The CEO of Camping World has refused to take down his enormous American flag, resulting in the closure of one of his stores.
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The 120-foot flagpoles outside Camping World stores fly the largest patriotic American flag around. They're icons in their communities, but some councils have taken a stand against them. They have stated that they're too big and could pose a danger.
City officials in Greenville, North Carolina, have demanded that CEO Marcus Lemonis remove the massive flag outside his Camping World stores. But he refuses. For him, it is a symbol of his status as an immigrant and his love for his country.
"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 flagpole in Miami at our car dealership."
Fines Forced Flag Fanatic To Fold
So, in retaliation for Camping World's flag-waving, City Officials have slapped him with a ton of fines. In fact, he has received so many fines that the Greenville location has had to shut up shop. The thousands of dollars in fines have put the location out of business.
"We think the ordinance is wrong. I think it's also wrong that council members have been working very actively to disparage my business, and on Friday, I had to consolidate modification of two dealerships in town ... our business, which has been unfortunately impacted uniquely in Greenville, NC."
It's a shame to crush a business into the ground like that just because they feel like it. But that's typical of councils. They are rarely able to think outside of their often obscene rules. But Camping World CEO Lemonis isn't about to bow to their flag demands. He may have had to close one store, but he will fly his flag forever.
When asked if he will ever remove the Camping World flag, he said, "Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down..." Now that's a true patriot.
