Flags in NJ to be flown at half staff for Whitney Houston!?!

[Amelia.Jean]

I live in NJ and this is causing a big debate and many people strongly disagree with this. Now, yes we know she was a music icon and came from NJ and people take pride in that I suppose. My opinion is that half staff flags are an earned HONOR that should be reserved for men and women serving the state and/or country. My best friend was killed in Iraq and 19 years old and flags were flown half staff for him. He was a damn good kid who was taken from us way too soon. Firefighters and police officers who pass also deserve this honor. I am just shocked they are doing this for her...

(02/15/12) EDISON - Gov. Chris Christie says he will order flags flown at half-staff at state government buildings Saturday in memory of Whitney Houston.
The governor says Houston was a "cultural icon" who belongs in the same category in New Jersey music history as Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Bruce Springsteen.
He says her accomplishments were "a great source of pride for the people of the state."
Her funeral will be held the same day in her birthplace of Newark. The 48-year-old was found dead in her hotel room in Beverly Hills on Feb. 11.
Whitney Houston's funeral set for Saturday in Newark.

Am I the only one who thinks this isn't necessary?

[wiener]

 i think its a disgrace to fly the American flag at half staff for her, she was not a hero just another celebrity

[BrownEyedGirl86]

I think it's freaking ridiculous!!!!!
She wasn't a hero she didn't sacrifice her life for anyone. Totally dumb that Christie is doing this.

I live in NJ too

[TheMrs407]

I'm not really sure.  She is an American icon, but I always thought flying flags at half staff was for government or military officials.

[RaynesMommy07]

Idk I have mixed emotions for this. One hand I think she is an heroic icon to NJ on another I think this should saved for service men and women. So idk, let the state do as they feel, it's not hurting anyone, and a great sign of respect.

[VertaBaybee]

Quoting wiener:

 i think its a disgrace to fly the American flag at half staff for her, she was not a hero just another celebrity

She was not just another celeb, she was a "cultural icon" let this lady just rest in peace. All of this is so unnecessary.

[Mommieplus4]

Agree 100%

Quoting VertaBaybee:

Quoting wiener:

 i think its a disgrace to fly the American flag at half staff for her, she was not a hero just another celebrity

She was not just another celeb, she was a "cultural icon" let this lady just rest in peace. All of this is so unnecessary.

[RedRozeMom]

Leave it alone...three months from now people won't even have her name in their thoughts. Six months from now she will largely be forgotten.

[ojac]

I spent alot of time in Atlanta when I was younger, she and Bobby where very famous there. We ran into them a few times, they were all over town. I always thought of her as did the people down there as a citizen of Atlanta.

[Mommieplus4]

And sad that this governor and even fans are getting bashed because they choose to remember the good in Whitney and not trash or be judgemental of the bad choice she made in life

[beautisticaware]

I am tired of them saying that "I will Always Love You" is "her" song. Along with the damn movie. Um, it was Dolly Parton who wrote/sung the original song. The movie was a remake.

I don't believe she deserves half staff status. Heck, I don't live in NJ.