People are reacting so strongly about Christie's decision to order flags be flown half-staff on Saturday, in tribute to Whitney Houston.

I think it is unnecessary to do it for a singer regardless of her amazing career and talent. That said, it isn't hurting anybody and her daughter will greatly appreciate it. So, it would be great if those totally against it would chill on the subject.

I think it is horrendous, and a slap to the face of those who have served in the military without having a flag flown at half-mast in their own honor. Whitney may have been an ultra-gifted singer but she was also a junkie and she was not a hero in any way, shape or form.

Not one of Christie's finer moments. But I don't really have any strong opinions one way or another.

Bluesmama wrote:

Whitney may have been an ultra-gifted singer but she was also a junkie and she was not a hero in any way, shape or form.

She was an EX drug abuser who suffered addiction for many years, and got herself help and CLEAN, that in many others eyes can make her a hero!


Back on topic:

Quote :

From Wikipedia:

In the United States, the President can issue an Executive Order for the Flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States government, and others, as a mark of respect to their memory. When such an order is issued, all government buildings, offices, public schools and military bases are to fly their flags at half-staff. Under federal law the flags of states, cities, localities, and pennants of societies, shall never be placed above the flag of the United States; thus, all other flags also fly at half-staff when the U.S. flag has been ordered to fly at half-staff. Governors of the several U.S. states or territories are authorized by US Code to order all U.S. and state flags in their jurisdiction flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for a state official or resident who has died. Since a governor's executive order affects only his or her state, not the entire country, these orders are distinguished from presidential proclamations.

I assumed flying the flag-half staffed was only meant for fallen soldiers and government officials of some sort and was wondering why they would for an entertainer, but after reading this then I say go ahead and fly the flag half-staffed.

I don't have a big problem with it.

Quote :

Christie said some people were being critical "without the facts," accusing him of treating Houston better than fallen soldiers.

The governor noted he has ordered flags flown at half-staff for all 31 fallen New Jersey soldiers and every fallen police officer during his time in office.

He also ordered flags lowered last year for Clarence Clemons, the saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/15/whitney-houston-new-jersey-funeral_n_1280082.html

Simply despicable...Christy is showing himself to be the real elephant ass that he is. And it shouldn't have been lowered for Clarence either. Entertainers are not national heroes.

I think a lot of people have the misconception that it's reserved for military or political figures. It's done for people who were prominent in the community. Tennessee lowered them for Elvis. They were lowered for Paterno in Pennsylvania. It's just symbolic. I really don't see the big deal people are making about it.

I don't have a problem with it. She's Newark, New Jersey's baby and the state wants to pay their respects.

I just have to wonder if this were someone white would people be making it such an issue. I know black folks ain't.

double post

tmontyb wrote:

I don't have a problem with it. She's Newark, New Jersey's baby and the state wants to pay their respects.

I just have to wonder if this were someone white would people be making it such an issue. I know black folks ain't.

Total

tmontyb wrote:

I don't have a problem with it. She's Newark, New Jersey's baby and the state wants to pay their respects.

I just have to wonder if this were someone white would people be making it such an issue. I know black folks ain't.

I don't think her color has that much to do with the controversy. I think it's the drugs. My post stated that NJ lowered the flag for Clarence Clemons I that was the first I'd heard of it.