It is with extreme sadness that I report to you the death of a once great nation, or at least its very debilitating and failing health.

I hope the news print does the above photo justice showing the detail of the shredded flag. It is an absolute outrage, a slap in the face to our veterans, a complete disgrace to the citizens of our fair city of Sutter Creek and the citizens of the United States.

It is a wonder to me how the leaders of our community can participate in the careless desecration of one of our countries most precious symbols of freedom. A symbol recognized for freedom through out the world. Are we not asked to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag at every open public meeting held by the city council. How then can they oversee the desecration of our flag while simultaneously pledging allegiance to it?

I am personally ashamed of what I witnessed of the American flag on Christmas Day at the Sutter Creek Cemetery. Please enlighten me. Is this the politically correct treatment for the American flag these days? You see, I am unsure, as I am not usually recognized for my political correctness.

It appears the flag flies day and night. As I recall proper flag etiquette, the flag shall be illuminated during the hours of darkness. However, proper flag etiquette went out the window years ago. There was a time when it was taught in school. Apparently a past practice, so it is impracticable to expect anyone but those of us (but not all of us) recognized as senior citizens to understand the ramifications of mistreating our flag.

Perhaps someone from city hall can explain why they have treated the American flag with such disrespect. I would love to hear the excuses. "Not in the budget." "Ah gee wiz, I guess so and so overlooked it." "It's not my job." "It is not the city's responsibility." "Quite honestly, I just don't care." As the mayor, city council, city manager/chief of police, city planner, city whatever, there is no excuse. The right and proper response is "I/we (elected city official) apologize to the citizens of Sutter Creek, the veterans of our community and the families of those buried in our cemetery and I/we pledge never to allow this to happen again."