Christie Flies Flag Half Mast for Whitney, and You Should Get Over It

33 Comments

1. Get Over It? You're kidding, he's not doing enough as far as I'm concerned. He should put her face on the New Jersey license plates. Nothing says Jersey quite like a strung out, coked up, washed up, has-been black woman who wasted her money and her life on drugs.

2. Typical McGovern apologism for Chris Christie. Are you afraid of him or something?

3. It is the governors right to choose whom he bestows such an honor. She fell victim to a war that rages in our own state and country and only because of her accomplishments does any body even recognize the fact. If any of the critics had a gifted child who lost a similar battle they may be in support I belive we should be angry, but focus the anger on the thief that took such a gift away from us rather than on a Governor who honored an artist rather than disgraced her memory.

4. I guess you missed the 10+ articles I have written to fight the Governor's plan to force a merger between Rutgers and Rowan.

   I go after the Governor when I think he is wrong (and I have on numerous occasions). I support the Governor when I think he is right (and I have on even more occasions).

   This post (admittedly, a rant) has nothing to do with Chris Christie, but has everything to do with the whiny and hypocritical behavior of those making a big deal out of this issue at all.

5. Here's the deal Brian, you jackass. SSG Matthew Taylor of the 4th BDE 10th Mtn. Division was not famous. He wasn't "One of the best vocal performers of the last 30 years." But let me tell you what he did do. He defended the right for you to dispense your jack-assery journalism regarding a topic, which apparently, is beyond your scope of understanding. Flags flying at half mast have a meaning, they symbolize those who have served this country, and especially the ones paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, just as SSG Taylor did. Both you and Christie are wrong, and don't even seem to grasp why. It's not some "blah, blah, blah" like you're suggesting, I assure you.

   So while you sit there at your Macbook, thinking of creative ways to garnish your reader's attention, think about guys like SSG Taylor, who served in the Army for 9 years, who loved his fellow soldiers, and who died heroically defending you from the type of terrorists who would love to dismantle you, stuff you in a shoe box, and ship you to your family via Priority mail.

   I think that reserving a ceremonious gesture like flying a flag at half mast for those who've served their country is the absolute LEAST we can do.

6. 1. No need for name calling. Your argument would have been far more persuasive if you did not start out with the tone and vocabulary of an angry child.

   2. Where was your outrage when the flag was flown half mast for Clarence Clemmons? No one is saying that the flag should not be lowered for Matthew Taylor. To even suggest that I am saying that is a dishonest reading of this post. Governor Christie lowers the flag when service members from the state of New Jersey are killed in action, and I find it hard to believe that Matthew Taylor would be left out of that tradition.

   3. Flags are lowered for all sorts of reasons all over this country. It is not reserved for any one purpose. Should it be? Maybe, sure. There is a compelling argument there that I certainly sympathize with. But is it worth freaking out about jsut because you don't like the reason the flag was lowered this time? Well if you enjoy wasting your time, then I suppose it is worth it.

   4. As I said, this post is not about the merits of Christie deciding to drop the flag for Whitney Houston, its about people moaning about it as though it was the most important decision he has ever made. And further, it is the same people yelling at the Democrats for making gay marriage their top legislative priority during a recession. It is hypocritical, it is whiny, and it is a complete waste of time.

7. 100% disagree with Brian. She shouldn't be honored, she should become a cautionary tale of how making stupid choices can ruin your life.

8. Touché Brian, on the "angry child" comment. I guess we can both be guilty of that if your definition of angry child is; me (or you) calling it like we see it (and I see it as though you're a complete and utter jackass).

   I guess that in the 45 minutes you took to respond, you combed through all blogs ever written, specifically those regarding Clarence Clemmons, and my reaction to Flags being lowered on behalf of him, impressive.

   I wouldn't say that upholding the honor of lower Flags for those who actually deserve it is freaking out, but to each his own.

   You may feel as though people are moaning about this event because of whatever reason you've convinced yourself of. But, I will affirm that I, my fellow vets, and wives and families of guys like Taylor are moaning for reasons we've convinced ourselves of; namely, reserving Flag lowering for those who have served their country.

   Apparently the Federal Code regarding the Flag has convinced its self of this too:

   No. Section 7m of the Flag Code authorizes a governor to half-staff the US Flag upon the death of a present or former official of the government of the state, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that state who dies while serving on active duty.

   The President, by comparison, is authorized to half-staff the US Flag by proclamation upon the death of principal figures of the US Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as well as in the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries.

   We recommend flying the state Flag at half-staff.

   Reference: (http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/faq.htm#q58) Near the bottom.

   Let me put it this way Brian; SSG Taylor was never honored with a Grammy, because he never deserved one. It was not an honor that was fitting of his successes, his valor, or his sacrifice. Lowering the flag is reserved for honoring what SSG Taylor, and others who SERVED THEIR COUNTRY did.

   I think the source of "whining" and "moaning" that you refer to is coming from a majority of us who actually know what it's like to have personally lost a brother/sister-in-arms while they were defending this great country. Aside from the regulations, the symbolism is far more important to those people alike.

   But, by your reaction to my initial response, I doubt very seriously that you can imagine what that means.

9. The basic meaning of Honor is respect. You practice honor by respecting others rights and beliefs If not there is no truth no faith no love. If one of our military heros returned home as an addict would you not respect his/ her virtues? Unfourtunately many do not. You see the truth can not be denied and is only in the heart of the individual. I am sure that there are many young people who saw the truth in this and can rise out of the ashes of loss to motivate the govenor to work as hard on social problems as economic ones. Fight the good fight

10. There has been much controversy over Governor Chris Christie lowering the flag to half mast for Whitney Houston. There is something that I just learned. NJ flags are at half mast every time we lose a soldier who lived in NJ.

    ‎Governor Chris Christie 9th executive order signed as Governor on 01/21/10: Orders and Directs the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, January 25, 2010, in recognition and mourning of a brave and loyal American hero, United States Marine Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek.‎Governor

    Chris Christie 10th Executive Order signed as Governor on 1/27/10: Orders and Directs the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, January 29, 2010, in recognition and mourning of a brave and loyal American hero, United States Marine Lance Corporal Jeremy Kane.‎Governor Chris

    Christie 16ht Executive Order on 3/3/10:Orders and Directs the flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, March 5, 2010, in recognition and mourning of a brave and loyal American hero, United States Army Sergeant Marcos Gorra.

    And so on…

11. Did NJ fly flags half mast for Frank Sinatra? No one was bigger in the music world than Sinatra! Period.

12. Dude, she wasn't strung out when she died OK, and for all we know, she may have died from undiagnosed hypoglycemia, which causes the same type of eratic behavior. maybe another acute hormonal disorder, or severe dehydration, QT syndrome (sudden death syndrome)or SUDEP (sudden and unexpected death from epilesy)and yes, some people actually drop dead. Don't assume she was high.

13. dont assume

14. As an 8 year military veteran, I am 100% offended by this. This is absolutely ridiculous. Was the flag flown half mass for lance corporal James Higgins? No, it wasn't. This is what's wrong with America, this is outrageous.

15. Governor Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. James W. Higgins of Frederick, MD:

    “Maria and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Higgins. We are indebted when someone makes the conscious decision to risk sacrificing themselves for our country and our freedoms. James and his family have our respect and gratitude.”

    Higgins, 22, died July 27 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

    In honor of Lance Cpl. Higgins, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff

16. I have two sons serving our country and I can't believe a celebrity – I don't care which celebrity it is – would have the honor of the flag flown at half mast – a celebrity???? This is ridiculous ! Wow! This country should realize that the freedom we enjoy is won by those who fight for our freedom, not those in the entertainment business. I enjoyed Whitney Houston's gift of a beautiful boice but she did not fight for our freedom. Wake up America!

17. Did Christie serve in the United States military?

18. I think most people (like you) completely miss the point. Every honor has meaning. Service members who die for this country do not get Emmys! In the world of those who serve this country with their very lives, there are bronze stars, silver stars, and ultimately the Medal of Honor. You do not win these (as is commonly misstated),you earn them. They are not handed out like candy. We do not pass them out to our service members just to make them feel good or because a lot of people liked them. Sometimes those who die protecting our freedoms only receive that one honor, the lowering of the flag, for one day and that is all their family gets, the memory of that day. That and the folded flag. What has happened here is that the honor, the meaning, behind the lowering of the flag, has been removed or at least diminished. You might as well have given her the Medal of Honor and Buried her in Arlington. This was nothing more than a stupid ploy to attract votes from people with Hollywood values. I have to believe that even Ms. Houston would have objected to this particular honor. It is too late now because the deed is done. I do not object to honoring Ms. Houston but this one thing should have been withheld. When I see a flag at half mast I want my thoughts to be of my brothers, unsullied by the fact that it has now turned into an MTV award. And that is how I feel. An American Veteran….

19. I think we sometimes show too much respect for some and not enough for others who really are more deserving. I think Chris Christie is doing this as a political move, after all it will insure no loss of votes from some, but it could cause him to lose votes of others. I personally will fly my flag any way I want at any time I want, so how about that.

20. President Bush was an alcoholic, President Barack Obama used drugs. Whitney Houston boosted sales internationally,and made money for countless industries world wide. Whitney brought honor to America all of her life. People got married and went to prom and dances listening to er music she inspired young people to go for dreams and in death still continues to add to international economy.Celebrities take food medicine technology and build schools, housing, shelters, adopt orphans and disabled kids countless humanitarian ventures to people otherwise left for dead by their gods and governments in small quiet ways and amazing acts. They take on bullying, homelessness, aids, and spend time personally with sick and dying kids,issues of homosexuality they intentionally give and give us a distraction and entertainment.

    WHAT makes a true hero?NOBODY is perfect. No matter how much we accomplish our self destructive weaknesses are right there as a part of us and we struggle with it. How many of us get to accomplish or contribute to humanity anything good before being overwhelmed by our imperfections?

21. NOBODY is perfect. No matter how much we accomplish our self destructive weaknesses are right there as a part of us and we struggle with it. How many of us get to accomplish or contribute to humanity anything good before being overwhelmed by our imperfections?

    Celebrities take food medicine technology and build schools, housing, shelters, adopt orphans and disabled kids countless humanitarian ventures to people otherwise left for dead by their gods and governments in small quiet ways and amazing acts. They take on bullying, homelessness, aids, and spend time personally with sick and dying kids,issues of homosexuality they intentionally give and give us a distraction and entertainment.President Bush was an alcoholic, President Barack Obama used drugs. Whitney Houston boosted sales internationally,and made money for countless industries world wide. Whitney brought honor to America all of her life. People got married and went to prom and dances listening to her music she inspired young people to go for dreams and in death still continues to add to international economy.

    WHAT makes a true hero?

22. Such an honor should be reserved for real heroes, like those who serve their country in the military. This just cheapens their genuine heroism

23. Actually, if you're governor, you can't fly the flag at half-mast whenever you feel like. Apparently you're not aware that there is a federal code on when/how it's appropriate to fly the flag at half-mast and for a celebrity is NOT one of them.

    Clearly you haven't served your country or else you'd have a different view on this. Ignorance and complacency, good traits you have there.

24. Ryan and Anonymous. Your claims of both presidents are unfounded and completely negligent. You fail to realize that no one here is attacking Whitney Houston, but you keep on with your idolizing rhetoric of her. Just do us all a favor and actually read what people are posting, from the beginning, all the way to the end. Once you have some that, then attempt to make a coherent post on your feelings. People have provided you solid facts regarding federal code, yet you try to equate our fallen warriors with slanderous accusations of our presidents! You are proof that logic is not a gift bestowed upon every individual.

25. Umm, arent flags supposed to be lowered in honour of people who died saving lives, or doing extreme good for no personal benefit? uuuhhhh, how many lives did she die saving? oh right, none.

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