San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy Blocks Plan To Fly Chinese FlagBusiness
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A California mayor has overturned a city council decision to fly the flag of the People’s Republic of China over City Hall on October 1 in celebration of the country’s national holiday. San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy overruled the council’s vote because he says his office received 75 telephone calls and emails per day opposing the decision to fly the flag. Tibetan activists protesting against human rights abuses in China were also against raising the flag.
“We won’t actually be flying the flag of China on October 1st,” Cassidy said. "San Leandro does not fly the flags of other nations at our City Hall. We need to call a 'time out' and allow the community to weigh in on whether or not we should raise the flags of other governments.”
He added:
“Those in our community wishing to celebrate the founding of the People's Republic of China are welcome to use one of our parks, as are other groups celebrating key dates and events of the nation of their origin.”
Other Bay Area cities like San Francisco and Alameda have flown the Chinese flag in the past, CBS Local reported.
Kunjo Tashi, President of the Tibetan Association of Northern California, supported Cassidy’s decision. “This really is a big victory, not only for the Tibetans, but for oppressed people all over the world,” Tashi said. “This is a victory for democracy.”
Sources: CBS Local, Contra Costa Times
1 Reported by Opposing Views 2 days ago.