Las Vegas Now Blogs » Super-Sized American Flag

A local Las Vegas Hummer dealer has been pitted against the city because of a large American flag on an oversize pole. The City Council ordered Towbin Hummer to take it down within 60 days.

How do you feel about this decision?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 at 2:52 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

36 Comments »

Let freedom ring - and let the flag fly!

Comment by Susan — May 23, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
Give me a break, Mr. Towbin was exploiting the flag for personal profit. To take it down is NOT unpatriotic in any way!

Comment by Richard Hansen — May 23, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
I wonder if the city counsil thinks the flag is too big, what about the lives lost so we can have that tooooo big flag. Hang the city counsil from the flag pole!!!

Comment by Linda — May 23, 2007 @ 4:12 pm
No one should be told to take down an american flag.

Comment by Renee Williams — May 23, 2007 @ 4:13 pm
Unless the flag is so large that it endangers pedestrians, I say leave the flag alone, let it fly. There should be MORE oversized flags waving in the city and country.

Comment by Albert — May 23, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
Don’t take the flag down. What about the flags that are at the gas stations around town? Aren’t they the same size at Towbins? At this time in America, we need all the patriotic display of support we can get!

Comment by Jean — May 23, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
LET THE FLAG FLY THIS IS AMERICA AND WE SHOULD HAVE MORE AROUND THE CITY.THE RESIDENTS THAT LIVE NEAR BY NEED TO GET ALIFE.HOW ABOUT THE 2 AMERICAN FLAGS AT SAHARA & JONES AT THE GAS STATION.I DONT HEAR ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THOSE.LETS REMEMBER THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE NEXT ELECTION.

Comment by KIM — May 23, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
There are worse things than with an oversized flag representing America and Patriotism, no matter what the reason is. People use sex to sell merchandise and promote businesses, how the hell can it now be criminal to raise our proud flag? Let us have names of those who insist that flag comes down, so we know who doesn’t deserve the benefits of our Constitution that is tarnished every day! This comment comes from one who still believes in God and what our flag was intended to represent without her usual smile.

Comment by SoCaliforniaBeach — May 23, 2007 @ 4:50 pm
I’ve seen the flag. It’s great. No one complains about the huge American flag at every Terrible Herbst location. If Mr. Towbin wishes to build a Veteran’s Memorial at the base of the flag, that is great but I think it is silly that he be required to do so. I don’t envision anyone making a pilgrimage to the Towbin dealership to see such a memorial. The only people who might see it are those who want to own a Hummer and who can afford one. I don’t fall in either category. More power to free enterprise.

Comment by John A. Smith — May 23, 2007 @ 6:00 pm
The people flying the flag are americans and proud of their country so LET THE FLAG FLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Jim H. — May 23, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
In a time when our men and women have their lives on the line on foreign soil; when the infrastructure of the Las Vegas Valley is buckling under the weight of its growing population; when nurses and teachers are drowning in their workload; and the death rate on our roads are rising like a thermometer on a hot July day; we want to spend precious time disputing the height of a flag. When do we, as citizens of Las Vegas, focus our energies on the priorities of this community and addressing issues that improve our lives here in this Valley? Yes, it often feels overwhelming, yet what will be solved if either side wins or will anyone remember the outcome next year. Will the flag provide healthcare, police protection, or education for our children? It may provide a patriotic symbol for those of us that have a love for this country, but it will not influence where I buy my car. I appreciate Towbin’s attempt at patriotism and a memorial will provide education about the people who helped keep this flag flying. Please let us move on from this issue to an era where the needs of the people become a greater rousing cry to action than a flag that grew 60 feet too tall. With great leadership and a commitment to civic accountability and responsibility, our City Council can regain its integrity and respect by improving the community we live in. Let the flag fly and encourage the City Council to create a priority list that will focus their energies toward a solution-oriented approach to the many issues that Las Vegas faces. Thank you.

Comment by Tim Vietmeier — May 23, 2007 @ 8:25 pm
why should he be made to take the flag down, he is promoting patriotism. there should be more flags flying in this town. leave the man alone.

Comment by P. BLANTON — May 23, 2007 @ 8:40 pm
The flag is not that much bigger than what Terrible’s fly at their stores. There happens to be two stores a block away flying flags almost the same size. I say keep it up and flying proudly. Mr. Towbin should fight it all the way to the Supreme Court

Comment by kevin — May 23, 2007 @ 8:44 pm
LET THE FLAG FLY, WE NEED TO BE REMINDED HOW GREAT OUR COUNTRY IS!

Comment by Cindi — May 24, 2007 @ 12:34 am
First, let me say that flying the American Flag anywhere its legal is fine by me. Having said that and knowing Dan Towbin he is doing it for no other reason than to attract customers and make money. The tactics used by him and his son on unsuspecting customers are known throughout the valley.

Comment by paul — May 24, 2007 @ 7:25 am
Let it fly. We are a free country. This is our life. It shows we are free for because the flag is still standing.

Comment by Dennis Hines — May 24, 2007 @ 8:31 am
If you know the entire story that goes along with this flag you may feel alittle differently. Towbin is supposed to build a Memorial to Vets, this was a condition of getting the flag pole above normal height. So far all he has done is pour some concrete. Come on Mr. Towbin, build the memorial you were supposed to build in the first place and I bet you get to leave the flag in place. Show your true american spirit, not just your side to do whatever it takes to attract business and make a buck.

Comment by Krynn — May 24, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
let the flag fly… in a town where you can drive on streets and see bill boards with naked butts in your face, a mayor who has a showgirl on one arm and a bottle of vodka in
another, and we are questioning man flying a large flag? i dont think its a ploy i think people are making it to be a ploy
let the flag fly…………..

Comment by cynthia — May 24, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
I work 150 feet from the flag and smile every day when I drive up and see that BIG flag and remember that we have troops overseas so that Tobin can fly that flag. This is still America land of the free. I have heard that the flag makes too much noise and it is too big. I cannot hear it from my office door and is there such a thing as too big. I have seen pictures of flags in fields that cover acres. I do not believe that the flag is being used to sell cars, if it was, wouldn’t all car dealerships have one up? If that flag was flying over a school or a hospital would the neighbors object? Get a life people, put your energy into some serious stuff. Fight some real injustices in the world.

Comment by Amy — May 24, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
This is America - let the flag fly!!!
So what if the flag is huge - our loss of men/women in this alone is huge!!!

Comment by Vicky — June 2, 2007 @ 9:39 am
Take it down. We have standards as to size and height of flags. The Hummer dealer wants to exceed those limititations for commercial interests, not patriotic ones. They tried to sidestep the standards by promising a “memorial” on the site, which they failed to provide. Kudos to the City Council (on this issue, anyway) for not letting the Hummer dealer sugar-coat and soft-pedal their code violations. Neighbors are justified in complaining about the noise. Grab an ordinary twin-sized bed sheet and “snap” it as hard as you can; multiply that “pop” by 100 or more - and make sure someone does it continually, outside your window while you’re trying to sleep!

Comment by Ray Parker — June 6, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
i live near this huge flag and when the wind blows it is very loud! i wish you people could hear how loud it is, but you people are too busy to take the time and listen to what i am talking about! PLEASE TAKE IT DOWN NOW!!!

Comment by Uncle Sam — June 16, 2007 @ 4:55 pm
I don’t know about the people who say to take the flag down. I served my country with pride, having to get my parent’s to sign for me because I was too young. The American flag is a symbol of Honor and Pride. Thousands of Americans have died or shed blood for the right to fly the flag high. I think it is fitting to fly the flag over a Towbin dealership, they sell hummers, hmmmm, what a thought. I have lived out of a HUMVEE when I was abroad. Outstanding vehicle, outstanding FLAG! I’ll say one thing, I would much rather sleep under the sound of our flag flapping freely in the wind, THAN THE SOUND OF ENEMY ARTILLERY AT OUR DOORSTEP!
I can say that I have fought to defend our right to say our opinions on this, and this is mine. But I ask this, without your freedom to complain about whatever you want, where would you be?

Comment by sean — June 18, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
I say leave the flag alone…..so what if you can hear it huh!……Its better to hear our flag flapping then hearing screams of horror that our troops are hearing everyday.
YOU GET A LIFE and STOP being a whining baby

Freedom and God Bless America

Comment by Vivian — June 19, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
if the flag is breaking the law it should be taken down. if people who live near the flag are complaining, it should be taken down. it should be replaced by the mexican flag in any case. that would be nice.

Comment by el kabong — June 21, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
it is just nauseating seeing idiotic comments that equate flying a flag with being patriotic. that oversized flag is nothing more than an advertising billboard. that is a flagrant misuse of our flag. if neighbors are complaining about the noise, why can’t the auto dealer satisfy his needs to fly a flag and be a good neighbor at the same time. he is just a greedy merchant and those who think his flag is a symbol of what this country stands for need to get a reality check. using the flag for commercial purposes is spitting on the grave of all who fought and died for this country. i served in the military and it is disgusting to see the superficiality of psuedo-patriots supporting the misuse of our flag.

Comment by buzz — June 21, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
I say let it stay up. If a business or person wants to show their patroitism, I say let them. BUT it is a free country, and one of those freedoms is being able to voice your opinion and avail yourself of your rights to quiet enjoyment. They should have reached a compromise and been done with it.

Comment by Las Vegas Guru — June 23, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
I cant believe you guys! Our flag is a sing of Freedom in the USA. And for putting up a Mexican flag go to Mexico this is United States buddy. The flapping you cant hear it, its a snap hear and there. Come on you guys are sad if you have that much time to complain about our beautiful flag. Its our right our freedom. Don’t you live in the land of the free?? Duh! Think of every man and woman over seas fighting for you to live each day. If you say they have it for more people to buy boyu are you more then wrong.

Comment by nono — June 29, 2007 @ 9:16 pm
I say let the flag fly!!! To “el kabong” who suggested we replace it with the Mexican flag — YOU are the reason immigration is becoming an issue. Your country wasn’t GOOD enough for you to stay there, but yet you want to come to the U.S. and praise the glories of your country — take a hike.

Comment by gabby — July 1, 2007 @ 8:15 am
The majority of the things that come in a bigger sizes are sometimes better. I mean this persons patriotism is huge and the love he shows is pride in his country. Speak out, show your love and God Bless America

Comment by D Cardona — July 6, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
“BUZZ” I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENT!!
THESE PEOPLE DO NEED A SERIOUS REALITY CHECK AND PROFESSIONAL HELP!!

Comment by thomas hazelwood — July 31, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
I’ve been following this and asking myself, “Why would a guy spend this much time and money (legal fees, court fees, etc.) on this - instead of just settling on the lower pole with a smaller flag?” Then it hit me: Mr. Towbin has got to be LOVIN’ this! There’s no amount of money that could buy all the notoriety (positive or negative, the Towbin Hummer name is on everybody’s lips) he’s getting over this controversy. In the final analysis, it’s all just a commercial ploy, plain and simple. It just happens to have worked out a hundred-fold better than he ever imagined. The rich get richer . . .

Comment by Ray Parker — August 7, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Take the flag down. The people that live there have to listen to it flap in the wind and I’m sure it is irritating. On a windy day, I know my neighbor’s regular size flag is a earful. Personal property rights should prevail here.

Tobwin is just flying it for publicity. He can put up a smaller flag at the front door and still ‘display’ his commercial patriotic duty.

Comment by Pat Kelly — August 23, 2007 @ 10:20 am
It’s not about the flag, people.
It’s about getting a Pavolian response to that flag from people to make them feel like shopping is “patriotic”.
It makes me ill to see these gigantic flags flying over these businesses.
Why does this car dealership need a big-a$$ed flag flying over their car lot?!
They’re no more patriotic than anyone else.
It’s a calculated business move. Nothing more.
Smarten up, people.

Comment by cleopatraj — October 3, 2007 @ 8:30 pm
This is..the Land of the Free…right…Politics/ Nevada probably would rather Towbin fly a banner advertising
Gambling/Casinos/Dancers/or last but not least how
a short drive just outside city limits you can get
a hooker legally! Ha———–

Comment by Tamra — November 11, 2007 @ 6:20 am
Too big a flag & too small a brain on the city council. If this is what they have to do then my next trip will be to Reno or Atlantic City. I wouldn’t spend one dollar in Vegas until the Fascist go. You can’t put up to big an AMERICAN FLAG. We need more of this and if he is using it for publicity then more power to him. I spoke with MAYORS office and she tried to argue with me and I said you don’t get it NO DOUGH FOR VEGAS. I will vote with my dollars.

Kansas City supports the AMERICAN FLAG

Comment by T. J. Clark — January 29, 2008 @ 12:57 pm

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