HB 2702: AN ACT Relating to flying flags from Washington state ferry system vessels and terminals
— by Lin McNulty —
A bill introduced into the House of Representatives in Olympia, would prohibiting the flying of certain flags from Washington state ferry system vessels and terminals
HB 2702, solely sponsored by Representative Brad Klippert (R-Kennewick), specifically states that the Washington state ferry system may not fly a flag on any vessel or terminal that it operates, other than the flag of the United States, the flag of Washington state, or a maritime flag.
The bill currently resides (since January 19) in the Transportation Committee awaiting a first reading.
Is there not more important public safety issues at hand to spend out tax dollars on than this? Many times the Legislature runs out of time & money on important bills as is. Am I missing something?
I would like to invite Mr Klippert to our community. To have a discussion with our residents and explain the true meaning behind his bill. I would like him to explain WHY he thinks this is important.
The truth behind Mr Klipperts action is that he refuses to acknowledge that not only have the voters of Washington voted for equality, but the courts have affirmed the rights to equality. He is offended that anyone might take a moment to celebrate that occasion by legally and appropriately flying a symbolic flag on a ferry. If the Captain of the ferry saw fit to display a flag, then I trust that he or she has done so knowing that it is appropriate. Instead of joining in the celebration of momentous occasions, Mr Klippert has decided that the best action to take is to waste legislative time and money looking for a way to continue to suppress the rights of certain citizens through unnecessary legislation fronting a discriminatory intent.
Here’s hoping that the rest of our legislature kills this bill for the fraud that it is and that the voters of Kennewick see fit to show Mr Klippert the door in the next election for wasting OUR tax dollars on his biggoted agenda.
Appalling waste of time and money. Mr. Klippert doesn’t have to root for the Seahawks, but he shouldn’t prevent others from showing their 12th Man Pride. (Yes, I know what this is really about. Just trying to add a little levity.)
Another example of the complete breakdown of our government. Our legislative body can’t find the time or will power to comply with the court ordered funding of our school systems. Yet they have time to devote to this? These people need to get their priorities straight.
I must respectfully disagree with my fellow islanders and see the value for all Washington state residents in Mr. Klippert’s reasoning. Should a ferry captain, ferry terminal manager or any other person in charge of a state facility be allowed to fly any flag they choose regardless of how offensive to some the flag may be? Any flag not legally forbidden could be flown. It is discrimination to fly the flag of one sports team and not others. Flags of ethnic origin, private organizations, commercial enterprises, political points of view and flags of personal points of view may not be illegal but would certainly prove to be offensive to others. Flying the colors of government entities that have jurisdiction on public property is neither discriminatory or offensive. This is the purpose for such well intended legislation.
The waste of precious time and money notwithstanding, this issue ONLY needs to be within the purview of WSF management and the Masters of the ferry vessels. A directive that flying other than the U.S., State, and appropriate maritime flags is not authorized. Otherwise, one would question where the line should be drawn. In the extreme, the Yakima would look like a Mardi Gras float sailing across the Salish Sea.
That having been said, I agree with the comments above that legislators who can’t focus on priorities like adequate school funding should be voted out of office asap.
I suppose I agree with Ed- just issue a directive to not fly any flags except xxx, xxx & xxx. But to do what Klippert is doing for the reasons he is doing it and the time and money he is wasting on it is the real issue of discussion.
Quit wasting our time and money with needless legislation while the $100,000 per day fine against you for failing to take proper steps toward educational funding continues to tick away.
More clown show action in Olympia.