One of our local minor politicians is trying to have a law passed that requires the American flag to be flown on the highest part of any staff. He seems to feel that flying the flag off a gaff at the local marinas and yacht clubs is an affront.
Now, the flagpole at a marina is not considered the same type of stick as a flagpole in front of the library. Traditionally, it is considered a mast, and the place of honor for the US Ensign on a gaff-rigged boat is at the peak of the gaff. No flag or burgee is flown above the Ensign (that is, on the same hoist), although flags may be flown on a higher part of the mast. This arrangement is entirely within proper flag etiquette, even if it looks incorrect to a land lubber.
Now, I cannot understand why my alderman is wasting our city’s time with this absurd debate when five minutes with a reference book would show him his error. Perhaps he is concerned for our National Security, as we all know that international terrorists choose their targets based upon how the flag is flown at minor ports on Long Island Sound.
Yet another point for my general contempt for politicians.
While it seems that your rant is both accurate and merited, I doubt your ability to raise much sympathy for the oppressed yacht owners of America.
You should just fly the flag where they tell you to as you cruise about the bay sipping Gin and Tonics and remark idly to your bikini clad bimbo du jour “I wonder what the poor are doing today.”
Ooooh, you’ve hit on one of my pet peeves. It’s not people who think that the National Ensign should not be flown at the gaff. That’s ignorance that can be fought. What pisses me off is people who have explained to them that the gaff is the position of honor, and where the National Ensign should be flown, and then refuse honor this important point of flag etiquette.
Dammit, a flagpole with a gaff on a shore-based marine institution is supposed to represent the after mast of a gaff-rigged sailing vessel. On a vessel, you put the National Ensign in the position of honor at the stern of the vessel, and underway this is the gaff of the mizzen (aftermost) sail. Not underway (or on a vessel that is not gaff rigged) the Ensign is flown from the stern staff.
Most of the time when you explain that to people, they say “I understand” and go on their merry way a little less ignorant. But you get some dunderheads who can’t seem to get that the point of honor is NOT the point that is highest in the sky. Worse still are those flagpole owners who know the correct rule, but put the Ensign at the masthead rather than the gaff because they can’t be bothered explaining to idiots why they’ve done it right.
Have no fear about the resolution, though. It is unconstitutional on its face. Any attempt to enforce this local regulation that is in contravention of national and international custom would be immediately struck down by the courts.
Ooooh, you’ve hit on one of my pet peeves. It’s not people who think that the National Ensign should not be flown at the gaff. That’s ignorance that can be fought. What pisses me off is people who have explained to them that the gaff is the position of honor, and where the National Ensign should be flown, and then refuse honor this important point of flag etiquette.
Dammit, a flagpole with a gaff on a shore-based marine institution is supposed to represent the after mast of a gaff-rigged sailing vessel. On a vessel, you put the National Ensign in the position of honor at the stern of the vessel, and underway this is the gaff of the mizzen (aftermost) sail. Not underway (or on a vessel that is not gaff rigged) the Ensign is flown from the stern staff.
Most of the time when you explain that to people, they say “I understand” and go on their merry way a little less ignorant. But you get some dunderheads who can’t seem to get that the point of honor is NOT the point that is highest in the sky. Worse still are those flagpole owners who know the correct rule, but put the Ensign at the masthead rather than the gaff because they can’t be bothered explaining to idiots why they’ve done it right.
Have no fear about the resolution, though. It is unconstitutional on its face. Any attempt to enforce this local regulation that is in contravention of national and international custom would be immediately struck down by the courts.
Take that alerdman down to the nearest Navy, Coast Guard, Army, or NOAAS ship. He might have a stroke when he sees how they all “dishonor” the US flag by not displaying it his way.
I’m afraid you’re mistaken. Martinis tend to slosh out of those diagonal-sided glasses while underway. The greater freeboard of a Gin & Tonic in an Old-Fashioned glass makes for a much more seaworthy drink.
And besides, what self-respecting bikini-clad bimbo would converse with a yacht owner whose Ensign is at the main-truck rather than the gaff?
Bikinis? Seabiscuit is hardly a “babe magnet,” especially with The Wife and several assorted children aboard. Folks at the yacht club tend to throw coins in the water when we sail past and seem slightly put out when we do not dive for them.
