Half Mast

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | February 18, 2012

No. 811

New Jersey officially mourned the death of Whitney Houston yesterday, the day of her funeral, by directing that flags be flown at half mast.  Pennsylvania did the same for Joe Paterno.  Purists have pointed out that neither was qualified for what is essentially a military honor.

So what is anyone to do about it?  Nothing, really.

In the case of Paterno, who had been a great influence in the lives of many, there was more than a twinge of regret over his name being dragged so recently through the mud of the Sandusky scandal.  Yes, he was only a football coach, but he was a philanthropist and a leading figure in the community and the state for a half century.

Houston is a bit more problematic.  She was only a singer. But she seems to have been loved by members of her church and community in an extraordinary way.  Perhaps there was no real harm in it.

CLT

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CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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