We are totally on board with exhibiting proper respect for former presidents who passed away. It is totally appropriate to have elaborate services and to fly flags at half mast in the honor of the person and the office.
But we also think it’s a step too far to shut down federal government offices. This is enormously disruptive to many businesses, especially when the post office is closed. What explanation could there be for this other than to take it as another opportunity to pander to federal unions.
The practice may be more acceptable when a sitting president dies in office, especially when there’s a shocking event such as the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Federal offices were closed the following day, which was not inappropriate.
But to disrupt the business sector with the closing of some federal facilities for the passing of a former president seems totally beyond what is proper etiquette when showing respect.