To the editor:

Support for various social causes, as meritorious as it might be, is fraught with the same difficulties as support for political agendas. Namely, it is inevitably divisive. The flag controversy, now in its fifth year, has demonstrated this for all to see.

It is not the purpose of local government to stir the pot of dissension. Rather it is to provide, the reasonably affordable highest quality of life possible for its citizens. Unavoidable decisions by any government will inevitably antagonize some. Therefore, officials should avoid non-essential actions that guarantee it. The posting of a variety of flags is just this type of action.

It is time for the town council to admit that selecting their personal favorite causes and eschewing others is a prejudicial experiment that has failed miserably. Instead of looking for alternative sites for these provocative banners and flags, the entire program should be scrapped, and the council should return to the key matters of town business.

Sincerely,

Stephen E Glinick

Barrington