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CaptionA Triangle man would rather give up his 30-year career than fly a flag in honor of former Senator Jesse Helms.
Following the news of former Senator Jesse Helms' death Friday, Gov. Mike Easley ordered state flags flown at half staff.
L.F. Eason, a Department of Agriculture worker and manager, disagreed with Helms' views refused. He retired on the spot.
"What I did technically was wrong; the flags belong to the State of North Carolina," Eason said.
Eason might not own the flags outside the Standards Lab where he worked, but he does own his opinion when it comes to honoring Helms.
"I could not go to the lab if the flags were half-staff," Eason said. "His votes against civil rights couldn't be interpreted as anything other than racism, bigotry and sexism."
The 51-year-old Eason said he felt like it would be best for him to retire, which he was eligible for, rather than fly the flags at half staff. Eason wrote an e-mail to his employees, his superiors and Gov. Easley explaining his decision.
Despite reports that Eason was given an ultimatum to fly the flags or leave, Brian Long, a spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, said that is not true.
"Mr. Eason was told that if he didn't comply with the governor's order to fly the flag at half staff that he could be subject to disciplinary action," Long said. "It was affecting the other employees that worked there it was putting them in an awkward position as well."
Eason said he realizes that and has no hard feelings toward the department.
"I thought it was going to be easier, but it's really hard to leave," Eason said.
Ironically Eason leaves with one of the same legacies Helms will be remembered for -- standing up for what he believes in.
The state flag did end up flying at half staff.
Eason said his wife was hesitant about his decision but supports him. He said he would consider taking his old job back if offered but said he's already had two job offers out of state.
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Comments
By anna swain on 08/04 06:49 PM
I once had the “honor” of riding an elevator in REX hospital with Helms. (He was there for rehab post surgery) anyway I had the absolute pleasure to tell him how ashamed he should be for being a racist. That he shames us all. I asked him to be real and retire. I told him that he is not a true North Carolinian and when he dies he will go straight to hell and that that will be a day I celebrate. Sounds harsh? How about thirty years of denial and abuse to half the population if not the majority of North Carolinians? By the way..if you are part of the majority (caucasion)then you can be a racist not a bigot, we save that one for minorites. Go Obama! A first generation Kenyan American I am so excited that finally just maybe the south will finally grow. Were about 20 years behaind the rest of the nation.
Peace.
By Debbie on 07/31 04:16 AM
Dear Federal Employee:
Jesse was a racist! His track record was not good in my opinion. I would never have voted for him and the people who did were either racist too or they chose to overlook his evil ways. I hate to admit it but North Carolina still has a lot prejudice people who are from the old school of thoughts.
Jesse died with his prejudice ways! What a shame. In addition, we would have lost jobs anyway. So don’t blame hispanics for that lost or for wanting to come to a country that’s economically better for them. Everybody should be able to live in whatever country they want!
This is GOD’s world and not man! Sometimes I think people forget that.
By Federal employee on 07/31 01:01 AM
Your quote: “there were MORE ppl who couldn’t STAND the senator, then those that did”
How can this be if the citizens of NC voted for him for so long and kept him in office? It was a majority vote!
Had Senator Helms remained in office, we would not have lost so many jobs to Mexico and we probably wouldn’t be flooded by illegals. He might have made some bad decisions, but that doesn’t make him a bad person.
For those of you who want to disgrace his funeral service, how would you like those who hate you do the same for your funeral?
By Debbie Cannady on 07/15 11:10 PM
I really appreciate Mr. Eason standing up for what he believes in. I, too, believe that Jesse Helms was a racist and a Biggot. I also recall many years ago that he used to stand on T.V. and use the “N” word regarding black people. Therefore, I cannot blame Mr. Eason for not wanting to fly the flag in his honor. I see no reason to honor him. Jesse stayed a racist until the day he died in my opinion. However, I wish that Mr. Eason could have been given the oppportunity to take a vacation day and to keep his job if he wanted it. However, all things work together for the good of them who loves the Lord and Mr. Eason seems to be a person of honesty and integrity. He will be blessed with or without that job. There comes a time in your life where standing for right is far more important than honoring someone who was evil.
By Linda Cody on 07/14 10:17 PM
Again, to Rodney:
I did not say that Mr. Eason was not involving his employees. Please read what I wrote again.
Also, unlike you, I will quote the *whole* of the email that Eason sent to his employees:
“Regardless of any executive proclamation, I do not want the flags at the North Carolina Standards Laboratory flown at half staff to honor Jesse Helms any time this week.
“This is in no way a political decision. I simply do not feel it is appropriate to honor a person whose epitaph of government service was to have voted against or blocked every civil rights issue that came before the US Congress. His doctrine of negativity, hate, and prejudice cost North Carolina and our Nation much that we may never regain.”
That puts the message in context, and rather reduces any “intimidation” factor such as you mention. Eason wanted his employees to understand fully what was going on and why. As I said above, when his superiors contacted the lab on Monday, and overrode Eason’s authority, he in no way tried to interfere with the raising of the flag.
Mr. Eason was given two choices: raise the flag or be dismissed. Despite the subsequent disavowal of an “ultimatum” by the Department of Agriculture, this was the choice he was offered over the telephone. After some discussion, the choice was changed to early retirement, which Mr. Eason chose rather than to compromise his moral stance. In that narrow sense, it was “on his own accord.” He had no choice to stay, certainly. No other “disciplinary action” was mentioned or offered.
By Rodney on 07/14 11:31 AM
“Regardless of any executive proclamation, I do not want the flags at the North Carolina Standards Laboratory flown at half staff to honor Jesse Helms any time this week.” This was the e-mail message to his employees. Mr. Eason stated to the news media that he was not the one who normally raised and lowered the flags, meaning that one or more of his employees had that duty. That e-mail to whomever had that duty was more than intimidating and it’s intent was very clear. So, don’t tell me that he was NOT involving his employees. You do what the boss tells you or there will be consequences. I guess that Mr. Eason found that out. Also, I believe that he “retired” (resigned?) on his own accord. Nuff said!
By Linda Cody on 07/12 07:50 PM
In response to Rodney:
Mr. Eason involved his employees in his protest because he had to inform them what was going on and why. I do understand your point, and respect that he put them in an uncomfortable position for a few hours. However, when Eason’s superiors told the employees to raise the flag, it was done—Eason did not put them “in the middle” of the situation. He told them why *he* was not raising the flag, or ordering it to be flown at half mast. He did not order them to ignore the subsequent orders coming from The Department of Agriculture.
In response to your remarks that Mr. Eason’s lab was his “personal fiefdom,” and that “someone like that has no business being a manager,” I can only ask that you please contact the Department of Agriculture yourself (yes, the same Department that took away his job), and ask them what kind of manager he was, before you dismiss him in this way. L.F. was hired out of college by the Department of Agriculture for this job, and they worked with him in developing the lab stage by stage. He and a former boss sketched out the design for the lab on a piece of paper after a seminar, while they were still in the airport terminal. L.F. hired and trained the employees, and was responsible for everything that came into, and out of, the lab. The Department of Agriculture has worked closely with him for very nearly thirty years, to produce the lab they have there now. He did not own the building, the flags, or anything else there. But I can understand why he might feel a certain pride and degree of managerial ownership which you have interpreted as that of an overlord of sorts.
Please—contact the Department of Agriculture. Ask them what kind of manager L.F. Eason was. It pains me to hear such a gentle and well-liked man described in such terms as you have used.
Thank you for your comments.
By Rodney on 07/11 07:46 AM
L.F. Eason’s cousin appears to be blinded by family allegiance. I don’t guess that she and others can see that the most egregious aspect of his actions was that he involved his employees in his personal beliefs. His remarks to the news media make it very clear that his lab was his personal fiefdom. Someone like that has no business being a manager. I’m sure that some or maybe all of his former vassals would agree.
By Linda Cody on 07/10 09:50 PM
L.F. Eason was born and raised in Laurinburg, North Carolina— how do I know? I am his cousin. So much for him being a “Yankee.”
Mr. Eason should never have been fired over this matter. He should have been sent home, or suspended for a week. The fact that he was told he would be fired—after twenty-nine years of exemplary service—over the matter of flying a piece of cloth from a flagpole for two days, is ridiculous. Mr. Eason objected to flying the flag at half mast because of a matter of conscience—the fact that his supervisors did not talk to him about this, but instead immediately offered him only two choices—fly the flag or lose his employment—speak to the outrageous and overbearing behavior of the actors in this “drama.”
The Department of Agriculture is now backpedaling, and saying that they did not make such an ultimatum to Eason. Well, knowing L.F. Eason as I do, I know that he is a man of unusual integrity; and if he says they offered him no other choices than to fly the flag at half mast or lose his job, then those are the only two choices they offered him.
Eason’s action did not cause Jesse Helms the slightest harm. It only harmed himself. A lab is not a military establishment, so why did Eason’s superiors react as though he were a cadet refusing to follow orders?
By Bill on 07/10 07:44 PM
I’m so pleased by this story. I’ve been sick all week about the press referring to Helms as a conservative instead of a bigot.
It’s wonderful to read about someone doing the right thing.
By Melissa Watkins on 07/10 05:45 PM
Right on - !
Thank God that George Bush and his henchmen haven’t succeeded in convincing all of us that standing up for what’s true is an act of treason - . Hope springs eternal…
By Richard on 07/09 11:37 PM
Mr. Eason,
Thank you. All that I have read the last couple
of days of the life and career of Jesse Helms speak of a life lived to perpetuate bigotry,divisiveness and hatred of those different from himself or what
he believed. How could anyone honor that?
By Manny on 07/09 11:22 PM
Mr. Eason is a HERO. It is very refreshing to know that there are some NC folks who really saw Jesse Helms for what he was. Jesse Helms represented the WORST in NC. He joins the not-to-be named racist politicians that died in AL, SC and GA. Hopefully, with his passing, CHANGE will come.
By B on 07/09 10:43 PM
North Carolina - First in Flight. Last in worth ethic.
By Harry on 07/09 08:12 PM
Helms was the elected Senator in 1972. If Helms was so bad then why did Eason take the job initially, live in Carolina all these years, and utilize the resources. Good riddance!
By John Cline Jr. on 07/09 07:35 PM
I say GOOD RIDDANCE! One less Liberal Yankee, working for our government, in North Carolina! Too bad he’s not taking the other 50,000 with him!
By Devynn on 07/09 05:44 PM
my momma ALWAYS said that NO MATTER who dies, just about EVERYONE will try to put them into heaven. it doesn’t matter what they did on this earth: good, bad, indifferent, ppl will still try to make them sit on the right hand of God when they die. why? b/c it makes them feel better. but let’s get real here. from what i’ve been reading and seeing, there were MORE ppl who couldn’t STAND the senator, then those that did. this could have been handled very simply by asking ANOTHER person to do it. if they couldn’t find anyone, then they have their answer as to what the majority thinks about this man. of course, if you want a job done, you COULD DO IT YOURSELF! :p
By Federal employee on 07/09 05:15 PM
He should have been terminated! Although Mr. Eason might not have agreed with Senator Helms’ views, he deserves the respect of a US Senator. He might not have always made perfect decisions, but neither did Ghandi, Rosa Parks, and Dr. King. We all make good, bad, and indifferent decisions. By disrespecting his death and the order of Governor Easley, Mr. Eason also reflects a mind set of discrimination. There were so any other politicians that disagreed with some or many of Senator Helms’decisions, but they attended his funeral and gave him and his family the respect they deserved.
By State Emp on 07/09 03:01 PM
State employees serve the will of the State, including the Governor. If asked to do it, you do it, political opinions not withstanding. As a state employee, I don’t agree with much of what the state does, but they pay me and I do what I am told.
By Tiffani on 07/09 02:43 PM
Sorry, no flag lowering for me either. All indicators and research on my part lead to a picture of a racist and bigot who didn’t really deserve to be honored so widely. Senators are supposed to be for the people. From my reading, this guy really wasn’t (or at least not *all* the people).
By BetterPlace on 07/09 02:09 PM
I wish the Government handled this better. Knowing the dissent, I would have asked another employee to lower the flag. I wouldnt want to lose a long time employee and at the same time not lowering the flag.
By Rodney on 07/09 01:49 PM
My issue with Mr. Eason is not with his beliefs, but with the fact that he subjected his employees to his personal beliefs. He was wrong to send his employees an e-mail basically telling them that they were not to lower the flag. He stuck them in the middle of his mess. He was also insubordinate. I suspect that he was offered a choice of “retiring” or being fired.
By S.RODGERS on 07/09 01:47 PM
THANKS MR. EASON I WOULD NOT HAVE LOWERED THE FLAGS FOR THAT BIGOT EITHER!!!!
By Mimi on 07/09 01:34 PM
I couldn’t agree with Mr. Eason more. My husband has served this country for over 27 years in the military so that both Mr. Eason and Mr. Helms could enjoy their constitutional rights and voice their opinions. How dare anyone make an employee retire for exercisng his right to make known his opinions. Shame on the supervisors for what they have done. This is not China or some other communist country, where there is only one opinion allowed, its the United State of America!!!! get with it people.
By Tim on 07/09 01:15 PM
Even though Helms was in the Senate for 30 years, he did not do anything to help ALL the citizens of this state.It was always to keep people not like him separated but equal. I cannot agreed with the state in asking this man, Mr. Eason, to retire because he didn`t lower the flag to honor Mr. Helms. Did Mr. Helms ever recant any of the things he voted against or blocked in his 30 years? Then, why give Mr. Eason a choice like that because he stood up for he believes in? Isn`t that the same reason Mr. Helms is being honor? Standing up for what you believe......
By Etta Alston on 07/09 12:57 PM
It is beyond how a dedicated employee of 29 years could be asked to retire because he stated some truth about Jesse Helms. Mr. Helms has been memorialized in a way that is disgraceful. Mr. Helms divided North Carolina. His agenda did not help “all” the citizens as it should have during his 30 years in Congress. Keep up the good fight, Mr. Eason.
By AJ DeBats on 07/09 12:48 PM
Eason should have been fired not retired. When you work for the government you must follow directives from superiors, the same as Eason would expect his directives to be followed by his subordinates. Racist or not Helms was a senator. Should we disrespect former Presidents Clinton and Carter when they die because we disagree with their politics? I would hope that if Eason decides to search for other employment in the private sector that the people who review his application or resume will remember this his inability to follow orders.
By Sean Grainger on 07/09 12:36 PM
By my opinion on 07/09 12:00 PM
that is so ridiculous! I don’t know much about this Helms guy but if he didn’t stand for good things why honor him? I think it was wrong to make Mr. Eason retire because he stood behind what he believed. What does what happened to Mr. Eason say about this state? You can’t MAKE anyone honor anyone but to MAKE someone retire because he stood for what he believed is just wrong!
Good for you Mr. Eason and good luck in the future!
Mr. Eason’s superiors were not making him honor Sen Helms. They were simply instructing him to carry out an action as an employee of the state. The state of NC, in the person of Gov Easley, made a decision to honor the late senator by flying flags at half staff. It is the duty of Mr. Eason to carry out instructions given to him. Since he refused, his superiors were correct in asking him to step down. If employees of the state are allowed choose which orders they will follow we would have a very ineffective government. You may argue that the government is ineffective already but allowing employees to disregard instructions based on personal feelings is no way to improve it.
By my opinion on 07/09 12:00 PM
that is so ridiculous! I don’t know much about this Helms guy but if he didn’t stand for good things why honor him? I think it was wrong to make Mr. Eason retire because he stood behind what he believed. What does what happened to Mr. Eason say about this state? You can’t MAKE anyone honor anyone but to MAKE someone retire because he stood for what he believed is just wrong!
Good for you Mr. Eason and good luck in the future!
By D. Batchelor on 07/09 11:58 AM
Thank you, Mr. Eason, for showing us a rare and inspirational example of personal and civic conviction worthy of Ghandi, Rosa Parks and Dr. King.
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