Is this really the stand he wants to take?
Since her death last week, tributes have been pouring in to the legendary Dolly Parton from all corners of the world.
Of course pretty much every country artist has paid tribute to the legend at their concerts, as well as artists from other genres like Pitbull, Kesha, John Mayer and Harry Styles. And even Buckingham Palace in London honored Dolly as the King’s Guard band played “9 to 5” the day after her shocking death.
Shortly after her death, President Donald Trump also took to social media to honor the late legend, while also announcing that he was ordering flags be lowered to half staff for the next week:
“Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00 PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
All around the country, flags have been lowered to half staff as the country mourns the loss of one of our greatest treasures. Well, pretty much everywhere but Olive Branch, Mississippi.
The Memphis suburb has kept their flags at full staff, a decision that Mayor Ken Adams defended in a lengthy post on social media.
Adams said that while he recognizes all the contributions made by the country legend, he feels that lowering the flag in her honor would “lessen the meaning of the gesture.”
“First, there is no question that Dolly Parton was a great person. She brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life. I have nothing but respect for her.
My concern is different.
I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant. In my opinion, it should be reserved for our military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents and other major national leaders, or events that have had a tremendous impact on our country.
If we lower the flag every time a well-known or beloved person passes away, I believe we eventually lessen the meaning of the gesture.”
He continues by saying that he believes it should be up to individual cities to decide when to lower the flag, despite the proclamations from both President Donald Trump and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves:
“I also believe there is a role for local government in these decisions. Mississippi cities operate under Home Rule. We have locally elected officials who are responsible for making decisions for the people we represent. I don’t believe that means we should disregard what the President or Governor decides. It means we have the ability to use our own judgment when appropriate.”
Adams says that he believes the honor of lowering the flag should only be reserved for members of our military, police, and firefighters, but that his decision shouldn’t be seen as disrespecting Dolly Parton:
“This isn’t about disrespecting Dolly Parton. It isn’t about politics. And it certainly isn’t about saying she wasn’t a great American.
It’s simply my belief that the American flag at half-staff is one of the highest honors we can give, and I believe that honor should be reserved for truly extraordinary circumstances.
Sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it.”
I dunno, seems like a weird hill to die on, especially for someone who’s done so much good for the country.
