California County Demands - "TAKE DOWN THAT FLAG"

Camping World defies California county order to take down giant American flag!  Marcus Lemonis, Camping World CEO replied: “I'd rather go to jail” than yield to the city!

The controversy surrounding Camping World and its giant American flag in San Joaquin County, California, has sparked significant attention and debate. Camping World, a major RV retailer with locations across the country, has a tradition of flying large American flags over its properties. However, the San Joaquin County location faced an order to remove the flag due to safety concerns and a lack of proper permits.

The county's concerns primarily focused on the height of the flagpole, which at 130 feet exceeded the limit allowed without a building permit. Additionally, there were worries that the pole's proximity to property lines and the nearby Interstate 5 could pose safety risks if it were to fall. Despite these concerns, Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis disagreed with the county's assessment, arguing that the flagpole was securely installed and did not pose any danger.

Lemonis, who is an immigrant and strong advocate of displaying the American flag, insisted on reinstalling the flag despite the county's order. He emphasized the symbolic importance of the flag, particularly for the many veterans who work at and shop with Camping World.

"It’s symbolism about how we feel about this country. We have a lot of veterans who work for us, and a lot of veterans who shop with us," Lemonis told Fox40. "I happen to be an immigrant. I was given the blessing of being able to enter this country and become a citizen, and I’m grateful for it. It’s been part of my life since I was a little child down in Miami, Florida, where we had the largest flag pole in Miami at our car dealership. If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be OK, then I wouldn’t do it."

The county later clarified that while the flagpole's height required a building permit, they did not order the removal of the flag itself. After a review, the county announced that the necessary permit would be issued, allowing the flagpole to remain in place.

This incident has garnered support from individuals who view the flag as a symbol of patriotism and freedom, with some calling for the defenders of the flag to be recognized for their stance. The situation highlights the tension between local regulations and the expression of national pride, especially when it comes to the display of the American flag.

San Joaquin County, California, is not the only government bothered by the large American flags. Statesville,  North Carolina, filed a lawsuit against them. In May 2019, Camping World posted to Facebook claiming the city filed a lawsuit against them and is fining them $50 a day dating back to October 2018, totaling more than $10,000. The disagreement was finally settled when Camping World agreed to pay a $16,000 fine but in return the city amended its ordinance allowing the huge and beautiful flag to stand tall. Businesses and the community blasted and put pressure on the mayor and council over their egregious actions.

"There's no question that I violated that ordinance," Lemonis added. "When veterans show up at the stores for the flag raisings, and when they come on Saturdays and do their veteran rides, and they weep at the bottom of the flagpole, that's the conviction that I need to say it's just not going to come down. I would rather go to jail.  It is good we came to an understanding with the city."

According to Shawn Dueber, Manager of the Camping World store in Swedesboro, NJ, not every community is as hostile. "Our customers and our township officials love our flag! We are right beside a major interstate highway and we get calls all the time thanking us for flying our beautiful flag. On rare occasions, like in bad weather when our flag is down, our phone rings off the hook wanting to know why! We are proud of the flag and what it means. The flag poles are specially made for us by a company in Texas. It costs us $100,000 to $200,000 to install the 130 ft. poll and to maintain our flags." 

Camping World flies the American Flag outside every one of their 250 locations across the country. God bless them for it!!!