Poll: Flying flags at half mast for celebrities.

ErikandAfton

http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/15/10415956-should-flags-fly-at-half-staff-for-whitney-houston

What are you thoughts on this? Dr. M and I were discussing it yesterday and both feel that flying the flags at half mast for Whitney sets a president for New Jersey to do the same when other celebrates that were born and grew up there die.

Not saying that this only happens in New Jersey as I'm sure it happens else where but what are your thoughts? Should this be done? Does it set a president for it to happen for others as well.

I think it would be fine for the church where her memorial is being held to fly the flags at half mast if they choose to, but I don't think its necessary for all of eNew Jersey to do so. 

ETA: edited because apparently I can't talk correctly today. 

DowagerCountessofNJ

As a tax paying resident of NJ I'm completely okay with this.  She was a talented woman who spent a great deal of her life in NJ.  She actually owned a home in Northern NJ and spent a great deal of time there.  She brought a lot of pride to the state during her hey day.  I don't think her addiction, demons and subsequent reason for her death should take away from the talent that she had and pride felt by may people in the state.  The fact that she contributed to the musical industry and a plethora of charities should be recognized.

Flags have been flown at half staff in the state before for other celebrities.  The most recent that comes to mind is Clarence Clemmons from the E-Street Band.  Again he had a lot of talent and was a source of pride for the state.

And I know a lot of people are up in arms about this and wondering if flags are flown half staff when service members from the state are KIA and the answer is: yes they are.  Gov. Christie signs an Executive Order for flags to fly half staff usually on the day of the viewing or funeral.

lovelyophelia

I agree with Sgt M's Wife here. I think it is important to recognize their accomplishments. I especially understand it for celebrities that do massive amounts of charity work and who make a significant influence.

BLT20051

As for the actual debate, I honestly don't see the big deal. Our Governor lowers our flag a few times a month for various deaths. He does it for state troopers and other higher ranking state employees. There's nothing that says who the flag can and can not be lowered for, as long as it's done properly and returns to it's proper place the next day, I don't see the big deal.

MrsOjoButtons

I put more thought into this yesterday than I should have.  I came to the conclusion that I think it's nice that local governments recognize their "hometown heroes" for whatever their contributions were. 

Sibil

I have no problem with it.  There are many ways people can serve their states that don't require a uniform or elected office.

rbytsdy

I'm a NJ resident and I don't agree with it.   I believe the flag should be lowered for people who exemplified what it means to be an American through service or sacrifice.  I do otherwise support the governor so it's not because I don't like Christie.  And, yes, he does order it lowered when service men and women from NJ are KIA.  In fact, he was at the funeral for a NJ Guardsman who was killed several months ago in A-stan.

Heyhey Hilly

I don't agree.  I think it's too much.

Sibil

To those disagreeing, did you have a problem with Christie doing this for Clarence Clemmons last yeatr  Or the Penn governor doing it for Joe Paterno?