So, when do we actually fly the flag at half-staff? Well, it's usually for people like presidents, vice presidents, and members of Congress. You know, the usual suspects. But sometimes, we fly it for people who aren't politicians at all - like Neil Armstrong, or John Glenn. These guys were heroes, and we wanted to show our respect. But Dolly Parton? She's a hero too - a hero of sparkles, music, and generosity.
Let's look at the timeline. When Pope Francis visits the US, we fly the flag at half-staff. When Nelson Mandela passes away, we fly the flag at half-staff. But when Dolly Parton donates millions to charity, or writes a hit song, or just exists - we don't fly the flag at half-staff. It's like, what's the criteria here? Do you have to be a pope, or a president, or just a really good person?
Flags lowered in Nevada for pope; Donald Trump orders flags to half-staff
Now, we're not saying Dolly Parton doesn't deserve the flag treatment. She's a legend, a trailblazer, and a really nice person. But if we start flying the flag at half-staff for her, where do we draw the line? Do we fly it for Beyoncé too? Or Lady Gaga? The list of amazing women who deserve our respect is long, and we can't just fly the flag at half-staff all the time - or can we?
