By Chuck Woodbury
EDITORIAL OPINION
If you are a regular reader of this newsletter, you know I am not Marcus Lemonis’ biggest fan. As the CEO of Camping World and the Good Sam Club he has turned the latter into a Camping World/Ganders Outdoor discount club, recently even removing the word RV from at least some of the club’s promotional messages. Today, boaters, anglers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts are invited to join. No RV required. Actually, no interest in RVs required.
Lemonis has been in the news lately because he refuses to take down an illegal American flag at his Gander Outdoors store in Statesville, North Carolina. The city is fining his company $50 a day for every day the oversized flag continues to fly. The fine has already exceeded $12,000.
The flag is 40 by 80 feet, about twice the size of what’s permitted. “There’s no question that I violated that ordinance,” Lemonis has said.
When Gail and I were traveling full-time in 2017 and 2018, sometimes when pulling into a new town we’d see a huge flag ahead. “Oh, there’s a Camping World,” we’d say. Lemonis didn’t need to fly a Camping World flag. The American flag did the job: “Below this flag lies a place where you can buy RV accessories and an RV.” That’s what Lemonis’ Stars and Stripes really means. It is, I must say, a very creative marketing technique, but not, I suggest, a testament to Mr. Lemonis’ patriotism.
Veterans, especially, have come to Lemonis’ support in Statesville, praising him for standing up to the city, ignoring the fact that in flying the illegal flag Lemonis is knowingly breaking the law. Others, myself included, see it as yet another Lemonis PR ploy. He knows full well whatever he says publicly can be manipulated to his advantage in today’s content-hungry media. He’s one shrewd businessman.
But here’s what I think: If he’s really patriotic, then he will continue to fly a big flag, but reduce it to a legal size of 25 x 40 feet. In America, in theory at least, we follow the law. Lemonis, a celebrity to many as TV’s “The Profit,” is not above the law. Many people who support his actions can’t quite put the idea of “patriotism” and “law-abiding” in the same thought.
I think the question is this: Does the size of a flag someone flies illustrate the degree of his or her patriotism? If my flag is bigger than yours does it mean I am more patriotic than you?
Lemonis says over and over that the big flag will remain, no matter what. If the city wants to put him in jail, he says he’ll go. That makes for a nice sound bite but Lemonis knows damn well he can easily weasel out of that pledge.
For now, he’s managed to generate a hundred thousand dollars’ worth of free publicity. I believe the idea of showing his patriotism by breaking the law sets a terrible example.
So, I say, continue to fly a big flag, just reduce it to legal size.
If you would like to express your opinion on this with the Statesville community, write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper.
Your comments are welcome here, of course. Keep ’em civil or our Lord of Comments will zap ’em into distant cyberspace.
I agree with you 100%! How exactly is breaking the Law PATRIOTIC?
People who have to put their so called patriotism, religious and moral beliefs on public display are typically the very people whom would try to infringe on others beliefs. One only has to turn on the “news” for a few moments to see these peoples real values
100% agree.
Unfortunately I have a very jaded view of this gentleman. I think he’s trying to make up for some very bad PR.
My step-father served in WW2 and received 5 bronze stars for 5 major campaigns. I never saw him once display the American Flag afterwards. Did that make him less patriotic?
I agree. What has kept this country strong is it is a nation of laws. If we don’t like a law we have a way of changing it – get our politicians to change it by legislation which is not easy but the best way. If we don’t want to do this than we should be willing to accept the consequences of breaking the law. This goes for Lemonis. His behavior is not patriotic.
We are a nation defined by our established legal system. This case is not about a patriotic display, but about Marcus.
At 25 x 40 feet, the flag still “marks” Camping World and his other businesses.
I agree, follow the law by flying the legal size flag and work it out in the court system!
A 25X40’ flag is a really large flag, so the city isn’t being unduly restrictive. I know a car dealership here in Florida was flying an oversized flag, and it was really big. When pointed out to them, they were going to fight it, but then decided to obey the law.
We have become a nation of protesters and Lemonis, through his actions, is simply defying authority for his own gain. It is truly a shame that we cannot follow reasonable established laws but instead must be “rebels” in order to stand out in the crowd.
Although i could care less regarding the fate of Lemonis, why would you expect different when governors, mayors and elected officials throughout the country selectively choose which laws they will enforce or obey? There is a process to change unjust or meaningless laws however this process may be ignored with little to no accountability for anyone with a pile of money or elected officials. Laws are for the working class.
Mark, so should we all just accept that all these politicians are crooked? And, no, laws are not just for the working class, they’re for everybody. If you really believe what you wrote about laws being just for the working class, them sit down and ponder how you might be able to help make a difference. Then do something.
I find it interesting that he,s SO patriotic. But he,s told customers that if you voted for the legal president he doesn’t want your business!
I call this type of stunt “Patri-optics.” And from what I’ve observed, the amount of Patri-optics is directly inverse to the level of actual patriotism one embraces. (just the opinion of a military spouse that is shared by her husband who retired after 29 years of active duty.)
I served 28 years in the US military, and dislike the CEO of Camping World. HOWEVER, I am sick and tired of people attacking our nations flag!!!
Let the flag fly!
I find it interesting that he,s SO PATRIOTIC , but he,s told people that if you voted for the president he doesn’t want your business!
Absolutely — that just PROVES Chuck’s theory is correct — thanks for the reminder
Terry, see my comment to Eddie. He didn’t say that.
CNBC has it. I linked you.
CSNBC, as usual had it wrong and slanted to support their agenda. Listen to the entire actual comment from Marcus to learn the truth .
He lost me forever when he said that he didn’t want money from people who support Trump. Whether I do or don’t support Trump is not germane to the topic. However, it is my right, and a privilege I gave 3 years of my life to protect, to support whomever I choose to support. As a result of him being exclusionary that way I will not support his businesses. I wonder if people would have given him the free pass he got on that had the group he cited was Blacks, or Mexicans, or gays, or short, fat, old guys like me? This is the kind of thinking that widens the societal chasm rather than closing it.
That being said, in my opinion, he has the right to fly whatever he wants to fly on HIS property. I fought for HIS rights too. It would seem that law enforcement has better things to do than worrying about some naturalized citizen flying a large flag, the same flag those law enforcement people swore to defend. You fly that flag high, Marcus. I will just never be in your store to see it.
In his defense, Eddie. Lemonis did not say he didn’t want money from people who support Trump. He said something different that was spread around social media and its meaning twisted, and soon became what you misquoted here.
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/16/marcus-lemonis-if-youre-ok-with-what-trump-said-dont-shop-at-my-business.html
CNBC got it wrong again. I don’t care for Marcus but I hate lies and misquotes. You need to listen to exactly what Marcus said. If I recall correctly, President Trump was referring to a group of people of violence supporting him. Marcus was referring to those people. In President Trump’s defense, in politics, you can’t always help who supports you.
Actually, he was referring to something President Trump – who speaks in hyperbole – said after the Charlottesville riots which was misinterpreted as supporting white supremacists. Lemonis was referring to those who regard white supremacists as “fine people,” not to Trump supporters.
With his statements in the past about our president, he is done with me! That being said, he is a con artist who uses whatever method he can to produce dollars in his pocket and the consumer be damned! As one who has sold RV’s in the past, I warn people about the many ways some companies can remove you of your money with shady deals. With all the information out there now on CW, one would think that their doors should have already been closed! “Buyer Beware” is something missing in today’s conversations!
As a retired Marine living in eastern NC I have plenty of oppotunity to see flags flying in front of businesses, and I love to see the Garrison Flag (20ft hoist x 36ft fly), but I am just as happy to see a small flag in the hands of a child who is just learning that it symbolizes more than just ink on a piece of fabric. A larger flag does not indicate a larger love for Country. “My name is Old Glory. Long may I wave.”
I can’t stand phony patriotism. Lemonis cares nothing for RVers and patriotism. It’s all about the money for him. Personally, he disgusts me, he is a symbol of what our wonderful country is becoming. Money Before People, that should be his new motto. At least that would be honest!
Why does every issue of this newsletter feel obligated to have negative comments on Marcus Lemonis, Camping World, Good Sam, Gander Outdoors, etc? I believe the comments and points could be better expressed in a positive fashion. This is a good newsletter with much good information and may be better without the negative comments.
An informed consumer is less likely to be taken advantage of or at least be warned of possible problems. To date this is the only publication I have seen that alerts readers to the less than honorable, sloppy and dishonest practices of Camping World and many of their RV technicians. I speak from first hand experience and it wasn’t until the CEO of the manufacturer of my RV came to my rescue did Camping World fix my warranty issues. Mr. Lemonis never even responded to my letter articulating my concerns and asking for his help. Why should he, he made his money and moved on.
RV Travel, please continue reporting the facts and let the readers decide for themselves.
On another note, if more public forums would delete rude and cruel statements and judgmental comments, perhaps a new movement would catch on, lets try being polite in expressing our differing viewpoints.
They are flying the flag as a publicity stunt and nothing more. It has nothing to do with love of country. Our local Camping World already has a huge billboard facing both ways to get around local codes dealing with signage. I find Camping World’s attitude disgusting.
If Mr. Lemonis loves the American flag so much, maybe he should retire and replace the frayed flag at his Asheville, NC Camping World.
Seeing a huge US flag is not automatically “oh, there’s Camping World”, but I often wonder how much of a danger the huge flags are in a high wind. Deliberately and publicly flying a flag (or any other big display) in violation of local regulations strikes me as just a “I have money, so you can’t make me behave like a regular citizen of this town/county/state/country”. I resent this type of display (have seen it from other rich business people) and it causes me to avoid their products/services/companies.
Lemonis is the perfect example of the crossover between politician and marketer. Lie right in our faces, but claim to provide or believe something we hold dear. His “patriotic flag” gives people who believe they are patriotic permission to believe anything he says. It matters not that 100 posts here lay out the terrible truth. If he gets 100 new believers to buy an RV, the lie was worth it. It matters not that most of them will be unhappy complained. What’s 100 more when he has tens of thousands, or more, unhappy customers? Next week he wraps his flag around him in a different forum. 200 mote tubes, run to CW!
You think people are buying RVs because of the flags flown at the dealerships? Illogical reasoning…..
Good point. Nobody has their attention drawn to an oversized flag and says “Let’s go there and spend $150,000 on an RV we will use for 2 years and then lose interest in.”
Don’t forget “immigrant”.
What’s the rationale for limiting the size of flown flags? Despite “breaking a law,” who is suffering damages resulting from flying a flag larger than this law prescribes? Why is this law not “arbitrary and capricious”?
Why do you keep opening these cans of worms Chuck? It’s not possible to expect civility on your site when opinions about individuals, laws or motives are presented.
It is possible to be civil in your discourse. You just need to choose to do so.
You used the words ” illegal American flag ” many times in your article and the lead in links.
Once again the agenda is QUITE clear.
” illegal” American flag. Kaepernick agrees with you. I do not. NO American flag is “illegal” just because some narrow minded USA hating bureaucrats or writers claim it so.
The attempt to strip citizens of our Bill Of Rights continues. First firearms, and now displaying a United Sates of America flag as free speech.
It will not stand!
A bit harsh sir. Choosing which law is ok to break is a slippery slope. Better to obey the rules agreed upon by elected officials who are subject to voters.
Perhaps the wording of the article could more clearly state the action of flying a too large flag is illegal, but the point the author was making is valid.
US Navy, CPO
It is not okay to break ANY law.
Well said.
So now you are going to make this about our POTUS?? The agenda and hate continues…..
If I were Marcus, I would take down the illegal flag and just put up two of the largest legal sized flags right next to each other. The total square foot amount would be greater and two American flags right next to each other would probably be just as noticeable and save Marcus $50.00/day.
What is the reasoning for having such a flag law? Who is it hurting? Perhaps those community leaders are as envious of Marcus Lemonis as many of your readers here. They shouldn’t be as Camping World provides jobs for that same community, and property taxes as well.
So, you’re saying this law was enacted because of the community leaders envy of Marcus Lemonis? Your logic doesn’t compute.
Let’s just move on, folks, we aren’t going to be able to change anyone’s mind about this issue. Enough already.
Why is it a problem to fly the American flag no matter what the size here in America ?????
No such thing as an “illegal American Flag”!
The city stated that the Flag does not impede traffic, the Flag was flying long before someone took notice of the ‘law’, and I can’t remember anytime in recent history, except for 9-11, that the United States has been more patriotic…..I say LET OLE GLORY FLY HIGH! GOD Bless America! ??????
I agree Chuck. More “show-boating “ by good ole Marcus.
All of the flags I’ve seen at Camping World have been very large. Even you mention they are all large. Had the one in question been the ONLY LARGE FLAG I would I’ve agreed with you on this being a publicity stunt but large flags are flown at ALL his stores that I’ve visited. I resent any American flag being called ”illegal”. What he is doing with it may be illegal but THE FLAG IS NOT ILLEGAL.
So let me get.this straight. He can take it down and burn it and that is freedom of speech and legal, BUT he can’t legally fly it? Free to burn . Not free to fly. Something wrong here .
Freedom of Speech is not the issue here. Freedom of Speech does NOT allow you to break the law. You still to this day cannot yell “Fire” in a theater. Doing so is breaking the law and for a very good reason and it has nothing to do with Freedom of Speech. And, burning the flag is the recommended method for destroying a damaged flag.
“The U.S. flag code states that the when the flag “is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, [it] should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” https://www.wikihow.com/Dispose-of-a-Damaged-American-Flag
The semantics of your statement is incorrect. There is no law that PREVENTS you from yelling “fire” in a theater. There IS a law that PUNISHED you for doing it. People have come to think that law is somehow PROactive. Law is REactive. Law punishes. Law does not prevent. There is a law against murder, but that doesn’t mean you CAN’T murder. It means you will be punished if you do (and are caught. See: Illinois, Chicage.)
So the sentiment of what you said is correct. The semantics is not.
You are right Chuck. NO UNITED STATES IS illegal. You should ask a veteran if he or she think the American flag is illegal. I think not.
In my experience, when I see a huge flag I don’t think “there’s a Camping World,” I think “there’s a used car dealer.”
25’x40′ is still a friggin’ big flag!
I completely agree with you. Fly the flag to show your patriotism, and follow the law.
Marcus you have my full support. Love your show and you have a big heart. Keep up the good work. Love ya
CW should comply with the current law. There is nothing preventing CW and supporters from changing that law. Elected officials might make adjustments if enough citizens petition for the change. I vote for a change in the law.
I say its probably better for him to go to jail over the flag instead of going to jail for ripping off thousands of newbie first time buyers and all the scams he has be a part of for years and i hope he gets put under the jail as he is a *** *** ***.
[Sorry, Camping World Victim. I bleeped out your possibly accurate description of Mr. Lemonis. We don’t tolerate name-calling on here. —Diane at RVtravel.com]
Since when has the 1st amendment allowing free speech become illegal? Since Federal law takes precedence, the city ordinance is uncionstitutional. In the mean timewhere is the North Carolina assembla and senate… sitting their thumbs? I think Lemonis needs to give them a contribution to assure they are not asleep.
That said, I won’t do business with them again, after their incompetence cost me $150 for the lost wheel cover, that fell off after they checked my front tire.
Growing up one county over, I think I can say on good authority the good people governing Statesville are no more or less patriotic than any small town in the mid south. As I understand, the size restriction was based on a safety concern flying the flag near a major highway. Whether that’s another well meaning, but dumb law is certainly up for discussion. What I do disagree with is Lemonis, in my opinion, painting himself as some type of super patriot and throwing Statesville under the bus. If he focused on the actual issue, about the only publicity he’d get would be a line item in the city council meeting agenda notice. Instead, he’s managed to get nationwide free advertising out of it. Awful hard to respect someone playing an issue like this.
I can’t judge his personal patriotic spirit but this issue has nothing to do with patriotism. It is only a marketing gimmick.
Marketing, and thats all.
First I’m not a fan of Camping World. That said it’s his land to do with as he pleases, as long as it doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s rights. We have way too many laws and worrying about the size of a flag someone wants to fly is ludicrous. We all should know that we have different opinions and work to be more understanding of people that don’t see things as we think they should. Get a grip people and get along.
Dear Marcus;
Don’t ever surrender. Too many in this country act like lemmings as I read this myself. Like I said before, take it all the way to the United States Supreme Court and settle it for all these anti first amendment types.
Oh, and for those who don’t like Camping World, don’t shop there, how hard is that people. Last time I checked, nobody was making you spend your money there, and get over it already.
So much hatred of Marcus and also of our Bill of Rights.
First the hatred displayed towards our 2nd amendment rights, now against the freedom of speech to fly our nations flag……..
Right on Darrel. I fully agree, fly it Marcus, fly it proud.
They aren’t saying that he can’t have a flag only that it can’t be over a certain size. There is no violation of constitutional rights here.
I say…Let’s get rid of all the Stupid laws!
I am sure their is a reason for this law such as blocking traffic or being a danger if the flag comes loose if he wants to change the law go through the proper means and change it. Don’t break the law that was their before the flag and pretend you are a patriot
Pull his business license. Then he might be willing to conform to the law. He is NOT a patriot, he is a ***. The only thing he understands is dollars, not patriotism.
Your comment was bleeped, t hartman. We don’t condone name-calling on here. (Your comment somehow made it past our very strict filters, but not past me. 😉 )–Diane at RVtravel.com