Towleroad was following this story a week ago, and has more details (and some proactive visitors!). See:

http://www.towleroad.com/towleroad/2006/07/rainbow_flag_br.html

Towleroad was following this story a week ago, and has more details (and some proactive visitors!). See:

http://www.towleroad.com/towleroad/2006/07/rainbow_flag_br.html

We've been following the story on Queerty as well. See our original item here.

READER BEWARE:: First they said their kid bought the flag, then they said he ordered it. Do some investigating and find out the true character of this man. This man came to the southwest portion of Kansas to "get away". Didn't like it out here so thought he would bring "california culture" to Kansas. If he was a used car salesman he' be rich and everybody that bought a car would be "taken for a ride" He would go far as a "lying politician"

READER BEWARE:: First they said their kid bought the flag, then they said he ordered it. Do some investigating and find out the true character of this man. This man came to the southwest portion of Kansas to "get away". Didn't like it out here so thought he would bring "california culture" to Kansas. If he was a used car salesman he' be rich and everybody that bought a car would be "taken for a ride" He would go far as a "lying politician"

You're correct in your suspicion. This man's business was failing off long before he ever flew the flag due to his arrogant attitude and political imprudence, if you could say that it even got off the ground to begin with. In fact, the Lakeway has had a long history of unsuccessful owners, none of which ever maintained a profitable business. (It's common sense: A town of 1600 does not need three hotels, and there are already two in town.) Kudos to him for trying, I suppose.

Nonetheless, it is my personal opinion that J.R. Knight was so strapped for cash that he was looking for a way to get new business. Why not exploit the gay community under the guise of standing up for gay rights in a town of backwards hicks? (This isn't necessarily the case, and it is my opinion that the citizens of Meade are more tolerant than these stories would have one to believe, and probably 95% have no problem with him flying the flag.) I would be very weary of what this man is doing. While I'm not homosexual myself, and while I don't particularly agree with homosexuality, I do not have a problem with those who are homosexual, and I certainly do not have a problem with someone flying a rainbow flag. I just have to question is this man's motives. Especially since they seem to be working: (homosexual) people are sending him money for his "fight," a fight that doesn't really exist.

I can further guarantee that his flag was not torn down because of anti-gay sentiment, but instead because this guy is the town jerk. That's assuming, of course, that he didn't tear it down himself for even more publicity.

My parrents live in Meade Kansas, and this is a big excitement in this small town. My dad is a teacher at the Meade High School and he would not be caught dead in that place now. It isn't because of his views but the rest of the communitys. This owner better count his losses now because he will never be accepted in that community.

I DID IT! WHOOOOOO! YES. I HATE THE FAGS IN MEADE SO I CUT IT DOWN.

I think that J.R. Knight is nothing but a trouble maker. He has been stirring up trouble in the city counsel and now this flag. He needs to remember what he says because things are getting mixed up. First he said they hung the flag because they miss their son who is in California. Then they say they sent him to California to get him away from all of us Meade bigots. He is a liar and just wants to get attention. I refuse to support his business because of the trouble he is causing in this town.
I don't agree with homosexuality but it does not bother me either as long as it is not pushed down my throat. That is exactly what J.R. is doing. I think he needs to pack his bags and head to Back to California with his son.

I can see why homosexuality won't bother you as long as it's not pushed down your throat. Just know that some gays feel just as uncomfortable when images of straight couples are thrown their way left and right -- on the street, in the movies, on television, in the magazines, etc etc etc. Imagine how it would feel if you were to see images of public displays of affections between same-sex couples all the time, without being able to feely express your affection for your own partner. Let's be fair: if straight couples can do it, why not let gay couples do it too? There's no harm in that.

Martini Boy,
If you want to show affection to your partner in public so be it. That does not bother me. I am not here to judge people. I just know that I don't agree with it. Just because I don't agree with it doesn't make me a bigot or anything else they have called us here.

I think its a shame whats going on in our town. J.R. is using a hot button issue to drum up money for his business. He was not making any money and he has created a controversy out of nothing. I believe the people of this town are very kind and open. The person who tore down the flag was a Jr. High kid who did it as a bad prank. His dad when he found out dragged him to the restureant to apologize to J.R. Last sunday J.R. had a meeting of the southwest KS gay org. You know how many people showed up to protest this meeting...zero.. I hope the gay community will realize they are being conned by a con-man. He does not care about gay rights he only cares for the almighty dollar..Wake up world!

James, I'd be more inclined to believe you if not for all the comments in this very thread from other people in your town. While it sounds like this innkeeper may or may not be annoying, the people of Meade, Kansas just seem completely horrible-- not only homophobic, but xenophobic as well. First there's Allison, who claims that she doesn't have a problem with gays, but simply "doesn't agree with them." (As if our existence is up for debate and dependent on Allison's 'agreement.') Then, there's Bill, who objects vociferously to "California culture," and, most tellingly, Michele, who in addition to "not agreeing with homosexuality," (which, sorry, DOES INDEED MAKE YOU A BIGOT), she urges JR to "head Back to California." (Absurd caps hers.) Good thing he didn't try to wave the Calfornia flag! You guys seem to "disagree" with people from the coasts as much as you "disagree" with "homosexuality." And if this is how you guys react to your fellow Americans, I'd hate to see what you would do if an actual foreigner moved into Meade.