in 1959."
So you see, according to US law, the United States government determined that a Confederate flag is an American flag. Therefore, we are flying an American flag near Trimble.
Hello newbernite.
I didn't realize that anybody was "fighting." I thought this was a discussion. I am certainly willing to discuss our differences of opinion.
I stand by the argument that the War Between the States (there wasn't anything "civil" about that war,) was over state's rights and opposition to extremely high tariffs. Slavery did not become an issue until two years after the war started. The north even offered to make a 13th amendment to the US Constitution that would constitutionally protect slavery if the south agreed not to secede. These are historical facts that can be documented by web searching the national archives in Washington DC. As a matter of fact, Lincoln's emancipation proclamation of 1863 only freed slaves in the SOUTHERN states. Slavery was still legal in the north. Don't take my word for it, though...just do a web search on it and read it for yourself. It even protected slavery in certain southern states, listing parts of states by individual counties where slavery would remain legal.
I think that the size of the flag is perfect. Yes, it is making a statement, just as you suggested. That statement is that we honor our Confederate soldiers and our Confederate heritage. It is also a method of taking the Confederate Battle Flag away from hate groups that do not have a right to it and malign it's purpose. The more that it is displayed away from these hate groups, the more that it will be associated with it's TRUE meaning.
I strongly disagree that the Confederate flag is a symbol of "repression" as you stated. The web searches that I have suggested will show you exactly why I disagree. I also had ancestors that fought on both sides of the war. I can assure you, however, that my ancestors that enlisted right here in Newbern and served the Confederacy were not trying to be repressive towards anyone. They were not slave owners, at least not according to the census records. They were farmers and they were fighting for their country and their way of life. A very noble cause, in my humble opinion.
I appreciate your position and respectfully request that you try the suggested web searches. Then perhaps you will also appreciate my position.
Wonderful comment Newbernite!!!
That's it...I'm officially going to try to run for mayor of Trimble. I know several people there and hopefully I can get some votes! I'm going to Sez Sew in Dyersburg and make some shirts up on Monday and see if I can get some pins to hand out! My slogan will be "If you want a change to come your way...You just might want to vote Timay!" I approve this message!
This is such a tough subject to talk about and not start a fight. Like many people I had family that fought on both sides of the Civil war, in fact, one side of the family was friends with Lincoln, and the the other side large southern farmers, one of them was even a general on the southern side. I have no problem with creating monuments to show respect for those who fought, this is part of our American history, so you study, learn and preserve your history so you don't repeat it. I do think it is a little rediculous to have a flag that large flying that high off a major road though. That is not a monument it looks more like you are trying to make a statement. If they wanted to do something respectful for those soldiers that are buried in that cemetery, build a nice monument and put a regular sized flagpole with it. I have heard more people say that is so tacky looking as they are driving down the road. I do have one more problem, that flag was raised in war against our American Flag, shouldn't the Stars and Stripes fly higher then a flag that was raised in rebellion against our great Union? If there was a Nazi soldier buried in that cemetary, how would you feel if they wanted to fly a Nazi flag for all to see over his grave to honor him? I know you will say those flags stand for different things but they both were raised in war against the United States of America, and they both were for the repression of people. I know you will say the war was over states rights, and a million other things and not slavary, which is true to an extent but what do you think one of those states rights they were fighting for was? Like I said build monuments but not statement making giant flags. The last time I checked we were the U.S.A. not the C.S.A.
Another thing. What about all the Property Tax that Mr. Parks pays. He is probally in the top 5 highest property tax payer in DC. It is his property he should be able to do what he wants. It is no different than anyone else flying one in their yard. IT IS HIS PROPERTY, LET HIM BE. LET HIM ALLOW THE FLAG TO BE FLOWN. IF the govt is going to stop him from flying the flag on HIS property then the govt should be allowed to enter home of drug lords w/o a warrant. What ever happened to freedom of speech. Look at some gang tattoos on people, no one is stopping them. This really burns me up. Study american history people. You might actually learn something!!!!!!!!
All this moaoning and groaning about Jim Stark but yet no one will run against him for Mayor. What has He done for Trimble? What so called "economic developement" is he trying to get there. No one else ever hears of anything coming in. The only time you hear Jim Stark is when he is pitching a fit about something.
GeGe32 wrote:
"In response to "Titans Suck", first of all this has nothing to do with racism."
I reviewed the entire thread and there is absolutely NOTHING posted that is racist. Just ignore Titans Suck, (s)he is doing nothing more than trolling and instigating.
timay76 wrote:
"I want to run for mayor of Trimble! I love UT football "
You would have my vote if I lived in Trimble. GO VOLS!!!
and timay76 also wrote:
"Just wait until they petition to get the Confederate Soldier removed from the Dyersburg Court House or at least petition to have a statue of Martin Luther King placed up! I truly believe that we will see it within the next 10 years."
Hmmm. If they petition to remove the Confederate Soldier statue, then as you say they are punching my sibling. They didn't get rid of General Strahl's flag, even though they tried extremely hard. I don't have a problem with a MLK statue if somebody wants to put one up. Heck, I would probably sign the petition. But what is up with the Rosa Parks plaques on both ends of Dyersburg. The city put them up so they obstruct motorists views, and why are they honoring a lazy woman who just wanted to sit down on a bus anyway? MLK was active in the civil rights movement, but Parks just "copped a squat" on a bus.
Just my humble opinion.
In response to "Titans Suck", first of all this has nothing to do with racism. It has to do with the history and future of this great nation we live in. This flag represents a war that many men, white and black, lost their lives in. You obviously need a good history lesson too. This is supposed to be a "Free" country. Thats what all the wars were and still are about. My children as well as all have the right to learn the history of this Nation. If more narrow minded people like you and Mayor Stark had a Civil War lesson then maybe your opinions would change.
To my friend's and neighbor's in TN. We had the same problem here in Southeastern KY. Our SCV Camp leased a park from the city the mayor knew in the begining we would fly the CBF, the mayor got a few complaint's and he asked me to take it down before the election and said after the election I could fly anything I wanted to. The election came and went, he was reelected but got cold feet because of two or three complaining and told me we could use the park but not fly the CBF. Needless to say we didn't want the park without our Flag and if I should live when another election come's up I will do all that I can to have him defeated and tell him why I was doing it. I hope you do the same concerning you're mayor
Well Golly look at all the racist people jump all over this article, well I am just happy you all are not hanging people anymore or are you?
I want to run for mayor of Trimble! I have a college degree, wife, 2 kids, 2 cats, 1 dog, a goldfish and a hamster! I love UT football and can write my name in cursive! I think that just about covers the criteria for becoming a mayor.
I would also like to respond regarding a post about Dyersburg staying out of Trimble's business. You need to understand that Trimble, Newbern and Dyersburg might as well be one town! What happens in each place has an effect on everyone. It's like watching your sibling get punched at recess....even though it didn't happen to you, you want to do something about it. Same thing here! If they'll do this in Trimble, they'll do it in Dyersburg.
As I stated before....America has become so frightened over racism and offending minorities that they tuck tail and avoid anything that might cause conflict. Well as far as I can remember, if we had always been afraid of conflict; we'd be British right now! All I ask is that people have and opinion and stand behind it. Don't speak just to avoid someone labeling you as racist or "Aryan" as stated in an earlier post. There is nothing wrong with the flag flying and hopefully we will see it fly.
Just wait until they petition to get the Confederate Soldier removed from the Dyersburg Court House or at least petition to have a statue of Martin Luther King placed up! I truly believe that we will see it within the next 10 years.
-- Posted by PastorMike on Tue, Aug 19, 2008, at 7:44 AM
"I think all of us who support free speech being applied to the Confederate flag and who treasure our Southern heritage need to join the group which has taken the lead in this matter. The Sons of Confederate Veterans is the only group I know of which is active in supporting Southern heritage and history in a positive fashion."
We would be very pleased to help anybody interested in joining. The only requirements are that the prospective member is male (sorry ladies) and has a Confederate ancestor. It can be a 5th cousin twice removed, as long as it is either a lineal or collateral ancestor. We will even help with your lineage research.
I am currently a member of the camp in Union City, but we may be forming a new camp in Newbern.
It is important that you are joining for the right reasons, though. We support our Confederate heritage and honor our Confederate ancestors. If you have other agendas, such as racism or bigotry, please do not bother to join.
Response to 1 old lady
Nepotism is favoritism of family and close friends but it pertains more to employment favors and advancements.
What you are accusing him of is violation of the new Code of Ethics law - if you have proof another place you might contact is the State Election Office in Nashville - after all the bull that happen in Memphis they will listen.
I agree with PatrolCmdr you should consider running for the postion - you have till high noon Thursday to get a petition and return it.
Mayor requirements really require hard work, being fair, listen to your people and common sense. I am hoping Trimble and Newbern will get rid of the narrow minded, grudge holding, irresponsible politicians and replace with some that will take our towns out of the stignate waters they are in. Trimble and Newbern needs to clean house!!!
I think all of us who support free speech being applied to the Confederate flag and who treasure our Southern heritage need to join the group which has taken the lead in this matter. The Sons of Confederate Veterans is the only group I know of which is active in supporting Southern heritage and history in a positive fashion.
1oldlady wrote:
"For example, when the police do write tickets for speeding and seat belt offenses or any other violations the Mayor has been known to have certain tickets thrown out. Isn't that nepotism ?"
I don't know about it being nepotism, but it is criminal. If you have proof of this, contact the Tennessee Attorney General's office (not the Dyer County DA, but the state Attorney General.)
Maam, according to a recent State Gazette story, nobody in Trimble has obtained a petition to run against Stark. You might be "1oldlady", but based on your post I think you would be a great Mayor. If you want to run, pick up your petition from the election commission, post the fact that you have the petition to this thread, and I'll even drive over to Trimble and help you get your petition signed! I tried to get some friends at work, who happen to be Trimble residents, to run against Stark but they feel that they are not qualified to be the mayor. One thing is for sure...Stark sure isnt.
Mr. Stark wrote: "You have to remember a lot of Americans see that flag as a symbol of repression."
What about all the Americans who see that flag as a symbol of heroism and honor? Don't their feelings count?
I am a long time resident of Trimble and yes I agree that our town is in trouble with the current mayor and the majority of the board members. It is public record that in a previous board meeting, Alderman Galloway made a motion to ban the Confederate Flag from flying over Pierce Cemetery . At that time no one seconded the motion, he walked out of the meeting. Was he reprimanded?, I think not! Following that meeting Mayor Stark presented a resolution to take the flag issue before the planning commission and, Aldermen Galloway, Hinson and Stafford voted yes. Alderman Davis and Ballard voted no. If the issue is the height of the flag pole deal with that, and leave the type of flag alone.
Mayor Stark hasn't brought any revenue to the town since becoming Mayor, in fact he has taken away revenue from our town. For example, when the police do write tickets for speeding and seat belt offenses or any other violations the Mayor has been known to have certain tickets thrown out. Isn't that nepotism ?
Citizens of Trimble- Wake up- Lets take back our town with a new Mayor and board and fly our flags with Pride. I believe that the Mayor of Trimble has cause enough bad publicity over his personal views and opinions of what the Confederate Flag stands for, please check the opinion poll to what the majority of people believe it represents.
Maynard65 wrote:
"To my knowledge Dave Faulkner is the only one in Trimble at this time displaying the Confederate Flag at his home."
I did not make it up to Trible this weekend, but I have seen three flying in Dyer County that were not flying before. There is one on US 412 near the Crockett County line, one in Newbern across from the shopping center and one on Lanesferry Road just northwest of Newbern. I also saw lots of shirts with confederate battle flags this weekend, in Dyersburg, Newbern and at Reelfoot Lake.
I tried to buy a Conferate Battle Flag this weekend at Southern Heritage in the Dyersburg Mall. They told me that they sold out their entire stock in two days last week and have ordered more for express delivery. This is a good sign, just wish I knew where they were flying. In case anybody wants to show support, this store has the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Confederate national flags in stock...about $11.00 tax included. Mine is proudly flying.
Last time i checked this flag is not even in the city limits of Trimble. Mayor Stark, get a LIFE and start doing something about all the "real" problems we have. As far as economical growth, the only thing holding that back is Mayor Stark himself. This whole town needs to stand together and quit worring about what our neighbors will think of us if we put a flag up. This country has taken GOD out of the courthouses and schools and now our history is in jeopardy too? Maybe if we put a new walking track around this flag Mayor Stark would not have a problem with it. P.S., Last I heard, this is still a FREE country.
It's funny how the Zoning Commission will allow spot zoning for a billboard on Highway 78, but when the issue comes up for the flag in Trimble they say that they don't allow spot zoning.
To my knowledge Dave Faulkner is the only one in Trimble at this time displaying the Confederate Flag at his home. Mayor Stark made a point after leaving church Sunday morning to approach Mr. Faulkner to convey his disappointment at seeing the Confederate Flag being displayed at Mr. Faulkner's home. Mayor Stark was told in no uncertain terms to leave the Faulkner's property. The last time I checked every American citizen has a right to express their freedom whether it be an American Flag or a Confederate Flag. Where do we draw the line at where Mayor Stark decides what is and is not appropriate for the citizens of Trimble. Maybe Mayor Stark and the majority of the board members should take a consensus of the citizens of Trimble before taking a stand on any issue affecting the town of Trimble. Flying the Confederate Flag is not meant to offend anyone. It is only a sign of support for our veterans of this past war. I proudly fly the American Flag as well in support of past wars and the one we are currently fighting in Iraq. These flags represents not only our freedom but our history, without the past how can we grow as a nation, so maybe Mayor Stark & others should take a course in history.
Thank you citizens of the West Tennessee. I am proud of the heritage represented by the Confederate Battle Flag and pay honor to those men, both black and white, who sacrificed their all to defend it.
It is out of such ignorance of the facts that wrong decisions are made. It is a shame that our schools do not teach the real history of the Civil War and choose to focus only on the slavery aspect. This slanted teaching, in turn, leads to the thinking that this flag is about "hating". Slavery was reluctantly added to the War Order (Emancipation Proclamation) by Abraham Lincoln after the war had been underway almost 2 years. The Southern States choose only to secede from the Union after having unfair tarrifs and taxes placed on manufactured goods being purchased from England and France. These tariffs were enacted by the Northern powers to protect Nothern manufacturing. This, plus a President being placed in power without the consensus of the entire Union. Lincoln was not even listed on many Southern ballots. These facts lead to the South's decision to secede. This sounds strangely familiar to the reasons those original 13 colonies elected to break away from England.
It has been my recent experience that many local citizens support this flag but are afraid to state such for fear of ridicule by those less informed citizens.
Politicians; please focus on the real problems in Trimble and Dyer County, many have been listed in previous blogs. We have had 2 local industries announce large lay-offs in recent weeks and Friday's paper was full of criminal indictments. This are those things for which you, our local elected officials, are paid to be concerned.
Let the flag fly!
My greatest hope is that from all of this controversy, someone will step up and run against Mayor Stark in the election. Trimble has too many problems as everyone has stated, to have it's "leadership" spending all of it's time worrying over a flag. I also think that the only reason he included the comment from his pastor was to try to give himself more credibility, which he obviously needs. He should take a look at the state gazette poll results, or maybe actually talk to some citizens of his town and find out that, (newsflash) the great majority of people do not agree with him!
Mr. Stark needs to take a look at the poll currently on the State Gazette website concerning the flag flying over Dyer County. I think the people have spoken.
Mayor Starks needs to be better educated about southern heritage, and stop letting the upper-class dictate to him how the town of trimble should be run ! i am american by birth and southern by the grace of god ! let the flag fly. there is no hope for growth in trimble,city goverment has killed it !!!!
Why has the city of Dyersburg got anything to do with what goes on in Trimble? Dyersburg has enough problems without trying to run Trimble
Mr. Stark fears there will be no economic development at Trimble bacause of the Confederate flag. How wrong he is! Confederte flags fly on I-65 just 5 miles from the North American HQ of Nissan at Franklin. Additional flags fly at Winstead Hill and the Carnton Cemetery at Franklin. That town is booming. The Saturn division of GM gave several acres, including the plantation house RippaVilla, for a Civil War museum at Spring Hill. The Confederate flag flies there on many occasions. A Confederate flag flies along I-40 at Monterey, their mayor has not found it to be an economic barrier. Another flag flies along I-24 in Coffee County. Industry moves to this area regularly, including a $12 million development this week.
Mr. Stark needs to remember that in most of the world, especially in Japan and Europe, citizens remember their history and their ancestors. These people, the source of much investment in the U.S., are not upset by those in this country who do as they do--remember the past, honor their families.
Mr. Stark fears there will be no economic development at Trimble bacause of the Confederate flag. How wrong he is! Confederte flags fly on I-65 just 5 miles from the North American HQ of Nissan at Franklin. Additional flags fly at Winstead Hill and the Carnton Cemetery at Franklin. That town is booming. The Saturn division of GM gave several acres, including the plantation house RippaVilla, for a Civil War museum at Spring Hill. The Confederate flag flies there on many occasions. A Confederate flag flies along I-40 at Monterey, their mayor has not found it to be an economic barrier. Another flag flies along I-24 in Coffee County. Industry moves to this area regularly, including a $12 million development this week.
Mr. Stark needs to remember that in most of the world, especially in Japan and Europe, citizens remember their history and their ancestors. These people, the source of much investment in the U.S., are not upset by those in this country who do as they do--remember the past, honor their families.
IT IS A SOUTHERN THING!!! IT IS A PART OF HISTORY!
LET IT FLY!!!!
IT IS A SHAME THAT PEOPLE FEEL OFFENDED BY THIS FLAG . SMALL GROUPS ALWAYS SEEM TO FIND SOMETHING THAT IS NOT TO THEIR LIKING .THIS COUNTRY IS LOOSING ALL ITS HISTORICAL ,NATIONAL AND, FAMILY VALUES BECAUSE ONE INDIVIDUAL IS OFFENDED .TAKING THIS FLAG AWAY DOES NOT CHANGE THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY, JUST TO APPEASE THE FEW .THE AMERICAN FLAG SAW MORE DAYS OF SLAVERY THAN THE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG. WOULD YOU ALSO COUNCIL TO HAVE IT REMOVED ? LIVE PROUD FOR AMERICAN MEN WHO FOUGHT BEYOND THEIR MEANS HISTORY OF AMERICA THAT CANNOT BE CHANGED .250,000 MEN WHO DIED DESERVE THIS RIGHT .
Good people of Trimble;
THANK YOU! From reading your posts to this thread, you are obviously more enlightened than your mayor. Thank you for understanding that the Parks Cemetery Ridge Flag is part of a memorial to Confederate soldiers. It represents heritage, not hate. It could have a positive economic effect on Trimble by increasing traffic and tourism. Why not have the city build a museum or interpretive center to attract visitors for the real history of the war between the states. I betcha that Mr. Parks would be ready to jump on that bandwagon if somebody asked, and it would financially benefit Trimble.
Now, how about openly showing your support for the flag? To the best of my knowledge, there is no city ordinance in Trimble against flying a flag at your house. I know that times and money are tight with the recent layoffs from area employers, but you can buy a 3X5 Confederate Battle Flag relatively cheap. I ask the good and decent people of Trimble, and all of Dyer County, to join me in displaying a Confederate Battle Flag in front of their homes. Lets send a message to his Dishonor, Mayor Stark and all the elected officials in Dyer County. The message is, they were OUR ancestors, they were NATIVE sons, they fought to protect OUR way of life, it is OUR heritage, it is OUR constitutional right to display the flag, and it is OUR votes that will determine if they remain in office. I will buy my flag and hang in it front of my home in the morning. Please join me and make your feelings known. Thank you for your support of this important issue.
Everyone seen and heard what jim stark said,his pastor does not like the flag. Jim is only worried about the so called upper class citizens of this town of OURS.This is not the first time he has spoke for the people of Trimble without finding out how we,as a whole, feel.Sounds like to me his teacher wife needs to introduce him to a good history teacher for a few lessons.I dont know about his, but some of my family ancestors fought and died for us to have the RIGHT to fly the flag of our choice be it the AMERICAN flag or the CONFEDERATE flag.With all this said, LET THE FLAG FLY AND APPRECIATE WHAT IT REALLY STANDS FOR!!!!!!
What do they need to worry about the flag or drugs .you would think drugs but you see it is the flag.Way to go mayor & alderman.Wake up trimble.
This is very disappointing news. The Dyer County Zoning Board is obviously more concerned with political correctness than doing the honorable thing.
I've never lived in the South. As a Northerner, I respect the Confederate Flag very much.
The planned display of the Confederate flag was a way to show a measure of appreciation for those honorable men who fought so gallantly against invasion of their homeland.
Let the Flag Fly !
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www.trimbletennessee.com
I agree with candle1 and the others who basically said that Trimble is going downhill fast. The old factory has needed to be torn down for a long time...the grocery store is gone...there are hardly any cops, and none that are on duty 24/7. Trimble is almost a ghost town, business wise. Like Candle1 said, the only growing in that town is the drug trade. But I don't think that anyone that will do anything about it will be voted into office. There are too many well to do families that only want relatives or people like them in office..and no one wants to stir up trouble or make waves. That's why Trimble is in the shape it's in.
Way to go tellitlikeitis...You hit the nail on the head as did the rest of you. And no telling what could happen in that factory. The doors have been left wide open 24/7 for months. At one time kids were going in there and skateboarding. What if someone got seriously hurt, and if so how long before someone would have found them. And as for developing the community; the only grocery store Trimble had closed, I believe since Stark has been Mayor.....And way before "that" flag went up. If they would concentrate more on cleaning up the community, (that factory and the trashy rental property) then a flag that many see as a historical symbol, perhaps the town would at least reflect the sign we read when entering each day.
What a shame that some people are so selfish as to deny part of our heritage. That flag to me is a memorial to the brave men and women who gave their lives to make this country what it is today.
No matter what you think about the past, it all had a place in history and you can not erase it.
"You have to remember a lot of Americans see that flag as a symbol of repression." Jim Stark
Mr. Stark,
Here is a newsflash for you. A lot of Americans do not see "that flag" as you call it a symbol of repression. That flag is a part of the history of the southern states. A lot of people, including many people in Trimble, had relatives that fought proudly and courageously for "that flag". The confederate battle flag should be preserved and honored because it is a part of history. People who are misinformed, such as yourself it appears, always start by calling it repugnant or they immediately play the race card. As far as residential and industrial development goes in Trimble there is none at all. Since you have been Mayor nothing has been developed in either area. There is a trashy building in the middle of town that used to be a factory that should be torn down. That building is a complete eyesore and dare I say, repugnant. I am sure the people that live around it would love to see it go. One thing is for certain, the election is coming up for Mayor and you will NOT be getting my vote.
This flag will make it impossible to develop our community? NO. This community has been lacking development for years and will continue to do so. It has nothing to do with the flag.
The only thing developing in Trimble is the drug trade.
MAYBE MR STARKS PASTOR NEEDS TO UPBRAID HIM ON A FEW OTHER THINGS. IT'S A SHAME WE ALL DO NOT HAVE THE SAME TIME ON OUR HANDS AS MR STARK. HE SAILS AROUND THE WORLD AND READS WHAT A GREAT OCCUPATION. I'VE NEVER REALLY KNOWN HIM TO HAVE A JOB. WHERE DID HE WORK 30 YRS AGO?
oh boy oh boy!!!
Maybe Stark's pastor is right, the mayor is supposed to be one part of a support system for the town/city he represents. It is one battle flag out of many many other ones. Instead of worrying about stepping on peoples toes by having a flag flying over the area people should support the fact that it is in honor and memory of all the ones who fought and died in this particular era. As I have said before and will continue to say
"I AM GLAD THAT THE FLAG IS FLYING OVER MY CITY."