Should Christie fly flags at half-staff for Whitney?
That is the Christie Controversy Of The Week. Gov. Christie announced yesterday at a press conference yesterday that flags would be lowered for one day -- Saturday, the day of her funeral -- to honor a New Jerseyan who was "an important part of the cultural fabric of this state."
Should Christie fly flags at half-staff for Whitney?
Matt Katz, Inquirer Staff Writer
People walk past a large image of Whitney Houston displayed on the side of the Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday. Houston's funeral will be held Saturday in the church where she first showcased her singing talents as a child, with her family choosing to remember her in a private service rather than in a large event at an arena. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
( Mel Evans)
UPDATE: For the full story in today's paper -- and more assorted commentary -- click here.
Does the death of Whitney Houston justify a gubernatorial order to fly the American and New Jersey flags at half-staff?
That is the Christie Controversy Of The Week. Gov. Christie announced yesterday at a press conference yesterday that flags would be lowered for one day -- Saturday, the day of her funeral -- to honor a New Jerseyan who was "an important part of the cultural fabric of this state."
I tweeted the news, and didn't think it merited more of a mention.
But it has now reached Controversy Level over the appropriateness of marking the death of a singer with an honor typically given to fallen soldiers and public officials. TMZ is calling the governor's office to ask about it. The Facebook page for the Newseum is blowing up about it. And on the Twitters, the gov's office number is being posted so people can register complaints about it.
Houston, who lived in Christie's hometown of Mendham, died last weekend due to what is widely believed to be a drug overdose. Her funeral is Saturday, in Newark.
Some background: The Governor has issued 42 executive orders to fly flags at half-staff. Of those, 31 were for the deaths of service men and women, two were for police officers, six were for public officials and one was for a Sept. 11 commemoration. Then there were two more that don't meet the traditional categories: Morristown High School baseball coach Harry Shatel (the state's all-time leader in wins) and Bruce Springsteen saxophonist Clarence Clemons.
And some more background: Federal code indicates that governors should fly flags at half-staff by order of the president and also in the event of the death of a member of the military or government official from that particular state.
Federal code makes no specification for the deaths of pop sensations -- but it doesn't forbid such memorializing, either.
Comments (132)
who cares— thelupe24- THIS IS A SMACK IN THE FACE TO ALL VETS IN NJ THAT LOST THEIR LIVES IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS— ppa65
- oh ok!!! now all the neo-cons are gonna complain that this is disrespectful to all vets. Why are you repuglicans so whiny when flags are flown half staff? Let Christie do his job, you voted him in.
— selophane43 - This is a big deal, but it's only within the state.Not world wide on every government or military installation, or vessel. I mean to my knowledge George W. Bush ordered the flag to be flown half-staff for Bob Hope when he passed.And there are probably more other than military personnel, or officials this honor has also been rendered for there contributions. I mean if Bruce Springsteen passed I'd fly it for him Mr. "Born in the USA", but we all have our opinions. And I'm a soldier who's currently in Afghanistan.Sometimes soldiers pay respects to those whom brought us strength and inspiration she's one. Despite her rocky pass no one is perfect, and neither was Audie Murphy, but we remember the awesome and amazing things they did accomplish.
— pzoc2002 - This is definitely an opinion issue, in which every situation is on a case by case bases. However,all of our government officials stuck to the regulation then we would be having this discussion. But there's already been compromises on this regulation in the past - case in point 9/11. That situation isn't outlined in no way what so ever in the regulation, but in that case it was understood and definitely justifiable. Not to mention that was the moment Whitney sung that National Anthem like no other - ever! It still brings tears to my eyes today, but is that justifiable no - but those of us who was at war at that time, and felt it. It was immeasurable. — pzoc2002
- Absolutely not.— kelprod2
Comment removed.- Why is it a big deal for Whitney and not for Clemons or Joe Pa in Pennsylvania? Because the whiners want to whine about something. It's not like it was done in spite of a US serviceman.— palmyra21
- It's a big deal because when it is flown for some less deserving it lessens the honor and significance of it being done for the truly deserving. I personally don't believe it should have been done for Clemons or Shatel either. It is supposed to be done as a stately gesture, not people who were simply memorable, popular and/or good people. — JMick1215
- It's a big deal because when it is flown for some less deserving it lessens the honor and significance of it being done for the truly deserving. I personally don't believe it should have been done for Clemons or Shatel either. It is supposed to be done as a stately gesture, not people who were simply memorable, popular and/or good people. — JMick1215
- Gov Christie of New Jersey is lowering the National Flag on Saturday in honor of an entertainer who died of an overdose.
The protest is on!!! Everyone is asked to please e-mail the governor One name of a fallen NJ serviceman or woman. It will take 144 e-mails just for our recent wars.
e-mail one name to the governor - twitter one name -- post a name in comments on his facebook page. Send all 144 names. Teach a lesson.
The link gets you all the names. The rest is up to you.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/mm/index.ssf?NJWarDead
Bryan L. Freeman Jr.
Killed by a sniper Nov. 8, 2004, as he searched a vehicle in Baghdad. A "strong sense of duty" drew Freeman Jr. to the military, his family said. He spent 4Õ¸ years in the Army, attached to Fort Drum in upstate New York, after graduating in 1991 from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly. He continued on in the reserves while pursuing a career in law enforcement. For a time, he worked for the Burlington County Sheriffs Office. Family members said he was in the final stages of the rigorous application process for the New Jersey State Police - Freeman s dream job - when he was shipped to Iraq. Freemans father said his son went willingly, believing strongly in the cause in Iraq. Freeman died two months after his arrival.— ahatfl - Flags were also flown at half mast for Clarence Clemons. Problem? And no, I don't agree with Christie's decision.— Another_1
- would you care if not for the fact that Christie is a Republican? if a democrat did this, would you dare question it?— chadsexington
- Do you know how pathetic you have to be as a human ot identify yourself as a democrat OR republican?!? Ahole loser. — justacarpenter
- Dems and unions have an irrational fear of a republican gov in NJ..... — stevejones
- But it's ok to announce your profession with every post? — FatOwlbert
- I am completely confused as to why a singer whom lived the passed 15 years or so in a Drug & Alcohol induced demonic world warrants a Nationally Covered Funeral via all major news outlets? Do we NO longer have homeless, hunger, soldiers dying, drunk drivers, a horrible economy, cancer, pain & suffering of so many people? Do we still have these things & more or have I slipped into a dream state? By the way, thank you for degrading my husbands service even more. Though she sang the National Anthem with heart and soul, it does not warrant a Flag Lowering.— CanineProfessionalToo
- I totally agree with you. It's a shame that no one could reach that talented lady. Reality is so many have given so much more for all of us and are not recognized. I am surprised at my Governor, but he usually does the right thing. I could argue this from both sides, but I am sure that when a solider from NJ is lost the flag is lowered in their honor. As far as the coverage goes it is over the top. — IsThisForReal
- I am completely confused as to why a singer whom lived the passed 15 years or so in a Drug & Alcohol induced demonic world warrants a Nationally Covered Funeral via all major news outlets? Do we NO longer have homeless, hunger, soldiers dying, drunk drivers, a horrible economy, cancer, pain & suffering of so many people? Do we still have these things & more or have I slipped into a dream state? By the way, thank you for degrading my husbands service even more. Though she sang the National Anthem with heart and soul, it does not warrant a Flag Lowering.— CanineProfessionalToo
- i googled "contact chris christie" this morning when i heard this news and submitted an email through his website. this is a disgrace.— randomm82
- Absolutely not .— Joe R.
- This is so funny. Faux controversy, once again, created by Inky liberal writers. Try this novel approach. Next time try writing about the news instead of attempting to create it. Maybe people will take you serious then.— psyrus
- It should be an embarrassment for NJ and Christie that this ridiculous idea was even considered.— Wiseman6
- chad, dont be ignorant. this has nothing to do with democrat versus republican. maybe you're shallow enough to reduce it to that, but for the rest of us, i'm fairly certain the outrage comes from using a military tradition to honor a drug addicted pop star. have a memorial for her, sure, but dont equate her to soldiers that died serving their country. she deserves respect for her career, but that does not include flying the flag at half mast.— randomm82
- absolutely not....— UGHROLF
- Who cares???????????????— AXP33
- Comment removed.
- So no one from NJ died in the Wars?!?!?!?!?!— cuso20
- We have really lowered the standard for half mast flags. We are now half massting for drug addicts. It should be a common practice to lower it every time a service member from NJ is killed in action.— rugbyjt
- Whitney certainly is on par with Clarence and there was no fuss. They both made significant contributions in life and will be remembered for them by millions. That elevates them to a status worth honoring. Is the uproar over the fact that Whitney had a severe drug problem that detailed her career and basically ruined what would have been a wonderful life ? The thing is she accomplished much before drugs took over her life. We need to measure the entirety of her life.
We aren't going to remember her human failings, but we will remember her breath taking performances that came from the heart and brought many of us to tears.
— theboys - I loved Whitney Houston's music, but I don't think she deserves a "half-staff." Maybe name a street after her. Men and womem who have given their lives in the line-of-duty, are the real heroes and they are the ones who deserve this honor.— eeemery
- Whitney is a child of God... yes most certianly so and if "man" says no GOD says yes!— noncents
- It should not have been done for Paterno or Clemmons, and it should not be done for Houston. But who really cares? It is a meaningless charade.— Philly Born
- Probably not! However, we fly at half mast for those crooked politicians when they croak.— erniebanks14
- A Democractic Gov'r does it, it wouldn't mention a blip in the media, a Repubilic does it, and it's "Oh my God!"— Anthony Palmer
- so only combat vets get the honor? get over yourselves.— tdoc
- Comment removed.
- Toot da toot, now she aint so cute— quitethetenses
- Half staff for a crackhead? You on crack too ?— Solman
- no worse than naming a navy vessel after Gabby Giffords. Obama wants to cut nuke warheads to a number below China's. Y'All get your copy of Mandarin for dummies yet? What a bunch of sheep being led to the slaughter.— MilesLong1
- Considering how a basketball coach and the big man were honored, if the governor chooses to fly the flag at half staff for Whitney, a Jersey native, I'd have no problem with it.
There are not that many entertainers who attained her stature: Elvis, Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen (Jersey)immediately come to mind. And they ain't exactly chicken feed either. Niether was Whitney.— pres - Of course she should be honored. A civilized country honors its outstanding artists. Her personal life is irrelevant. Many great artists have had very poor judgment in their personal lives, but nevertheless enriched the lives of their fellow citizens.— altoonaaslan
- Comment removed.
- she is a has been.— bbewsirhc
- Are they also going to make Snooki's birthday a state holiday?— Disco Dave
- What a disgrace. Frank Sinatra has done more for this world than anyone else ever born in New Jersey. Except maybe Count Basie and Bruce Springsteen.— altoonaaslan
- Does anyone, with a life, really care about this situation? Stop writing stupid articles. No wonder this paper is going into the toilet.— kozykoz26
- I think flags should always fly at half mast and we should raise them when we want to honor people.
That point is ridiculous - like this entire Controversy is.....— Owatagoofiam - tdoc - uh, yeah! that's what it was intended for! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half_mast#United_States— randomm82
- No. Pennsylvania should not have done it for JoPa either. It is a slap in the face of EVERY veteran alive or dead.— SlinkTMP
- Wasn't it a great honor for JoePa? I was extremely please he received this honor from the PA Gov.
— delcodanno - Comment removed.
- How despicable. My husband is now suffering the effects the Vietnam War - Agent Orange - will they fly the flags at half staff for him?— mommabongs
- Let's be thankful that her family decided on a private ceremony. At least we won't have to listen to Jesse Jackson, Rev Al Sharpton et.al. pontificate on how the white community caused Ms. Houston's premature death.— axxell
- Whose's next, Springsteen? I like Whitney Houston and her fabulous voice, but c'mon Christie, what were you thinking on this one??— dogman5
- Flag at half mast only for those killed in combat.— bill the pill
- Springsteen? Absolutely. His birthday should be a state holiday.— altoonaaslan
- Sinatra was the only singer.— Disco Dave
- It has nothing to do with politics, Christie's party is irrelevant to the debate. I personally don't think that the flags should be lowered, since this is primarily used to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation and thus deserve a public mourning, but honestly, why is this a controversy if it was done for Clemmons? So she may have died of an overdose, it still doesn't erase the great body of work, and her obvious devotion to New Jersey. Of course, though I love Christie, he does seem to have a very clear bias for North Jersey...— Christine
- Comment removed.
- Ridiculous...— ricciaje
- Do we get a day off when the Cake Boss dies?— ricciaje
- Just one more stupid move by fatty.— djlen
- My flagpole is at half mast after seeing Whitney's recent pics.— Jimmy Two Times
- no way...if this happens I move to delaware..yeah, delaware...— roddieb
Okay, I don't have a strong opinion on the Governor's decision but I have a very strong opinion on misleading statements by reporters and/or opinion columnists:
"Houston...died last weekend due to what is widely believed to be a drug overdose".
All the news networks - CNN in particular - have bent over backwards to stress the fact that after initial examination NO illegal drugs and a "normal" or minimal quantity of prescriptions drugs were present at the scene of Ms Houston's death.
I'm not a fan of Whitney Houston - generation gap - but am aware of her problems with alcohol and drugs in the past. No matter, can't we just let our heroes/heroines fade away - in peace and dignity?- $20 says that half the people against this also voted that PA should fly its flags at half-mast when Joe Paterno kicked the bucket.— brotherlyshove
- She did make an important contribution to American culture, more so than many politicians. I think it is a perfectly okay decision, even if it's probably not something I would have done if I were governor.— Ben S
- — republicrat & — altoonaaslan
Nobody probably thought of doing for ole Frankie, so get over it! The Governor did it, it's done now, so move on.— LadySLR - She is from North Jersey. If she was from Camden, Christie would have her body arrested for drug use.— bobcitydoc
- As a Democrat, I despise just about everything Chris Christie does and stands for. I also think he's clueless in many respects. This is not even a political issue but it reinforces my thoughts on Christie...— r white
- like superman.. the NJEA union is everywhere. — stevejones
- the katz-stapo reporting on christie knows no limit. Usual the liberal media just demands tribute to the entertainment elite..... matt keep trying.. its getting funnier every day.. TOmorrow's headline "Christie wears mismatched socks, if he can't choose there how can he be a leader"
— stevejones - Absolutely NOT. She was just a talented singer who made very bad decisions throughout her entire life. She was no one special. Definitely not a good role model.— oneway
- Why would flags be at half staff! She was a drugged out loser. Actually she was a big scum bag.— zippy1346
- Comment removed.
- I really loved Whitney Houston when in the 80's and 90's. I was in my late teens and early 20's. She had an awesome voice;a God giving gift. That said, no the flags should not be flown at half-staff. She is not a war hero. I think Christie is off his rock. R.I.P. Whitney!— Bob H
- silly question.— ICU812MI
- It sets a bad precedent.— Lil Bobby
- Comment removed.
- Too many of you idiots with nothing better to do but complain about every little thing. If it was done previously for those who did not merit this honor, then it should not make a difference now.— lalaw9833
- From Seattle
Of course not, why is this even a question?— 2Muchknowledge - Flags are highly overrated -- more there to evoke false pride than anything else. That said, it makes no sense to fly flags at half mast for celebrities.— armchairGM
- Her death itself is sad that so much talent was wasted ... but this wasn't a sudden thing. It was drawn-out and happening over a long period of time.
Regardless, lowering the flag should be reserved for servicemen and federal officials only. The fact that it's even up for debate is ridiculous. Come on, Gov. You're better than that.— Wally Ritchie 
No! Whitney Houston was a remarkable entertainer but not enough to consider lowering the flag of a state because of her passing. Please do not make this about race or other nonsense. Whitney has done many things but lets get "Real" here! If it comes out that her death is due to her own demise due to abuse of drugs or alcohol then someone will pass a law stopping this action. We don't need this!- I don't agree. But I agree less with Clarence because he was born in Virginia and died in Florida. Did philly.com make a big deal about Clarence? If not, why is it a big deal now? I know the election is coming up in 9 months so you need to fire up the anti-Christie base but by November, people will forget.— AvoidSundanceVacations
- So--all of you were IN the bathroom/tub with Whitney Houston when she expired? You KNOW for CERTAIN that she died of an overdose? Did you forget how passionately she sang our National Anthem during the Gulf War? Did you see the free concert she gave for the servicemen/women when they returned from that war--that aired on HBO back then? Have all of the charities in NJ who benefitted from her gifts returned objected to the flags being lowered out of respect for her death? I doubt it. You sit there behind your computers, lying on your taxes, cheating on your spouses, embezzling money from your bosses--doing God knows what yet YOU don't want flags in NJ lowered in Whitney Houston's honor?? What mean-spirited, MISERABLE, internet cowards you are. Be careful--we ALL reap what we sow. Bravo to Gov. Christie for doing something RESPECTFUL for someone for a change. I pity the rest of you heartless monsters--your day is coming.— getoveryourselvesjeez
- First, I think that you need to chill! If you "Pity" someone it should be yourself for thinking that every comment denying the flags be flown at half-staff has something to do with her lifestyle as it does not.
It has to do with bestowing an honor to someone more deserving. I wonder, how many times has Ms. Houston been to Newark in the last few weeks, months or years since she was such a "Devoted" citzen in the community? I have nothing against her but she does not deserve this honor! - I appreciate her talent, but disagree with the honor bestowed upon her with respect to flags at half staff.— runzwithscizzorz
- Christie should use her as a Poseter Child for drug abuse...There are many kids hooked on the same S*&^ she died from... She was a talented singer but not more then a weathly junkie. As mentioned above, we still have troops overseas, people loosing houses, job lose, etc...Who F-ing cares... Everyone move on already!!!— mfw4
- Now we are honoring drug addicts?— farhorizons
- Comment removed.
- Kudos to Gov. Christie. He chooses to acknowledge some of the contributions that Whitney made (that may not have made it to the NJ papers): in 1989 created the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, a non-profit that helped kids with cancer and AIDS, and also taught self-empowerment; her performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” became a chart-topper in 1991, and she donated her royalties to the Red Cross; In 1997, “the HBO Concert ‘Classic Whitney live from Washington DC’ raised over $300,000 for the Children’s Defense Fund. This does not include funds to the school that bears her name.
Sadly, for some of you, this will never be enough.— MissV - Comment removed.
- ProFan1, what the heck are you talking about...royal treatment because he is black. What is that? Is that why he wants to fly the flags at half staff...NO. I think it should only be for honored political folks that really did something for ALL people. When Coretta Scott-King died there were 4 former and or current presidents at her funeral. How many were at Sinatras?
— Showtime226 - If they do it for Whitney, will they be obligated to fly it at half staff for every crack head that over dose's? Or do you have to be a famous druggie to get the honor?— IvanDejesus
- No way. Very few celebrities would be worthy of that sort of honor. Maybe someone of the stature of Louis Armstrong for example. Her death was newsworthy but not half-mast worthy. And I'm so far to the
left that I'm right.— riverhealer - FYI for all you experts. It's HALF STAFF not HALF MAST in the USA. Check you facts before you post.— delcodanno
- I'm becoming a fan of Gov. Christie for his compassion, courage and conviction. Simply put, just a decent human being honoring someone who touched a lot of peoples lives internationally through her voice.R.I.P. Whitney, only God can judge you !!!— Eaglehaslanded
- It was totally wrong. We are all USA citizens. By flying at halfstaff, means that people with money and celebreties are superior to all others. Just because I am a nobody and without money I cannot get honored by the State?— DoomsdayCritic
- Didn't the state of Pennsylvania fly the flag at half staf for a football coach?— STEVE5444
- Inappropriate for anyone who squanders their life like this regardless of how 'famous' they may have been. She was blessed with a gift that basically none receive and ruined it. RIP but does not deserve this honor.— PhillySubsMac
This is wrong. It was wrong when it happened for Clarence Clemons, too. I didn't know about then, but now that I do know, I'm saying this is wrong. I'm on the fence about Coach Shatel, because I think it's good to honor educators and coaches. His contribution to society is definitely more important than a pop singer or a saxophone player. Even so, we can honor him in other ways.— Hutch- When Christie dies I'm going to fly a 2 foot hoagie at half staff— Luriesucks
- We should fly the flag half staff for flavor flav as well.— Ron Paul 2012
- If you bother to check "appropriate flag etiquette," a flag is only to be placed at half-staff for the death of a President or high government official. Not for a soldier, a veteran, some nobody, or a drug-addicted singer with a nasty disposition.— ANGRY AL 2
- If you bother to check "appropriate flag etiquette," a flag is only to be placed at half-staff for the death of a President or high government official. Not for a soldier, a veteran, some nobody, or a drug-addicted singer with a nasty disposition.— ANGRY AL 2
- Drug-addicted floozie who never respected her audiences.— Joe Pyne
- What's she done for NJ that any soldier from NJ hasn't done? Not a thing! This is a slap in the face and lessens the significance of lowering the flag. I hate to speak ill of the dead but she was a drug addict for the last 20 years. What's so honorable about that???— Fly Guy
- Of course. It is an homage to a wasted life and should be a reminder to all who abuse drugs and alcohol.— BillyBob369
- Not in a flying pig's rump for this talentless "diva" (the new name for somebody has limited talent". She was a relative of Dionne Warwick, who was a real talent.
I do not want to hear her praises all week long on the Vidieot for the rest of the week.— LJM - Not in a flying pig's rump for this talentless "diva" (the new name for somebody has limited talent". She was a relative of Dionne Warwick, who was a real talent. I do not want to hear her praises all week long on the Vidieot for the rest of the week. (HTML deleted)— LJM
- who cares.— Tyrone Biggums
- for a self absorbed drug addict and an alcoholic? Disgraeful. She is a stain for new jersey, and thats hard to do— Old German
- Sign petition to stop this action.
http://www.change.org/petitions/people-of-nj-stop-half-staff-flags-for-whitney-houston?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=autopublish— fbicking - This "celebration" of all things Whitney is another sign of how off-track this nation is. Why do we lionize people because they've become famous. Whitney, instead of being worshiped and honored should be held up as the ultimate "bad example" for young people. She was given the gift of incredible talent. I'm not saying that she did not work hard to develop that talent, she obviously did so. But when she "arrived" as it were, what did she do. She squandered it all. Threw it away. She wanted to be part of the Hollywood Crowd. She spent most of her adult like as a junkie! She flushed a fortune down the drain. No one forced her to do drugs. In her own words in a Diane Sawyer interview she stated as much. She was at fault, no one else. Her death was certainly no surprise. The only surprise was that she lasted as long as she did. Fly the flag at half staff for her? NO WAY. Name a school after her, NO WAY. As I said her most useful legacy would to be cited as a bad example to all.— little2right
- Your online poll question is misleading. I have no issue with lowering the NJ flag to half staff. Therefore, I would vote yes to the question. However, I do feel that lowering the American Flag for the Houston death trivializes the act itself.— glemery
- Comment removed.
- Let it go people. It is what it is. Some of you seem to want to wake up in the morning and be offended. How can you stand it? Lighten up and stop making mountains out of molehills . Chances are good that you're neglecting the real mountains as they are about to fall in on you.— jblanken4
- This woman was just a junkie singer. Nothing more. She has not risked her life in battle, cured cancer, saved lives or made any contribution to society other than singing. She lived a self absorbed life that was full of conflict, alcohol and drugs. Certainly not someone we should be touting as a hero. She has done nothing to deserve this tribute. I disagree.— Wildman Bill
- sTUpId - don't hold her up as a hero, she a zero— frank_x_rizzo
- Section 7m of the Flag Code reads: In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff.....They are the ONLY reasons...Case Closed.— Brian0523
- If he was a democrat, the media would be praising this move. Can you imagine what the hypocritical-left would have said if Christie did nothing? He would have been called racist.— donny05
- Does anyone read the article? The flag has been lowered for every fallen hero from NJ.— donny05
- When I first saw the headline I thought Christie had nixed a request to lower the flags-a rare occasion when I would have agreed with him. What was he thinking? This is a tribute that should be given only to our finest citizens. Not the best singers.— gabby14
- Disagree strongly with governors action. Lowering of flags should be reserved for military, and other deserving public officials. Should the state of nj go through with this it would just cheapen the meaning .— gdwilkinson
- Dear Governor Christie:
I am appalled and disgusted by your weak play to certain "cultures" in lowering the state flag of NJ to half-staff for Whitney Houston. Such an honor should be reserved for distinguished citizens whose death recalls feats of long-standing honor, integrity, commitment to great social causes--such as soldiers, high-achieving politicians of historical renown, and philanthropists. Whitney Houston was an entertainer--a great one, to be sure, but you have disparaged the gesture of honor to truly deserving citizens who have given much more to our country and/or to New Jersey than telling us, "I'm Every Woman." Your gesture is terrible, insulting, demeaning. You should be ashamed of such a careless, pop-culture appeal in a decision not worthy of the office of "Governor" of your state.
— emolush - christie has lost his mind.....so now what we fly the flag at half mast for celebrities now....yea i dont think so....cause if thats the case then everybody who dies should have.....so that means the flag will fly at half mast 365 days....he is out of his mind he is a loser she is a loser so who really cares she did it to herself along with bobby browns help...— devilhawk51
- "Born in the USA" was actually an anti-war, anto Govt song.. Springsteen was lamenting the loss of a true sense of national pride. The working class no longer had a say in the foreign policy or decisions made by the government as a whole. The reverberating chorus of "Born in the U.S.A." was a cry of longing, of sorrow. It was a hollow cry of patriotism that once was, but now ceased to exist.[3]
In Springsteen’s own words, the song "Born in the U.S.A." is about "a working-class man" [in the midst of a] "spiritual crisis, in which man is left lost...It's like he has nothing left to tie him into society anymore. He's isolated from the government. Isolated from his family...to the point where nothing makes sense." [3] Springsteen promotes the fact that the endless search for truth is the true American way.[7] He was frightened by the government continually rationalizing the Vietnam War
— colonel dan - So why didnt people burn the New Jersey Flag when flags were lowered for highschool baseball coach Harry Shatel? I dont get it, let me think what is really so different about him and Whitney? Theyre both not veterans...what could be sooo different about those two? I just cant think about it...maybe other could enlighten me.— asmeezy
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Reporter Matt Katz covers New Jersey's 55th governor, Chris Christie,
for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Reach him at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
Matt Katz
Inquirer Staff Writer
Reach him at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattkatz00. Reach Matt at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
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