Compromise is key

The recent discussion about placing banners depicting Chico’s active-duty military members along major roadways throughout town has created quite a stir. Proponents—including those behind the effort, a nonprofit called Chico Military Heroes—label them patriotic; those opposed argue they’re garish and glorify war. It’s an interesting debate that’s created a strange divide, one that clearly made the City Council uncomfortable (members punted it to Internal Affairs). And we can certainly understand why—we, too, are conflicted on the matter.

We find it particularly worth noting that several veterans have come out opposing the idea. Robert Trausch, a Marine veteran, spoke before the Internal Affairs Committee Sept. 10 and argued that the banners, while a nice gesture toward thanking our active military members, were not an appropriate way to welcome them home. We agree. The money spent to create the large signs, each of which would include a photo of an active-duty member along with his or her name and military branch, could be better spent on services to help them find jobs and other resources upon their return.

The folks who are part of Chico Military Heroes have their hearts in the right place. They want to honor the men and women who are risking their lives to protect our way of life. But these banners, especially placed throughout neighborhoods year-round, are not the right way to go about it. To display them 365 days a year, we’d suggest the group do so at private venue, such as the Elk’s Lodge.

There’s a good alternative on the table, however: Councilwoman (and Internal Affairs Committee member) Ann Schwab’s thoughtful compromise of hanging the signs in a limited location—along the mostly commercial East Avenue—and for only 30 days out of the year, similar to the Earth Day flags flown in April. We’re with Schwab and we hope the rest of the council follows suit.