You Are A Citizen Of The World, A Member Of Mankind

I don't even know what gets into some peoples minds.  I saw on the news a story about a sheriff/asshat who is making a big deal about NOT flying his flag at half mast in honor of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.  The question this brings up is simple, why is such a big deal to show some respect for another human being?

Apparently those who are not wanting to honor Mandela are doing so under some misguided redneck nationalism/patriotism. Their basic though it "he's not American, so why should I salute him with the American flag?".  How about, "why not"?  We've flown the flag at half-mast out of respect before.

The people who want to stand up and say "He's not an AMERICAN" are part of the problem that the rest of the world has with us.  We're Americans for sure, but we all live together on the same planet. We have to learn to deal with each other. We have to learn to respect each other.  There is NOTHING wrong with saying, "this was a great man and he deserves some respect".

I feel sorry for the hillbillies out there who think they're protecting "Murica'" with their misguided isolationism.  They aren't "protecting" the U.S. or it's ideals, they're just being small minded jerks and that is all. Let's all look beyond our own backyards and show others respect when we can.