Why are the flags at half-mast?

[postulater]

They have been for the last few days. Is this for the Pope?

Or just a general sign of distress for the state of our democracy?

And who ordered them lowered?

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

1. The Pope

[Dookus]

2. Yes, for the Pope

ordered by the President.

[Technowitch]

3. So they've given up any pretenses, huh? We really are a theocracy.

[Dookus]

4. He was a head of state

and the President can order the flag lowered for the death of heads of state.

[Dukkha]

7. I didn't know Vatican City was considered a State

I was just wondering that this morning when I noticed the flags this morning. When was the last time this was done for a foreign head of state? Not for Arafat that's for sure.

[Dookus]

8. Oh yes

the Vatican is a state. We even have an ambassador to the Vatican.

[THUNDER HANDS]

5. are you sure?

Presidents can't order flags to be put at half staff. Only governors of states can, at least, that's what I thought.

Plus, a head of the U.S. government or state government has to die in order for that to happen, right?

[Sgent]

6. Govenor's order it in their state

The President orders it nationally.

Its for the pope, and the way the law is written, the president can order them lowered for just about anyone -- even someone who is not head of state or a US citizen. He ordered it lowered for the Tsunami vitims as well.

[elperromagico]

9. You could always tell yourself it's for Prince Rainier,

if that makes you feel any better.

[Floogeldy]

10. For Johnny Cochran