http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/nj-flags-fly-half-staff-whitney-houston-15602567#.Tz0T0LSpAhw
Really? And (R)s wanted this guy to run for the highest office in the land?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this reserved for state or federal government officials/members of the military? Last I checked being a drug addict and a good singer didn't qualify you for that.
I understand that the President and state governors can order this, but IMO, this shows poor judgement.
If you check deeper, I believe you will see Houston had somewhat of a philanthropic record in her home state and it's not uncommon for such an honor for influential or remarkable citizens in different states. Sure her life turned out like smile but that doesn't erase multiple grammys and a couple of hundred million records sold. How is this really different than President Obama taking the time to prepare a public statement honoring her life? It's simply a matter of memorializing someone who apparently touched a lot of people.
If he hadn't have shown some sort of respect like this, there would be a whole other camp saying he dissed her or he's a racist doosh. It's not like it costs the state any extra to lower the state flags to 1/2 staff.
Christie can't win on this one apparently.
Oh, and digging around, turns out flags have been lowered 15 times over the last 12 months. Thirteen times for fallen servicemen and also for Clarence Clemmons, The E Street Band's sax player when he passed.
Quote from: Conan71 on February 16, 2012, 09:34:26 AM
Christie can't win on this one apparently.
He's a Whitney Houston fan and he's vowed to veto the Gay Marriage bill about to pass in NJ. Strange.
Quote from: Townsend on February 16, 2012, 09:41:00 AM
He's a Whitney Houston fan and he's vowed to veto the Gay Marriage bill about to pass in NJ. Strange.
I bet he knows some Broadway show tunes as well. Just don't sit in the stall next to him...
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Al_Sharpton_by_David_Shankbone.jpg/250px-Al_Sharpton_by_David_Shankbone.jpg)
If Christie had not approached this loss with the respect that he did, you can bet that the same person who called for a "National Moment of Prayer" for Whitney, would have been on him like stink . . .
Of course that was not his motivation. Whitney was a symbolic figure for the state of New Jersey. She was talented and brought joy to millions around the world. Memphis did it when Elvis died. It's a symbol of respect for the achievements or sacrifices of great Americans. Sure, the definition of greatness is subjective, but it was obviously important to Christie and his constituents.
Besides, you should know by now. Christie is like the honey badger. He doesn't give a $hit about liberal whining.
Quote from: Gaspar on February 16, 2012, 09:50:28 AM
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Al_Sharpton_by_David_Shankbone.jpg/250px-Al_Sharpton_by_David_Shankbone.jpg)
If Christie had not approached this loss with the respect that he did, you can bet that the same person who called for a "National Moment of Prayer" for Whitney, would have been on him like stink . . .
Of course that was not his motivation. Whitney was a symbolic figure for the state of New Jersey. She was talented and brought joy to millions around the world. Memphis did it when Elvis died. It's a symbol of respect for the achievements or sacrifices of great Americans. Sure, the definition of greatness is subjective, but it was obviously important to Christie and his constituents.
Besides, you should know by now. Christie is like the honey badger. He doesn't give a $hit about liberal whining.
No whining here, I just don't think it was warranted. Sure, philanthropy would play into it and I wasn't that aware of what she did outside of music and the drug addictions.
Appearances are everything, though. My opinion: bad judgement. I'm not the only one thinking this, either. Her death has gotten enough national press I'm not sure this was even necessary.
I am OK with this gesture. It seems a little unneccesary, but doesn't cost the taxpayers anything and doesn't harm anyone.
Quote from: Hoss on February 16, 2012, 10:08:58 AM
No whining here, I just don't think it was warranted. Sure, philanthropy would play into it and I wasn't that aware of what she did outside of music and the drug addictions.
Appearances are everything, though. My opinion: bad judgement. I'm not the only one thinking this, either. Her death has gotten enough national press I'm not sure this was even necessary.
It's simply a matter of honor. Same as they did for Clarence Clemmons, same as they will likely do for Springsteen and Bon Jovi when their turn comes. Wouldn't surprise me if we do it for Reba or Garth.