7 hours agoThe confused moon, the White House lowers it, lifts it up and puts down the American flag again
Periskopi(8 years ago)
(8 years ago)The White House lowered the American flag in half-study, then completely lifted it, and on Monday it was forced back down after Senator John McCain's death, in an unusual and highly confusing violation of protocol after the death of a national leader. McCain, a former war guard in Vietnam, for a long time senator by [...]
McCain, a former war camper in Vietnam, long-time senator from Arizona and presidential candidate among the Republicans in 2008, passed away from brain tumors during Saturday, at the age of 81. This prompted most Americans to lower their flags in half - straw, a traditional gesture of honor.
But President Donald Trump, who had often crashed with Republican McCain on various issues, even during his presidential campaign, had indicated that Senator “was not a war hero”, wavered in his approach to what the presidents normally view as a gesture of courtesy and respect.
The White House under Trump's direction lowered the flag to half-staff on Saturday, but completely raised it after the shortest period of time by law. Furthermore, Trump delayed the release of the common proclamation so that flags could be kept in half-point for longer than two - day minimun.
Finally, put under pressure from veterans and congressmen, Trump said through a statement Monday that he respected McCain's service to the nation and ordered the lowering of flags in half-point.
In a letter to Trump, published on her Facebook page, the group of veterans of the American Legion urged the White House “to follow the long-defined protocol, following the death of prominent government officials”. His legions described McCain as a beloved “member”.
After a full day of ignoring loud questions about McCain, Trump broke the silence during a meeting of gospel leaders at the White House on Monday evening.
Our hearts and prayers are for Senator John McCain's family. We highly appreciate everything Senator McCain has done for our country”, he told religious leaders.
Nearly all Monday, confusion reigned throughout the federal government, as flags were sitting in half apiece over the Capitol and in hundreds of national parks, but stood up fully above the Pentagon and the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Department of Internal Security had issued an announcement to the entire government after McCain's death to lower American flags in all American buildings, but withdrew it on Monday, leaving decision-making in the hands of staffes of each building or environment.
