Mar 13, 2012
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A Georgia man was slapped with a ticket and threatened with jail time after he refused to remove an American flag that’s been flying outside his business for more than thirty years.
An Albany code enforcement officer alleged that Tom Gieryic’s flag was in violation of the city’s sign ordinance. The standard size American flag was posted on a pole outside Gieryic’s automotive repair shop.
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“It’s been there for 30 years,” Gieryic told Fox News. “She told me my flag was in the city’s right of way.”
Gieryic said his troubles started last week when a group of retired Marines showed up and offered to put up a new flag. When he returned from lunch, Gieryic was met by a code enforcement officer telling him to either remove the American flag or face fines.
The Albany city manager did not return multiple calls seeking comment.
Photo By Albany Herald
“I was shocked, man – a complete loss for words,” he recounted. “I told her I wasn’t going to be moving my flag.”
He said he was told that if he didn’t comply, he could face a $1,000-a-day fine and up to 60 days in jail. But the auto shop owner decided to stand his ground.
“She stomped off to her car, got her ticket book and demanded my license,” he said. “She wrote me a ticket for flying my American flag on the city’s right of way.”
After Gieryic raised a ruckus with city officials, his ticket was later reduced to a warning. But he was told the flag still had to be moved – by exactly one foot.
“I’m boiling on the inside,” he said. “They didn’t demand that I move it. They suggested I do it as a gesture of good will.”
Gieyric said he’s received all sorts of support for standing his ground – from folks dropping by to shake his hand to others who’ve offered to help pay any possible fines.
“I got 15 business cards from lawyers offering their services,” he said.
Gieryic said he wants the law changed.
“My local city manager has been more than fair,” he said. “He stands behind me, but the law is the law and his hands are tied.”
He blamed the entire incident on “government getting involved in areas they don’t need to be involved.”
“The point is – I’m an American,” he said. “That’s the American flag. That’s American soil. It belongs to me and I’m going to fly it. I’m going to fly it where I want to fly it as long as it’s not a safety hazard – and it’s not.”
FOX News Talk
This is such a shame! Crazy!! Fly it proudly we live in the USA !
This is just crazy!! Can't you find something that is really worth fighting?? THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBANY SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!
deport that code officer straight to hell. She does not need to be an american citizen.
You are the Patriots, you must be the media.
When the left attack one Conservative, they attack
all of us. We stand together as a nation, though Obama
we would like to see things different. Fly your flag more
then ever let them know we are strong and we will defeat
the basterds!
Have the flag pole designated as a coty park and their isn't shlt they can do about it. Better yet,, throw a red crescent up and they will shut their faces out of fear.
Why now, after 30 years, is this flag a "problem"? Has anyone been harmed in any way? Tell official to spend efforts on REAL problems.
There are some real crackpots making comments that need to take their meds.
There are some real crackpots making comments that need to take their meds.
As a code enforcement officer for over 25 years… that is one code that should be reviewed and changed in relation fo the American Flag.. the concern is that if the code does not distinguish between country, state or national flags and allows any kind then there cannot be any discrimination on what flag a person can fly including advertisement and or public statement flags..
Fuck bureaucrats. The lowest of low scum.
Isn't there a law… Something about if you care for a piece of property for a certain length of time and no one claims it, that you can claim it? Something like that. Find someone versed in the law, especially zoning and land title law.
Damn shame…. But well done!Annnnnnnd queue Hulk Hogan "REAL AMERICAN song… haahaaa
Wow…..
PATTON IS ROLLING IN HIS GRAVE….
That's right! Stand your ground. Take it to court if you have too. This is America. Your flag has been up for 30 years and now its a problem. Since when did flying the American Flag a crime.
I can't believe they got the Marines to try to "persuade" you. STAND FAST!
What in the hell is their problem? The American Flag is NOT a billboard. It is a symbol of out freedom and this man is getting the shaft. I don't know how to start a petition on causes.com but if anyone does I will spread it everywhere for signatures. If your state reps are in this area start calling, writing and making public noise. Elections are coming up! Don't give up the fight Tom.
Albany Code Enforcement Department.
Director: Michael Tilson.
Phone Number: (229) 438-3913.
Fax Number: (229) 431-3253.
Location: 240 Pine Ave, Suite, 300, Albany, GA 31701.
Mail: P.O. Box 447, Albany, GA 31702.
wow
I have one thing to say to you sir, stand your ground! I had a bro in the military, I been thinkin about it myself, I love what that flag stands for and I'm a proud American. Let her fly come hell or high water. Proud to be a Patriot!
If it was something Muslim or Mexican it wouldn't be an issue I bet!
If it was something Muslim or Mexican it wouldn't be an issue I bet!
Proud that some of us still understand the meaning of the flag. Stand your ground fly our flag with pride. Proud to be an American!
Last I checked we are supose to be proud of are flag!
Last I checked we are supose to be proud of are flag!
stand your grounds I am a PROUD ARMY MOM and I would not move it at all..Tell them u have a foot for them and use it to move them right on out of your space.If u need a bigger flag let me know I will send it to u personally.THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STANDING YOUR GROUND AND BEING A TRUE AMERICAN..
andy cable must be a obama fan or a commie.
whats wrong with being an obama fan i love obama
Christine Keller-Stephens well im happy that you are and bye the way hows your hope and change going not so good huh
John Wisher wat the fuck that mean ur the one how has the with problem AS U HAVE SAID B4 "COONS" and who ever reads this coos he was talkin bout africans
Christine Keller-Stephens do you think its rite too replace the stars of the usa with his face,,,,
talk about walkin on the fightin side of me! Well if it were me I might take it down and raise the Rebel Stars and Bars or "DOn't TREAD ON ME". damn them
Here's one for you too http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/03/14/american_flag_featuring_obama_angers_vets.html crazy
Here's one for you too http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/03/14/american_flag_featuring_obama_angers_vets.html crazy
Bull S
an Obamanation
God Bless You! Keep that FLAG FLYING!
Really don't understand what is happening to this country. I am SO disgusted right now!!!!!!…
GOD bless America, the man is showing his patriotism.
Col Van T. Barfoot would be mighty proud of you Mr. Tom Gieryic. Keep the stars & stripes flying sir.
How can I help fight this unpatriotic encroachment on his right to free speech?
I suppose if he put a flag up with Obama's likeness on it, it would be okay! I'm sick of current events!!!
That's just BULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is a sad day in America when an AMERICAN is fined for flying an AMERICAN flag, on AMERICAN soil. What is freedom if you are not free to fly your country's flag? The person who fined him should be thrown in jail for treason then they should throw a few soldiers in there with the person to "change his perspective"…nuff said. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
I would have called up 'The Boss', and got him to sing his latest number, whilst ramming the flag pole up her arse.
Ron Paul 2012… End this madness.
I am a local Albanian and I am here to say that Albany, GA makes some really dumb laws. You can also thank Albany for putting on the books a law called the "saggy pants law". Not only is this law unconstitutional but the city brags about it being a money making law.
It's time we Americans stand our ground and take back our country back, if our flag insults you,, go a way, this officer needs removed and she should be ashamed of herself!
Tom Gieryic here. Visit my facebook page at Gieryic's Automotive Repair. Our Flag needs your support!
It's very heart-warming to see another patriot stand up for what it right. Thanks for having the backbone to not get pushed around. There are many of us who are tired of the government imposing their will on the people they are supposed to represent. I applaud and respect your efforts.
Why doesn't the city of Albany talk to Fox News and try clear up the matter if it was blown out of proportion? Not trying to start anything but just curious, that's all.
We should be able to fly an American flag anytime anywhere in our own freakin country!
So the Marines put up a new flag that seemingly was bigger than the old one? And all he has to do is move it over a foot? Then just move it a foot and go on with your day. He got it reduced so he doesn't have to take it down. So where's the story? He doesn't have to completely take it down…IF he had to take it completely down that's BS.
@ shawn mcrea-don't just take jd's word for it research it yourself! and @ JD-Your right its not weather or not its the flag its the fact that he was in violation but, in everyone's case everything is illegal or in some way a violation this is where its not right! How would you feel if the city came to you and said your house is 1 foot over which is violation and they had to tear down that half of your house? You would be singing a different tune!
My brother's and sisters and I don't fight for the rights of Americans so the idiot city officials can miss use their so called power. If it wasn't for all of us and the Veterans before us those jerk offs wouldn't have a job getting fat making a lot of money and screwing with real hard working Americans.
The signs of communism. You cant fly an american flag, because the dimensions are wrong. What the hell is wrong with our country!
That is unamerican. If there was a way to boycott the city, I would do it. This is definitely giving the city really bad publicity.
you have 100% of my support. don't back down and let it fly.
Just Like Hitler has to have his Face On Everything…He is a disgrace to the Human Race and he will not be allowed to carry on…He will be placed in Prison and face the Death Penalty along with the rest of the federal governmennt if they stand with him…So far they do…We The People have to Stand Now and Stop this Terrorist….
Look at this…I hope everyone Patronizes this man's Business for Flying Old Glory High!!!!This kind of thing will become common Very Soon If People Ignore The Problem Of obama and His Big Government…The Entire federal government is at fault here…We are Under This Crap and Our American Soldiers Are Trapped In It…Stand Now Or Fight Later!!!!!
I suspect he has taken over that bit of ground through adverse possession because the flag has been there for 30 years without any objection from the city.
since when is a flag considered a business sign? America is under attack by the left-wing idealogs.
Let it fly because freedom don't come free! God Bless you brother!