http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/09/us-mandela-usa-flag-idUSBRE9B816R20131209
Summary: President Obama has ordered the lowering of all flags in memory of Nelson Mandela, a profound former leader of South Africa. Rick Clark, a sheriff of Pickens County in South Carolina is refusing to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff at the sheriff office grounds. He believes it should be reserved for those "who have sacrificed for our country".
Analysis: I sort of agree with Clark. Lowering our national flag is a act of mourning an American loss. Though Mandela's influence was a global impact, he was not a citizen here. There was many other ways to revere a great foreign leader than flying the U.S. flag at half-staff.
Its sad that people cant realize that a global figure should be honored. If this man was one to change the world and flags wouldn't be lowered for him then it would probably be a different story. I understand that many sacrifice there lives for our country and that the flag isn't lowered for a lot of great people but that doesn't mean we should neglect Nelson Mandela just because we are bitter.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Tyra. Lowering the flag is a national thing, not an international thing. Our country has not been neglecting Nelson Mandela in the least. We have been paying our respects to one of the greatest heroes of our time. But that symbol is reserved for national issues, and I feel we should respect that.
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