half-mast

The flags at our county offices have been lowered by presidential request.  Somebody said that it defies the separation of church and state, but you have to keep in mind that Vatican City is it's own country.  The pope is the head of that country. As long as we honor all other dead heads of state in that manner, it's kosher.  You know Geo. W. probably doesn't have the wit to think of that himself.  I'm sure there is some protocol advisor sending memos... attached to pre-written statements so all the prez has to do is sign.