Here's a discussion thread on Haddonfield Talks, a local Internet chat group, about Gov. Christie's decision to lower flags to half-staff after Whitney Houston's death:

Peter Dobush:

I drove by HMHS on Friday and saw our beloved flag flying at half mast. I am angry at our Governor for the message he is sending to our students. We teach our children drugs are bad, they destroy lives, they finance terrorism, they kill people. In Christie's mind, artistic license and celebrity forgive all felonies, while he awards her a symbol reserved for heroes.

What the Governor has not done, however, is to remember the young men and women from New Jersey killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has not lowered the flag for the five NJ law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2011, he has not recognized the paid and volunteer fire-fighters killed in the line of duty in 2011, nor the sweet Newark, NJ teacher innocently killed in a drug related gangbanger gunfight. I strongly disagree with your moral compass, Sir.

agrylfrend:

My goodness how about a tad of compassion for a terrific singer who was demonized by drugs? If she had had diabetes nobody would fault her for it. My understanding is addiction is considered a disease; she suffered from it. She tried to overcome it, but it overcame her apparently.

The war on drugs has been a colossal failure in the US. It is because of it that there are so many drug killings and drug lords. No matter what we preach to the kids in school, many of them use drugs. Do we offer them help? No we wait til they are 18 and then try to incarcerate them in one of our for-profit prisons. I hear Christie wants to change that. Even the president of Mexico has asked that we rethink our policies. They don't work.

The war veterans are another story. The question has been asked by many why there were parades for the Giants,ball players, but not veterans. I can't answer that one.

Bill T:

You make a good point Peter. Bear in mind that the same action was taken by the PA governor last month with Joe Paterno, not long after their own state funded university fired him.

Nothing against Houston or Paterno, but regardless of their accomplishments, neither would qualify as a hero in the context that you have outlined. Both were icons in their home states, but perhaps the American flag should be reserved for a higher standard and the state flags are what should have instead been flying at half mast. Or maybe some other form of state sanctioned observation of their passing would have been more appropriate.

FWKlawfirmJEK:

I'm with Peter.  Since we lowering the flag for her, does that mean we drape her coffin with it too?  I think not.  That's why lowering the flags makes zero sense to me.

Herb Hess:

Agreed. Would also like to see more recognition nationally for our combat and combat support troops.

No-one's life is perfect and some stray very far from that standard. Whitney Houston had a gift that inspired and moved many of us. I can mourn her passing neither condemning her for choices she made nor elevating her for her musical talent. To the extent that she can inspire others to excel, that is great. Her life is also a cautionary tale.

Better that we fly the flag upside down for her, an international symbol of distress and a request for help.

haddonhumble:

You want to recognize your combat troops? Go see "Act of Valor" this upcoming weekend and see your tax dollars at work.

I have seen the film and these guys really are heroes! Here's to them, and those like them, damn few...