In 2020 1in=1mi

[turbo]

In 2018, I had a pretty cool opportunity to make a career change. I was running the engineering department for a small, privately held pressure vessel manufacturer in Cayce. Cool job. Real engineering work. Excellent experience working from design guy into THE guy.

The opportunity arose for me to help build a new plant in Blythewood. I helped pull the building out of the ground, get through the regulatory/inspections, install what will be half of what we will have as far as extrusion assets, and manage both the engineering and maintenance activities on a day to day basis.

The best part of this: Installing a culture where folks WANT to come to work; where it's challenging, but rewarding; where you would invite family and friends to work beside you.

I hired a new maintenance manager, in January 2020, to take over the day-to-day maintenance activities and allow me to focus more towards the engineering requirements around here. He came in, made a splash, reorganized our shop, and started hanging flags. We have the American Flag, SC Flag, Clemson flag, Auburn Flag, POW flag, Gadsden flag, and the Alabama State Flag. I thought the flags would be a nice touch and give my maintenance guys something of themselves that they could add to our space.

Today, I received instruction from my Plant Manager that we were to remove the Gadsden Flag as there was a verbal complaint made this morning as to the offensiveness of this flag.

I hate the world we live in.

I told him that he's the boss (because he's the boss). I also told him that since "they" (no racially insensitive intent here as I wasn't told who complained) are offended by a piece of history from the American Revolution that has roots in the state of SC that I would also be removing the rest of the flags; including the American Flag.

All flags have been taken down and stored properly.

We've lost boys. Get used to it. The buck doesn't stop here and I see no end in sight.

[fro]

Very sad times indeed...

[Duck cutter]

I know how you feel, I had to take a nice deer head off the wall in my office.

[BOGSTER]

Sounds to me like you lost it.

You coulda just manned up and said the flag is staying?

[mudflat]

I had to take the Stihl calendar down from our shop over 10years ago when a complaint was made.

[JBK]

You won't wrap the ol blue Nova in the Gadsden flag and drive it to work every day.

That sucks Matt.

[Sportin' Woodies]

Maybe you should focus on something other than driving trains

[4THEGIRLS]

Maybe you should focus on something other than driving trains

Made me chuckle.

[Tater]

I had to pick up a beer can off the floor in my office today because I missed the trash can I was aiming for.

[Woodiewacker82]

I had to pick up a beer can off the floor in my office today because I missed the trash can I was aiming for.

Heck yea I have a mini fridge in my office with beer in it and 4 bottles in my desk.

[Kioti]

Sounds to me like you lost it.

You coulda just manned up and said the flag is staying?

He chose financial security over principles, but most of us are guilty of that. It will cost us in the long run.

[SouthernWake]

Just wait a few weeks and put them back up.

[Dawhoo]

He chose financial security over principles, but most of us are guilty of that. It will cost us in the long run.

I understand the historical significant but what is "principaled " about keeping it when you don't own the building or the business?

[JBtflo]

When the tea party co-opted the Gadsden it became a (Republican) political statement to a degree and gained more steam during Obama's presidency.

[M.R.Ducks]

I bought a Gadsden flag face mask because my plant made it mandatory. I was strongly recommended today not to wear it anymore.

[Kioti]

I understand the historical significant but what is "principaled " about keeping it when you don't own the building or the business?

You are right and I wasn't trying to call him out, but we roll over far too easily for the one person who is going to be offended. He sounds like he's a pretty important person in the company and there's a good chance the one complaining is the worst employ in the plant.

[Bad Habit]

I bought a Gadsden flag face mask because my plant made it mandatory. I was strongly recommended today not to wear it anymore.

I have quit jobs over less- if you do- you will find a roost to crow from, where they are proud to see the sun rise.

[scatter shot]

You are right and I wasn't trying to call him out, but we roll over far too easily for the one person who is going to be offended. He sounds like he's a pretty important person in the company and there's a good chance the one complaining is the worst employ in the plant.

Bend a knee or get sued and loose.

[wskinner]

How is it offensive for you to display it/wear it, but not offensive to be told that what you think is perfectly acceptable is offensive, therefore saying that you, in effect, are offensive?

I think saying “we have lost”, is misleading. We haven’t been playing. We just forfeit every time someone challenges us. You’re right about there not being an end in sight. Not until someone fights back.

Be the change you want to see.

[wdhigh]

A manager at a former job told a coworker in front of myself and others, that his MAGA hat was offensive and was causing a distraction in the break room. Strange times.