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.
The argument presented for not lowering the flag seems solid enough to accept and move on, but only when applied fair and square for all scenarios. If other figures that don’t come anywhere even close to Dolly Parton’s legendary status HAVE gotten the flag lowered for them, then the very sound argument is actually just two-faced bullshit. I don’t see how that’s a hard concept to grasp.