Another Offensive American Flag?

This is really strange to me. I should clarify that the hanging of the American Flag is not really a hot button issue with me. I just don't understand how it can be viewed as a controversial, or politically offensive symbol in America. I find it to be an extreme over-reach by those of a politically correct mindset; and I think it is something that leads to a focus on non-offensive speech and expression, instead of freedom of speech and expression.

The latest development on this issue is found on Philadelphia's NBC affiliate website. The Pennsylvania Fire Department suspended a fireman, without pay, for refusing to take down a 2 inch sticker of the American flag. The really odd thing about this, is that fire departments generally have the flag stitched on their uniforms, and almost always fly the flag outside their buildings. How can the flag be controversial in terms of its message if everyone working their is already required to wear it? It's just strange to me, but maybe there is more to the story then what I know of. I have pasted the entire article here, along with a link to the site it is published on.

Firefight Over the Red, White and Blue

Firefighter suspended for refusing to peel American flag sticker from locker

By VINCE LATTANZIO
Updated 10:38 AM EDT, Mon, Oct 19, 2009

Chester, Pa., firefighter James Krapf wants to know what's wrong with Old Glory. The 11-year veteran was suspended without pay Thursday after he refused to peel a sticker of the American flag from his locker.

"It's pride…it's a matter of pride," Krapf said.

A new department rule mandates that all stickers and statements – union, cartoon and political – be stripped from lockers after several offensive and racist images showed up in the firehouse. But Krapf figured the red, white and blue was safe.
It seems he was wrong.

"The chief came out and said 'You have to remove your
stickers,' I said 'No disrespect chief, but I'm not taking the flag off,'" Krapf recounted. He says the officer then asked him to leave.

Fire Commissioner James Johnson, who served in the Marine Corps, vows the symbolism of the decal is not the issue.

"We wear the American flag on our uniform…it's flying outside that station," he said. "It is not about the American flag or patriotism."

But Krapf refuses to give up and he's not alone. The firefighters union plans to negotiate with the department on the issue.

"We applaud Jim Krapf because these colors don't run," said union prez Stacy Landrum.

Krapf, who was turned away from the station again Friday, plans
to stand his ground. "It's the American flag, we should be able to fly it
wherever we want…I don’t believe it's offensive to anyone," he
said.

The issue and Krapf's fate is scheduled to be discussed at a
meeting on Monday.

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/Firefight-Over-the-Red-White-and-Blue-64647657.html