Bridge flags issue festered needlessly

Flags and signs posted on the Nassau Bridge recently - though obviously respectful and well intended - were placed illegally and should have been removed promptly. Rather than nipping a simple law violation in the bud, the flags were allowed to remain, and their presence festered into divisive political statements.

If we want to be able to display our own personal feelings on public property, then laws should be changed to allow that.

Until that time, though, laws should be enforced promptly so problems aren't allowed to grow. "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Those words from the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag say a lot. As a people, we are united in our belief in freedom and justice for everyone. They are unifying values. We have laws designed to protect our freedoms and laws designed to help maintain peace and stability in our communities.

A number of years ago, a billboard posted along Route 9 between Georgetown and Lewes stated simply: "If you want peace, seek justice."

Justice often involves laws and their enforcement, and together they are are a noble, but imperfect and evolving, attempt by us working cooperatively to have communities where people can thrive and prosper and identify problems and find solutions.

Law enforcement can be dangerous work. It's not easy keeping the peace. Police officers deserve and often receive recognition, thanks and support from the communities they serve. They are a critically important part of what holds us together as a community, as are our other first responders.

Recognizing the contributions of police officers through lawful displays is certainly more honorable than posting flags illegally and anonymously in public spaces.

If we are to have stable, peaceful and just communities, there must always be a fairness and evenhandedness to law enforcement, and following rules in general.