[PW] Re: U.S. flag never at half-mast/half-staff

[swguardian-stumpers at yahoo.com]

Further reading of the article states that either usage is correct, although each "seems more appropriate" in a specific instance. "...seems more appropriate" does not mean set in stone. 
   
  As far as I am concerned, arguments on grammar issues amount to a hill of beans. As long as a term is properly understood it is correct, because language is about being understood, not about fighting tooth and nail to prove who is right or wrong. If a word is not understood, it is incorrect and if two words are understood to mean the same thing, both are correct. It simply amounts to you doing it your way and me, mine. 
   
  If you wish to debate the point further, take it off list and send me a private note. 
  
david meadows <rogueclassicist at gmail.com> wrote:
  On Thursday, January 04, 2007 5:24 PM aliquis scripsit:

| Mast, staff. Call it what you will because both are correct,
| not from a purist point of view, but from a human one, with a
| long history of use.
| See: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/faqs/q62.htm

Well, no ... if you read what your source says, 'staff' is used in land
situations; 'mast' in naval/sea situations. That's what I said and that's
what is correct. Words do mean things ...

dm




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