Ga. Rep. Attacks Gov. Over Lowering Flags

Atlanta Journal Constitution ^ | June 25, 2003

[Apollo]

ATLANTA -- Gov. Sonny Perdue ordered flags on state buildings lowered to half-staff Wednesday for the death of former Gov. Lester Maddox, but faced criticism for not doing the same after the death of Atlanta's first black mayor, Maynard Jackson.

Perdue's executive order requires flags to remain lowered until sunset on the day of Maddox's funeral, which had not yet been scheduled.

But for Jackson, who died Monday, only the flags on the state Capitol will be lowered and for just one day, Saturday, the day of his funeral.

"I found that insulting. I found that repugnant," said state Rep. Tyrone Brooks. "Look, I've seen the flag fly at half-staff for a lot of folks from the time of death to the time of burial. It's a slap in the face to Maynard Jackson's family."

Perdue's staff said he was following protocol. The honor for Maddox was the same as that extended last year by then-Gov. Roy Barnes following the death of former Gov. Herman Talmadge.

Democratic leaders had asked Perdue, a freshman Republican governor, to lower flags across the state for Jackson until his funeral.

[PhiKapMom]

There is a big difference between a Governor and a Mayor and I don't care about the color of the skin of either. Shame that some people cannot see the difference and put color of some man's skin above everything.

[GaConfed]

This is about the first correct thing our new spineless Repub governor has dones since coming into office. He is Governor Ryan of Illinois in rural Georgia drag.

[gridlock]

The point should be moot. Every flag in the country should be lowered for the great Strom Thurmond.

[xrp]

Why? He was never Senator for the 49 other states.

[xrp]

No kidding. Rep Tyrone Brooks obviously doesn't understand flag protocol.

[xrp]

Although:

The flag is to be flown at half-staff at all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels in the Washington, D.C., area on the day and day after the death of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It shall also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials.

Upon the death of the governor of a state, territory or possession, the flag shall be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in that governor's state, territory or possession from the day of death until interment.

This isn't clear if it is for only current Senators in office, or for former Senators as well.