The American flag

should be viewed as neither offensive nor its honorable display be interpreted

as any person's opinion regarding current events or politics. On the contrary,

it is insulting that there is ever a question of an inappropriate time

to fly our flag in honor of our country.

As for the flag pins

provided "to the staff members to wear if they choose" (on the

afternoon of April 16, 2003), they were provided as an afterthought regarding

this issue, not to commemorate or support our troops or country. The influx

of telephone complaints to the hospital reportedly prompted a flag to

be hastily affixed to the front of the hospital.

The purchase and maintenance

of a flagpole and flag versus purchase of medical equipment is the poorest

comparison for a facility that boasted a substantial profit the last fiscal

year. Furthermore, the comment of "getting the staff trained,"

is inconsequential. Many years ago, it was considered an honor that befitted

the most privileged of school children to raise, lower and fold the flag.

It is a task that may be mastered by the smallest of school children to

the oldest veteran.

As for any future

expansion of Fayette Community Hospital, the only "conflict"

the hospital administrators may be faced with are the surrounding communities

expressing their sentiments of disapproval by taking their health care

issues to other medical facilities.

Name withheld by request

An employee of

Fayette Community Hospital