FLAG: 'Rumors' abound

The Aug. 26 article about the offending U.S. flag atop a Forest Service tree was insightful. Professional tree climbers were rushed in to assess the problem. Public displays of patriotism were applauded, but NOT allowed on public land. And it was reassuring to learn what careful drivers we have in the Forest Service. They had their eyes on the road for several months, not looking up to see the flag. We hope they will also be careful to stay out of the tree. It would take two of their professional climbers on top of the tree at the same time to properly fold the flag. That would be very dangerous. Some believe the Forest Service might have spotted the problem sooner if they occasionally put two people in one pickup.

We wonder if the opinions of people outside the Forest Service might also have been appropriate for the article, possibly from some of the travelers on the freeway who have seen and saluted both the flag and the effort to place it.

Others have attempted to learn who placed the flag in this tree and how the seemingly impossible was done, so it is not surprising it remains a mystery. However, there are some rumors the Forest Service could investigate. One has a flying super hero wearing a magic red, white and blue cape. The sighting of a giant Bald Eagle carrying a roll of duct tape was reported near Wolf Lodge. Hopefully the tape was not taken from a Forest Service pickup in the area. And some claim to have seen a man very much resembling Patrick Henry purchasing a U.S. flag last spring in Missoula. These tips may help the Forest Service find the culprit.

JOHN McFADDIN

Medimont