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Gov. faces backlash after lowering flag for celeb

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Levon Helm, co-founder of The Band, dead at 71

Reported by: Hubert Tate

Email: htate@fox16.com

Tags:

governor, hubert tate, Levon Helm, mike beebe, musician

Updated: 4/27/2012 1:07 pm

Published: 4/26/2012 9:47 pm

LITTLE ROCK, -- Thursday, Arkansas' Governor Mike Beebe says Levon Helm's home state should honor him by lowering the state flag. The musician died last week after battling throat cancer. He was from Turkey Scratch, Arkansas.

But some people don't agree with Beebe's actions to honor Helm.

Critics say the honor should be reserved for military soldiers and emergency responders, not celebrities. However, Beebe stands by his decision.

"In the case of Mr. Helm, a person who has had so much international influence and cultural influence and is from Arkansas and was always happy to be from Arkansas, we feel this as appropriate," said Beebe spokesman Matt Decample.

A private funeral for Helm will be held tomorrow in New York.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of FOX16 - Breaking News and Weather to Plan Your Day for Little Rock and Central Arkansas

wpsark - 4/27/2012 1:42 PM

2 Votes

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I'm a vet and see nothing wrong with this..It was the state flag that was lowered, he was a famous Arkansan and it was just a way for the "state" to honor him. No big deal.

Butch54 - 4/27/2012 9:09 AM

0 Votes

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Get over my self. Fine How about savoring the flavor of where the sun don't shine.

el perro feroz - 4/27/2012 8:38 AM

1 Vote

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Butch54 true patriots would never allow our flag to be made in Communist China or buy one made there. So get over yourself

CptKirksnipple - 4/27/2012 8:30 AM

0 Votes

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I wonder how many of the folks that have commented have family at the FT Smith National Cemetery?

CptKirksnipple - 4/27/2012 8:26 AM

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I just hope there is still a place for me at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Last time I was there it looks like I will be in left field of the old ball park.

snapper2u - 4/27/2012 7:31 AM

4 Votes

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well if it was jessie jackson and al sharpton the flags would fly lower for a month.im talking state flags and the american flag.not many folks would say a word.

Tired - 4/27/2012 6:24 AM

3 Votes

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wondering why he lived in New York...

Butch54 - 4/27/2012 5:46 AM

2 Votes

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The biggest problem in America today. To many people want to whine about what their leaders do. Let me also leave with this. They may make those Flags in China, but patriotism starts in this country and in the heart. If yours isn't in it why not find yourself another country to move to.

amberjack - 4/27/2012 5:12 AM

2 Votes

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Thanks to Beebe for doing something right, the heck with protocol. Too many people rely on protocol for someone else to run their lives and lack just good old common sense. The guy is a legend beyond legends in this state and deserves this and much more

Martee - 4/27/2012 5:03 AM

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sin12 - The website I posted is for the United States Flag. There is another website for protocol for the Arkansas Flag. http://www.soskids.ar.gov/5-8-history-flag-protocol.html

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