That Chair In The Air

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Friday, February 1, 2013

World photo/Don Seabrook

Electrical contractor Lorne McCandlish says he plans to keep this plastic deck chair — representing President Barack Obama — flying from his shop’s flagpole until Obama leaves office. McCandlish, 63, hoisted the chair in protest at his GS Center Road office shortly after the president’s Nov. 6 re-election, along with another chair on the 65-foot flagpole at his home. The “empty chair” meme derives from Clint Eastwood’s speech at the Republican National Convention, where the actor addressed a chair as if it were Obama. People sometimes stop, take pictures and discuss the sight with McCandlish. “The symbol is the empty chair, the lack of leadership,” he said.

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EDDIEWAYNE 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Clint Eastwoods speech at the Republican national convention is universally recognized as one of the most ignorant and disgusting performances ever given at a national political convention. So fly that empty chair high because it's not the only thing thats empty at your business.

Taxguru 3 months, 2 weeks ago

GREATEST speech ever...!!!

Very fitting with the news this week about negative GDP growth in the 4th quarter and the Unemployment rate growing even higher this month..!

And the lack of leadership continues...

suncelt 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Gotta say, I think the chair is for attention, not for any real message. I've seen quite a few Presidents come and go and President Obama has shown that he is quite capable and willing to take charge of the things that his counterparts were unwilling to touch. You may not like it, but our job as citizens is to support our President, make our votes count and ask your representatives for what you want.

Dudleydoright 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Our job is to support the president? Please, he has trampled on the rights of those who object to his insurance mandate to cover contraceptives, the second ammendment is next. He is the worst president in my lifetime and is dispised by 50% of the population. Support the president? nope, nor his ill conceived policies that are shrinking our economy.

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Well, I agree with the empty chair concept, but I do hope Mr. McCandlish has enough class and common sense (quite similar qualities, eh) to fly the flag and not just his "chair statement". And please remember sir, the flag goes at the top of the pole, not the chair as Mr. Robbins states in the article.

That said, my question to you Mr. McCandlish is "Why do you exhibit an empty flagpole in this photo? Does the flag of our nation mean nothing to you?

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

lonedog3 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Well said Jimbo!

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Thanks Joe. It's just that I see no correlation between politicians and our flag. Mr. McCandlish's display is quite offensive to me. That is after all, a "flag" pole, not a furniture pole, and it appears to be a very nice one at that. Lighted for 24 hour per day display of that beautiful standard and yet he chooses to fly a chair rather than the colors so many of our citizens have fought and died for. He makes an empty statement in my mind and in my opinion he owes us all a sincere apology.

Meowzzz 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I agree, very well said Jimbo!

lonedog3 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Yes, as a veteran I fully agree! There are much better ways to show your dislike for an elected official without dishonoring the flag which so many husbands, wives, sons and daughters haven given their lives for. Yes, Mr. McCandish does have the right to show his dismay in this manner due to the fact so many soldiers, sailors, marines and airman gave their lives in order to protect his right to do so. Shameful? Yes very much so but sadly my brothers in arms died so he could commit this act of dishonor. Sadder yet, to me, the paper printed the story and picture without a disclaimer showing they disapprove of this act and do not agree with it. Yes Mr. McCandlish, you do have the right to commit this act of dishonor but you should be ashamed that flying a chair rather than the American flag is a complete dishonor to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice as well as all that served bravely under that flag protecting your right to do so!

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"Sadder yet, to me, the paper printed the story and picture without a disclaimer showing they disapprove of this act and do not agree with it."

Absolutely Joe. I was hoping to mention that but my reply seemed to be getting rather long. I don't think Mr. Robbins and his editor were thinking too well when they published the article as is either.

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"Sadder yet, to me, the paper printed the story and picture without a disclaimer showing they disapprove of this act and do not agree with it."

Do they do that with any other articles that might be controversial? I think not.

Why would they start now?

ranchers 3 months, 2 weeks ago

**Actually, I felt that the Clint Eastwood portion of the Republican National Convention was the highlight of the Convention---Perhaps you Liberals should set up your "free birth controls pills" booth adjacent to Mr. McCandish's flag pole---or better still invite Sandra Fluck to speak at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

carol 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"his GS Center Road office" What does GS Stand for???

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

When one erects a flag pole, is one obligated to fly a U.S. flag? If I flew, say, my family crest would that be disrespectful of the nation and dishonor servicemen past, present and future? I think not.

I think the only thing that would make this display better would be if McCandlish flew an empty suit from the pole, at least it would flap in the breeze much like Obama does.

ranchers 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Does anyone happen to remember during Obama's campaign, he used the American flag as his personal election symbol---except instead of 50 stars in the corner---he replaced it with a huge "0"----of course if you are an Obama supporter--he replaced the 57 stars with his big "0".

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"When one erects a flag pole, is one obligated to fly a U.S. flag?"

No . . . I guess one is not so obligated kyook, but should they raise any other nation's flag there they are obligated to fly the US Flag above all others. The US flag makes a statement, as does his chair. The flag of another nation makes a statement, just as his chair does. That considered, I believe if he is going to run anything up his pole (the intent of which is to fly flags) then he should place the US flag at the top, which would look pretty foolish. Of course, I think his chair in the air is pretty foolish too. It's his pole and he can do what he damn well wants, but I can also make the public statement that it offends me and that I don't believe the WW should have glorified his ridiculous action by placing a story in their publication. Of course, it's their publication and they can publish anything they like, but I (nor you) agree with everything they publish, now do we? Suffice to say, if I knew the man I would ask him to take it down and use the pole for it's intended purpose. I find it that offensive.

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

So, if one is not obligated to fly the flag of his nation of choice (assuming these poles are sold in multiple countries) and he is free to fly things other than flags, how is it that the "intended use" is limited to flags? When is a pole just a pole?

I have read the flag code and I am familiar with the protocols so I can understand your being offended if the chair was flown in conjunction with the flag or in another way that was contrary to code but there is no flag present. No harm, no foul.

You asked earlier, ""Why do you exhibit an empty flagpole in this photo? Does the flag of our nation mean nothing to you?" You ask the first question as if there is an obligation to fly the flag at all times. He doesn't fly an exhibit an empty pole, it has a chair on it. Of course the flag of our nation means something to him, he took it down, didn't he? What is he being disrespectful to, the pole?

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

As long as you are playing semantics kyook, what is that thing called that the chair is hanging from? Is it a pole, or a flagpole you ask? Seems to me that the pulley, cleat and halyard attached to the pole make it a flagpole. The floodlights further define the pole's intended function. It is definitely not just a pole. It has a distinct purpose and function. A dictionary defines the word "pole" in many ways, but I believe the hardware attached to this one defines the purpose of the one pictured in the article.

Perhaps you know this guy, or are even friends with him. There must be some reason for your half baked semantic defense of his actions. I have no idea, what purpose your defense of his action serves but you are making little sense and certainly you are not enlightening me with your half baked defense of his "right" to make the statements of his choosing. I'll bet you would just love to live next door to some character who runs his lawn furniture up the flagpole. I know you to be far less liberal than your support of his action makes you seem. Is there purpose in your defense?

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Oh my...where to start? I think I'll play Norm's game and address your questions one by each.

"As long as you are playing semantics kyook, what is that thing called that the chair is hanging from? Is it a pole, or a flagpole you ask?"

I think you know the answer to that one. In todays common vernacular, it's called a flagpole. That's not what is at question. What is at question is whether it's disrespectful to the flag to hang a chair from a flagpole. The very notion is as incomrehensible as it is ridiculous to me.

"Seems to me that the pulley, cleat and halyard attached to the pole make it a flagpole. The floodlights further define the pole's intended function."

It would seem that way, wouldn't it? But is the "intended function" the only allowable function? Are we not allowed to deviate from "intended" functions?

"It has a distinct purpose and function. A dictionary defines the word "pole" in many ways, but I believe the hardware attached to this one defines the purpose of the one pictured in the article."

And what is that? To hang the American flag and only the American flag with no deviation whatsoever?

"Perhaps you know this guy, or are even friends with him." Nope, never met him.

"There must be some reason for your half baked semantic defense of his actions."

Is the defense of the freedom of speech half baked in your opinion?

"I have no idea, what purpose your defense of his action serves but you are making little sense and certainly you are not enlightening me with your half baked defense of his "right" to make the statements of his choosing."

It has less to do with his "right" (it shouldn't really be put in quotation marks because it really isn't up for debate or even questionable whether he has the right to do this display) and more to do with how much you and lonedog are offended by some perceived affront to the flag where none is present. If you were as offended by every other violation of flag protocol that goes on on a daily basis you'd have nothing better to do than be perpetually offended. I'd think you'd have better things to do.

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Part II

"I'll bet you would just love to live next door to some character who runs his lawn furniture up the flagpole."

Wouldn't bother me a bit as long as it didn't rattle in the wind and keep me awake at night. Besides, how do you know I don't? My neighbor could run anything he likes up his flagpole (for lack of a better term) in order to exercise his freedom of speech and I would admire him for the courage of his conviction as long as the flag itself is not displayed at the same time on the same pole. No flag, no foul.

"I know you to be far less liberal than your support of his action makes you seem. Is there purpose in your defense?"

I am and always will be relentless in my defense of constitutional rights, ie: freedom of speech, as you should be. It baffles me how this display can be perceived as disrespectful to a flag that is so conspicuously absent. I guess it strikes me as an exercise in futility to allow somebody else to pull your strings so easily.

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

" If you were as offended by every other violation of flag protocol that goes on on a daily basis you'd have nothing better to do than be perpetually offended."

Ya know what? I am pretty much perpetually offended.

I can't explain it and I won't try to any more on this one, but somehow this goes beyond freedom of speech in my mind. He has every right I suppose, but I perceive him to have very poor taste as well. Among other things, I still respect the office of POTUS and will show more respect for it than to carry on a 4 year vendetta in the form of an attack on the man who holds the office as he says he will. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one kyook, but to be honest, I think you are now simply blustering along in much the same manner Norm does. Funny you should have mentioned his name, since I was thinking you were sounding just like him earlier.

Anyway, you've had your say and I've had mine. I'm offended by Mr. McCandish's act and the WW's action of publicizing it. You are not, and that's just how it is. To each his own. I can't see this issue through your eyes and your heart any more than you can do the same through mine. I understand your position even though I don't agree with you. I'm willing to leave it there and quit boring the rest of the readers with our debate and I hope you are too. Certainly, neither of us are about to change the other's mind.

Dave 3 months, 2 weeks ago

That is all we need. A trubute to Obama in place of our flag. Great, just flippin great.

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

A tribute to Obama? Shirley, you jest. Nothing could be further from the truth.

sourtellinme 3 months, 2 weeks ago

That's another business in this valley I will not use or recommend. Business owners beware. You are currently losing money now and in the future if you continue to show your political colors. Times are tight and I guess Mr. McCandish can afford to lose all the prospective customers who found what Eastwood did to be very disturbing. More power to him! All freedoms come at some sort of cost.

Dudleydoright 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Typical lib, punish those who disagree with you. Do you have the same sense of moral outrage with Apple using child labor to make ther products or is this again typical liberal selective moral outrage?

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Jerald, it would be good if you accept that there is a difference between respecting the President as a man and respecting the office of President. I personally don't think much of him as a man nor do I believe he is doing a good job as President. I can't speak for anyone else, but no matter who is in office I will always respect the office enough to bite my tongue if necessary when making a comment about the man in office, simply because I never want to imply that I do not respect the office he holds.

What good does it do to complain about the results of last year's election now? the most you could hope for would be that the man would be impeached, and even if he were, he'd most likely remain in office, just as Bill Clinton did. Just as in an athletic event that is team oriented, the results are always poor unless all the players work together toward a common goal. There will be plenty of time for the comments that border on slander and show great disrespect when we get close to the 2014 elections. In the meantime, just as I used to say on my jobsites, "Do Something! Lead, Follow or Get the Hell Out of the Way, but DO something!" Complaining about the status quo is really not the same as "doing" something.

Adamgray 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Its sad my grandfather risked his life stacking up Nazi bodies like cord wood with the ash of Auschwitz on his boots for the freedom of someone who cant even have the respect to fly a flag in the country he lives in. You know whats wrong with America? Its people who want to live here but complain and disrespect our nation. I dont care what side of the spectrum you vote for bottom line is we are a Nation and acts like this are against us not with us. I will not give this man my business and I will spread the word. To many Americans bled and died in battle to be disrespected like this. Put the chair on your roof not your flagpole. If you hate America where it stands today with leadership...well I heard The Middle East was nice this time of year.

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"...we are a Nation and acts like this are against us not with us."

I think that's what they said in the 60's in regard to those who engaged in acts of civil disobedience that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Would you have told those people to behave in ways that you approve of or get the hell out?

Adamgray 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Romans 12:15

sourtellinme 3 months, 2 weeks ago

YES I do! I have moral outrage with anyone who abuses not only children but adults as well. Physically,mentally or monetarily. Thank you for being offended that I would punish those who disagree with me. I've seen the light. I'm wrong. I should have an open conservative mind and not punish those who disagree with me. Seems like there are quite a few "typical lib" repulicans in DC. I'm glad that,by your statement,you wouldn't act like a typical lib by punishing your favorite grocery store,restaurant or any other bussiness you give your money to,if they started to display pro-Obama or anti-right slogans. I'm sure my phone will be ringing of the hook as soon as I start to put progressive bumper stickers on my work truck.

antzrus 3 months, 2 weeks ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

antzrus 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Whoops-Forrest Gump, an American Icon was "removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement?"

What is this august publication coming to?

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it" - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"The right to criticize: the right to hold unpopular beliefs; the right to protest; the right of independent thought. The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American citizen his reputation or his right to a livelihood... Otherwise none of us could call our souls our own." Margaret Chase Smith Biography -United States Senator from Maine 1897-1995

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Take that Forrest, Forrest Gump.

antzrus 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"Sometimes, I guess there just aren't enough rocks."---Forrest Gump

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

OK . . . . we've got your point kyook. I'd say you are outnumbered, but we understand your message. Time to move along yet?

kyook 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"Time to move along yet?"

Not as long as the article is still open for discussion. Why? Does the subject matter offend/bother you? You wouldn't be trying to stifle me, would you? Kind seems that way.

"Outnumbered" doesn't concern me in the least.

Seems very curious to me that those who decry Mr. McCandlish's display the loudest are those who served in the military and who vowed to support and defend the Constitution and the rights bestowed upon us all by that document. Very curious, indeed. Even curiouser, I would almost wager that Mr. McCandlish is a veteran too. What would you make of that?

JimboBear 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"Even curiouser, I would almost wager that Mr. McCandlish is a veteran too. What would you make of that?"

Well sir . . . . I think I would deduce that Mr. McCandlish was a veteran with a different opinion than mine on the fitting use of flagpoles. As I said before, he has as much right to his opinion as I do. I simply don't care for his use and he does. No big deal, but like I said before if I knew the man I would certainly try to convince him to take it down and get that beautiful US flag back up there where it belongs. I see this as a waste of a very fine flagpole. I sure wish I had one like it so that I could fly "Old Glory" 24/7 and see it every time I walked out my door. Too bad that he chooses to use his as a billboard for advertising his political beliefs. I think he's passing up a good chance to make a real and more genuine statement.