The owner of a Michigan tree trimming service is being chastised by his community because they believe the Confederate flag and the nooses hanging from his trees are hardcore displays of racism.

A number of complaints have been filed against Robert Tomanovich, owner of Robert’s Discount Tree Service, because of the lawn decorations he has selected to accent his home. On a fence, a Confederate flag, with “I ain’t coming down” branded across it can be seen, as well as a couple of nooses hanging in a nearby tree.

Neighbors are concerned that not only is Tomanovich’s southern lawn décor offensive, but the nooses could actually pose a risk to the safety of children playing in the area.

“It’s a tree that is easily climbable,” Nicole Behrendt told WXYZ. “Any kid could climb the tree and hang himself.”

One of Tomanovich’s employees told reporters that neighborhood complaints would not force his boss to remove the flag or the nooses; in fact, there will likely be more put up in the near future.

And while there can be no denying that the southern memorabilia is a racist statement, Tomanovich’s wife claims it has nothing to do with white power.

“Robert has a friend that died in that way (hanging himself), and that’s in memory of his friend,” she said.

Of course, there is nothing police can do about the neighborhood nuisance because Tomanovich is not breaking any laws – only exercising his right to free speech. And since the decorations do not single anyone out, the display cannot be considered a hate crime.

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