Source: PHXNews.com

http://www.phxnews.com/fullstory.php?article=19967

On April 4, 2005 PHXNews.com reported, "President Bush is being asked to rescind an order for all U.S. flags to be flown at half staff this Friday to commemorate the funeral of Pope John Paul II. 'It's inappropriate for the American flag to be lowered as a salute to a foreign religious leader,' said Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists. 'There is no secular purpose for this, and Americans would be outraged if Mr. Bush ordered a similar acknowledgment for the death of an Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish or Protestant prelate'...According to flag etiquette, such an honor is usually reserved for officials of the U.S. government or governors of the individual states; peace and military officers; and Americans noted for special non-governmental service and achievement."