Olive Branch, Mississippi Mayor Ken Adams has issued a statement explaining his decision not to lower the American flag to half-staff for Dolly Parton. In the statement, he says Parton was a great person who brought happiness to millions, but that he believes lowering the flag should be reserved for military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents, and events with a tremendous impact on the country. He also cites Mississippi’s Home Rule doctrine, arguing that local governments have the ability to use their own judgment on these decisions rather than simply following state or federal leaders.
I am not American, and I cannot surely appreciate the importance of a figure like Dolly Parton. For sure I know her name even if do not live in the USA and am no American, so she must have been well known.
Bit the flag at half mast is something that you reserve to high officials and military and other onorific people. If she was such, then all for it. Of she was just a show woman, musician, and maybe also the best ever… Why?
What groups persons would be considered honorific? Only people that work for the government (army, politicians etc)? Esteemed business men too? Nobel price winners? Esteemed scientists? It’s a slippery slope either way. I’d argue that it’s not up to the government to when it is allowed and when it is not, I’d argue every individual and every governmental body gets to decide for themselves.
This mayor probably doesn’t mind if a private person lowers their flag for a country singer. He only seems to care for a flag in front of eg the city hall. That’s how I interpret the text.