When I read about the Syrian flag controversy at city council, I sighed somewhat. Syrians and Allentown have a special bond that goes back over a hundred years. That community started, and to a large extent stayed, in the 6th Ward since the late 1890's.
During the 1960's they developed a political base, first with D.A. George Joseph, then blossomed under then Mayor for Life, Joe Daddona. They were Democrats who voted as a block, and held sway over more than one local election. Consequently, their employment by city hall also was noticeable. Their allegiance to the Assad family is steadfast, because the Assads were protective of the Christian minority in the homeland.
Paul Muschick has a column in the paper that states that city hall should raise no flag except our own, he writes...The United States is in a trade war with China. We’re haggling with Mexico over illegal immigration. I bet there are plenty of people in Allentown who would object to those flags, too.
Ironically, center city or probably City Center, is scheduling to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Of course that celebration is a transparent attempt to bring some foot traffic to the thirsty for business bars downtown. In blunt reality, all these flag risings in Allentown have always been political pandering, dressed up as cultural appreciation.
By yesterday, another longer established Syrian group came forward to express their support for the mayor's position.
Now, when they're ready for the Molovinsky On Allentown parade, let me know....
How far back do the flag raisings go? Was it a Pawlowski invention?
ReplyDeleteIn any event, the practice should be discontinued.
For EVERYBODY.
If you're here your an American, or at least want to be here. If you want to see the flag of your homeland raised, start a cultural club and do it there or on your own property.
Various flag have been raised at City Hall going back to the mid-70's.Now it seems to be a phony controversy.
ReplyDeleteState flags are raised over the US Capital Building each day. They are then given out by Congressmen to their constituents. It doesn't signify any state's preference over another; it's just a political favor perk. Likewise, no one should get unduly upset over a flag of the "homeland" raised at City Hall honoring a viable community ethnic heritage. It's like getting upset if there were a St. Paddy's parade down Hamilton Street. Get a life!
ReplyDelete