Letter to the Editor

There is currently a bill before our legislators in committee that would protect a homeowner's right to fly the American flag from a flagpole in their own yards.  One might think that such a measure is not needed.  However, although your right to burn the American flag is protected by the U.S. Constitution, your right to fly it is not and unfortunately Homeowner's Associations (HOA) all across the great State of Tennessee are prohibiting their residence from flying Ole Glory.  I know this because I too have been forced by my HOA to take my American flag down or risk fines, liens, or loss of community privileges.

This same bill got stuck in sub-committee last year. I know that given the huge issues our legislators face regarding TennCare and the budget, it runs the risk of being stuck in committee again this year. I urge you to contact your Legislative Representatives to keep this bill moving. The members of the House Judiciary Committee, where this bill is currently stalled, are Chris Newton, Henri Brooks, Jerome Cochran, Kim McMillan, and Janis Sontany. The respective members of the Senate Judiciary Committee holding the fate of this bill are Curtis Person, Doug Jackson, Tommy Kilby, Stephen Cohen, David Fowler, Jamie Hagood, Joe Haynes, Jeff Miller, and Mark Norris.

The internet links to email these Representatives are:

http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/senate/members/smembers.htm
http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/house/members/hmembers.htm#Find

I look forward to any questions or comments regarding this.  I can be reached at jhunter19@tds.net

Sincerely,
Jesse Hunter, Mt. Juliet, TN.
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