Residents of Plum Island in Newburyport, MA have been told that they cannot fly American flags because of an endangered breed of bird that nests on the island. Just in time for July 4th and America’s 250th celebrations.
Giving this as a reason for a ban on flags doesn’t even make sense.
FOX News reports:
Massachusetts homeowners stunned after town warns July 4 flags threaten endangered birdsResidents of a coastal Massachusetts town say that they were warned that flying flags on their own properties could violate endangered species laws, sparking outrage in the community just days before the nation’s 250th anniversary.Plum Island homeowners recently received a notice from the Town of Newbury warning that it had “become aware of the use of devices and materials intended to deter” protected shorebirds from using local beach and dune systems. The letter listed “mylar streamers, flags, [and] reflective materials” as examples of such devices.The letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, goes on to caution that “activities intended to deter protected shorebirds from utilizing suitable habitat may be viewed as harassment or disruption of normal feeding, nesting, or migratory behavior,” which is prohibited under the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, and “carry significant regulatory and financial penalties.””Non-compliance may result in state or federal enforcement actions and, thus, the Town urges residents to comply with applicable state and federal wildlife protection laws,” the notice states.Longtime residents of the beach community were stunned by the letter, interpreting the inclusion of “flags” as targeting their Independence Day celebrations. Marc Sarkady, who has lived on the island for over 30 years, said he was outraged.”Are you serious?” Sarkady said, recounting his reaction in an interview with Fox News Digital. “You’re telling me I can’t fly American flags on my property to celebrate America 250?”Sarkady said the area features roughly “10 miles of open beach” completely free of houses where birds can freely roam.
I have a theory for why this is really happening, and it goes back to something Rush Limbaugh talked about way back in 2011.
Patriotic displays make people more Republican.
From the Rush Limbaugh website:
Harvard Libs Admit Fourth of July Celebrations are for ConservativesFrom the US News & World Report, Harvard University says that July 4th parades are just a bunch of right-wing movements and Democrats don’t even bother showing up. “Democratic political candidates can skip this weekend’s July 4th parades. A new Harvard University study finds that July 4th parades energize only Republicans, turn kids into Republicans, and help to boost the GOP turnout of adults on Election Day. ‘Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation’s political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party,’ said the report from Harvard.”Finally they admit it, the Democrats don’t care about the nation’s founding. They admit it! They admit that celebrating the founding of this nation is a Republican event. It’s a conservative event that liberals are not welcome, that liberals don’t care, and that they don’t show up.“The three key findings of those attending July 4th celebrations: When done before the age of 18, it increases the likelihood of a youth identifying as a Republican by at least 2 percent. It raises the likelihood that parade watchers will vote for a Republican candidate by 4 percent. It boosts the likelihood a reveler will vote by about 1 percent and increases the chances they’ll make a political contribution by 3 percent. What’s more, the impact isn’t fleeting. ‘Surprisingly, the estimates show that the impact on political preferences is permanent, with no evidence of the effects depreciating as individuals become older,’ said the Harvard report.”Is that not stunning? Or is it stunning? What does this say about the patriotism of liberals? What does this say? Fourth of July parades make people vote Republican. Fourth of July parades turn kids into Republicans.
It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?
Featured image via YouTube.
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