Cherokee County closes it's account with Bank of America...and they should!

This country is going to heck in a hand basket!!! It is a shame that as Americans we are afraid of offending someone by flying the American flag.....if anyone living here is offended by someone flying the American flag they need to get their butt out of America this includes but not limited to Bank of America. This story was on WISTV's website tonight.


GAFFNEY, SC (WIS) - The controversy surrounding a Bank of America branch in Gaffney and American flags along a motorcade for a fallen Marine resurfaced Monday after Cherokee County decided to close its account with the bank.
Lance Corporal Christopher Fowlkes was killed in Afghanistan earlier this month. Fowlkes was remembered at a visitation in Gaffney after his body was brought through his hometown. According to some, the day was hurt by the actions of Bank of America.
"I couldn't believe, in a small town, that we would encounter something like this," said Brenda Earls.
Earls said she put some small American flags in the bank's front yard before the motorcade came through. A bank worker came out and pulled up the flags, saying their display was against company policy.
"I was really stunned and didn't know what to make of it," said Earls. "But, she said the reason was also it would offend some customers."
Once the bank realized their mistake, the flags were allowed back on the route. Bank of America says this was all a big miscommunication between their corporate office and the branch.
The issue resurfaced Monday when Cherokee County took all of its deposits out of the bank.
The company said in a statement, "The bank does fly the American flag at our locations throughout the country and flags were displayed in front of our banking center in Gaffney the evening prior to our dedicated Marine returning home. We deeply apologize for any misunderstandings."
One branch worker's misinterpretation of corporate policy has left some canceling their accounts with the bank, and Brenda still hurting.
"I never dreamed it would be an issue," she said.

CRUISE 2009

Kathy and I just returned from a cruise that sailed out of Jacksonville with stops in Key West and Nassau, and we had a great great time. Our first cruise was for 7 nights while this one was only 5 nights; but this one was far superior to the first one. I only gained 5 lbs on this cruise where on the first one I gained 10 lbs - so I guess they have taken some of the calories out of the food since I certainly did not limit myself on eating. I think the big reason this cruise was superior was that Kathy and I spent a lot more of our time just laying around the pool reading and enjoying each other's company - it is amazing that two people can have this much fun together.

We were not impressed with Key West other than the excursion on the glass bottom boat. We went out 6.2 miles to a reef and got to see lots of fish -- sure wish I had of taken a fishing pole with me or a big net. It was so humid in Key West that I did not get many good pictures as my camera lens kept fogging up. We had been to Nassau before and did enjoy going to the Atlantis again and looking at all the fish they have in the aquarium there -- we saw a diver take a ride on the back of a 300 lb sting ray. All in all this vacation was one of our best -- we will try and top it next year.

WORK HARD -- PLAY HARD

Today has been a very busy day and that is good, because when it is all over you know you have accomplished something. Nailbenders had their monthly community work day today and we ended up at the church painting for Jesus again....there are lots of rooms that apparently need to be painted at Saxe Gotha. Came home and helped Kathy with the housework ... not much help just mopped all the floors. Then it was outside for yard work like weed eating, edging, and mowing....I will be glad when Mr. Frost shows up and puts this grass in a dormant stage for the winter. We will be going over to Nathan & Wendy's this afternoon around 6:00pm for Joshua's 5th Birthday Party. They sure do grow up in a hurry.

Now for the Play Hard part. Kathy and I will be sailing out of Jacksonville, FL Monday on a 5 day cruise to Key West and Nassau. I plan on doing absolutely nothing except resting, eating and having a great time. To all of our friends that will be working this coming week we hope you have a great time, because we certainly will not be thinking about you. Love everyone anyway!

MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO!

Next week I will be on a mandatory unpaid leave from work due to budget cuts at SCDC, and after putting much thought into what I should do with my "unpaid" week off the decision was made to go on a cruise. This is what I call the "Federal Government Thought Process" -- the less money you have coming in the more you spend. I think I can get used to this kind of living.