Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has not lowered flags to half-staff in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter, sparking controversy and criticism.
Despite President Biden’s directive to lower flags at federal facilities for 30 days following Carter’s death, Blakeman, a Republican, has not publicly explained his decision to keep flags at full staff at Nassau County-operated buildings. Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, was honored by Biden with a national day of mourning on January 9 and a state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington.
Democratic county legislator Seth Koslow expressed disappointment, stating that honoring a former president should transcend partisan politics. “Politics shouldn’t play into this right now. This should be about what’s right for a person who represented our country, who guided our country and then served our country when they were done as president, and it’s the right thing to do,” Koslow said.
Blakeman’s office has not provided a comment on the matter. The decision has drawn criticism from those who believe that lowering the flags is a sign of respect for Carter’s service to the nation.
Following Carter’s death, Biden’s order to lower flags for 30 days is based on a proclamation issued by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954. This means flags will remain at half-staff on Inauguration Day, January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. Trump acknowledged this in a social media post, noting that it would be the first time flags are at half-staff during a presidential inauguration.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the order would not be reconsidered. Trump has also announced his intention to attend Carter’s funeral.
The decision by Blakeman has sparked a debate about the importance of bipartisan respect and the appropriate ways to honor former leaders. As the nation mourns Carter’s passing, the controversy highlights the ongoing challenges of navigating political differences in times of national significance.
