Readers react to Nassau's initial refusal to lower flags for Jimmy Carter: Bruce Blakeman embarrasses his county

I never thought I would feel embarrassed to live in Nassau County, a place I have proudly called home for four decades. But it is impossible to feel any other way after learning that County Executive Bruce Blakeman has chosen partisanship over patriotism [“Nassau County to lower flags in honor of Carter,” News, Jan. 6]. How else to describe his belated and begrudging decision to lower the American flag to half-staff for three measly days after President Joe Biden, following federal law, had instructed that flags be lowered for 30 days, until Jan. 28, in honor of former President Jimmy Carter?

It is unacceptable to give just 10% of the respect due to a deceased former president.

This isn’t a time to be a politician; it is a time to be an American. We need leaders who take actions that unify our country, not inflame our differences. Nassau County residents and elected officials should come together, reject this decision, and demand the full time of national mourning be honored.

— Marc Epstein, Jericho

I consider myself a Republican and voted for Bruce Blakeman. I’m thinking if a former Republican president passed away, flags would be lowered. I find it so petty that our county executive has made this decision. Whether you agreed with Jimmy Carter’s politics or not is immaterial. A former president and Navy veteran deserves more respect.

— Rich Sundermier, Rockville Centre

This says more about Bruce Blakeman’s character than it does about Jimmy Carter’s.

— Kathleen Drew, Sea Cliff

Could Bruce Blakeman’s decision be because President-elect Donald Trump is not happy that flags will be at half-staff for his inauguration? Blakeman has paid and continues to pay fealty to Trump. Blakeman may not respect or acknowledge the accomplishments of Jimmy Carter, which include designating more National Parks land, establishing the education and energy departments, and Carter’s greatest accomplishment: brokering peace between Egypt and Israel, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Disgraceful.

— Chris Monzert, Lynbrook

Regardless of which side of the aisle one stands on, there needs to be respect for a person democratically elected as president. I’m a Democrat who hasn’t had much good to say about Donald Trump, but when he passes, I will still support lowering flags out of respect for the office and those who elected him.

— Kenneth Norian, Hicksville

I’ve been following politics forever and have seen some petty moves. Bruce Blakeman’s decision, though, takes the cake. Donald Trump made a fairly decent comment about Jimmy Carter’s passing, and most other MAGA supporters probably wouldn’t even have given it a second thought.

— Terry McPherson, Bellmore

I assume that, had Jimmy Carter been a Republican, flags in Nassau County would have been at half-staff. It’s disgusting that Bruce Blakeman has played politics with his death. Carter was president of all the people, not only Democrats. Third graders know that. Too bad Blakeman doesn’t.

— David Sills, Oceanside

Our Nassau County executive has reached an all-time low. How shameful!

— Christine Gietschier, Westbury

Perhaps Bruce Blakeman doesn’t realize that many people in Nassau County appreciate Jimmy Carter’s long and distinguished record of service to this country and to humanity. He was a champion of democracy, built homes for Habitat for Humanity, and led efforts to improve public health in impoverished nations, among many other accomplishments. Blakeman’s decision is unfair to the people of Nassau County and unworthy of the position he holds. He should reconsider.

— Carla Samodulski, Hicksville

I am ashamed of Bruce Blakeman’s pettiness. Jimmy Carter made us look like a caring people.

— Kosmas Patikoglou, Malverne

To not honor Jimmy Carter is such an insult to all Americans. How embarrassing for a politician to act like this. It is extremely immature.

— Margaret Maher, Merrick

Our elected leaders should be for all the people, not for just their party. Not to pay tribute to a former president is shameful, and Blakeman’s action is disgraceful. I hope some Nassau County Republicans will call him out for his un-American behavior.

— Richard T. DeVito, Long Beach

All Nassau County residents, no matter their political affiliation, should be outraged by this slight. As taxpayers, we should not allow Bruce Blakeman to speak for all county residents.

— Theresa Nastasia, Stewart Manor

Bruce Blakeman is being petty and should strive to represent all of his constituents, even those not of the same party. He disrespects the office of the president and those whom Jimmy Carter helped worldwide with his Habitat for Humanity work. I feel held hostage by Blakeman and his recent ideas.

— Francine Bloch, Merrick

I am outraged over Bruce Blakeman’s disgraceful decision. It is utterly shameful that, instead of paying respect to an iconic American figure and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who devoted his life to public service, Blakeman seems to prioritize pandering to the likes of Donald Trump.

This act reeks of political opportunism. Blakeman’s decision to turn his back on this simple but important gesture of respect suggests that he is more concerned with currying favor with the far right and aligning himself with Trump rather than doing what’s right.

— Kevin Okeefe, East Meadow

Jimmy Carter deserves the respect of all Americans for his service to our country, as a former president and an inspirational humanitarian. This should not be political — it’s a show of decency and respect. Not lowering the flags is petty politics at its worst.

— Wendy Frischer, Long Beach

As an independent voter, I see respect as a two-way street. If he is unwilling to show respect, he should not expect any.

— Glenn Hadzima, Miller Place

Nassau County deserves someone who will not embarrass the county. Look at Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days.

— Charles Kemnitzer, Wantagh

Common human decency and respect are two virtues that our county executive, who insists upon plastering his own name all over the county, apparently lacks.

— Jim Donnelly, Franklin Square

Whereas Jimmy Carter’s autobiography title asked, “Why Not the Best?”, Bruce Blakeman’s actions demonstrate classlessness at its worst.

— James P. Kelly, Huntington

This is shameful. It is a symptom of how fractured we have become. Bruce Blakeman has embarrassed himself and Nassau County.

— Alan Weinschel, Roslyn Heights

When Donald Trump comes to town, Bruce Blakeman rolls out the red carpet. Yet flying the flag half-staff to show respect for Jimmy Carter’s passing seems to be a problem for him?

— Kathleen Teleglow, Holbrook

This is not just a breach of tradition — it’s an affront to the dignity of Nassau County. This glaring act of disrespect stands in stark contrast to the humanity, integrity and humility of the leader he so callously refused to honor. In denying this simple yet profound gesture of reverence, Bruce Blakeman tarnishes not only his own reputation but also dishonors the people he serves.

— Michael Melgar, Glen Head