Whitney Houston: N.J. governor defends lowering flags for singer

[Nica_In_Love 98]

(CBS/AP) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has strongly defended his decision to have flags flown at half-staff Saturday for Whitney Houston, despite receiving emails and other messages disparaging the singer and criticizing him.

The Republican governor said Wednesday that he rejects complaints that Houston "forfeited the good things that she did" because of her struggles with substance abuse.

"What I would say to everybody is there but for the grace of God go I," he said.

Christie ordered flags flown at half-staff at state government buildings on Saturday, the day funeral services are held for Houston at Newark's New Hope Baptist Church, where she sang at as a child.

Twitter was abuzz Wednesday with reaction to the decision by Christie, whose home is in Mendham, a wealthy town where Houston also had lived.

In online postings, there were two main arguments against the honor for the Grammy Award winner who died over the weekend in California at age 48: One was that it should be reserved for members of the military, first responders and elected officials. The other was that it's wrong to honor a drug addict.

Christie said he was not saying that Houston, who was born in Newark and was raised in nearby East Orange, is a role model. Instead, he said, Houston deserves the honor because of her huge cultural impact and as "a daughter of New Jersey."

Complete story: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57379123-10391698/whitney-houston-n.j-governor-defends-lowering-flags-for-singer/

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Instead of worrying about Whitney Houston, perhaps the Governor should read this:

http://militarytimes.com/valor/

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

The US flag should not be lowered for the death of a singer.

[Dakine10 5,452]

In one way, she can now be a role model for young people. This is what happens to people that abuse cocaine all their lives. Mid 40's become your golden years.

[skiptex 225]

whitney houston dying..

would be tragic news.. in 1991

Edited February 16, 2012 by skiptex

[slim 1,530]

Nobody made an uproar when he lowered it for that drummer dude.

Double standard?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Nobody made an uproar when he lowered it for that drummer dude.

Double standard?

No, I never heard of that, I would not apply a double standard. It should be lowered for the death of a President, military personnel in some circumstances and civilians in some very rare circumstances, none of which have to do with fame and fortune. 9/11 victims would be an example...othrwise not for entertainers, sports heros or TV stars.