Isn't * ordering that flags be flown at half-staff for the Pope....

[Craig3410]

violation of the "seperation of church and state"?

[Behind the Aegis]

1. Head of State

I think because the Pope is also a head of state (The Vatican City) it is appropriate. It would be no different if it were Chirac that had passed on (although, I doubt the Idiot-in-Chief would show him the proper respect).

[Tweed]

2. 100% Correct

[Behind the Aegis]

4. Score one for me!!

I guess I am not as dumb as some might think! (I am not referring to you ;)). I think Vatican City is the smallest nation in the world. However, San Marino may be smaller.

[lenidog]

6. The Vatican is the smallest nation in the world and the Pope is its

head of state. Monacco is actually the second smallest.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. I cheated

You are right that Monaco is the second smallest at 2 square miles!! There are houses bigger than that! And San Marino is like the fifth smallest.

[JohnKleeb]

3. Head of State

[Beware the Beast Man]

5. I'm not just saying this because I'm Catholic,

but the Pope is very much a head of state. Now if it were Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell, or even a cardinal or bishop of some sort, then I'd agree.

[Erika]

9. John Paul was beloved by many worldwide

I have no problem with our flags flying at half-staff as long as they run a notification that He was against the Iraqi invasion and saw the invasion as a violation of Christ's Golden Rule.

[SoCalDem]

8. Our flag should be at half-staff as long as soldiers are dying in war

It should be a reminder of their sacrifice. Their bodies are shipped home in "transfer-tubes", under cover of darkness, to a hangar with no family to meet them, and then hustled off to their home towns where only the ones who loved them even "know" they died for *²'s sins:(

[Behind the Aegis]

10. HEAR! HEAR!!

I agree with you!!!! Fuck those little ribbons! All flags should be at half-mast, every day, until they ALL come home!! It should remind us EVERYDAY!

[WillyT]

11. Right On, SoCalDem !!! --- Right Fucking On !!!

Link: http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~stephan/USfatalities.html