Honestly...this is not the end of the world nor the beginning of a new tradition.

I think honestly this came at the right time for Christie. It can take some heat away from the gay marriage debate which really has the state up in arms.

I am an American service member and do not agree with this at all! She has done nothing for the country other than entertain, and should not be given an honor reserved for people who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country! I feel this degrades such an honor. Our Flag, the symbol we fight for every day bows to no one that has not served it honorably!

Will flags be flown half staff now for celebrities as well? It's a bad tradition to start for any state official---who's next down the road? Will the flags fly half staff for Bon Jovi, Tom Cruise, etc...??? Clearly the governor should of used better judgement in trying to honor Houston's death.

I agree with Tom. It's an honor reserved for the men and women who fight for us everyday. I'm a Whitney Houston fan, however this is a little ridiculous.

The United States Code, to authorize the Governor of a State, territory, or possession of the United States to order that the National flag be flown at half-staff in that State, territory, or possession in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty.....

And I stress.... "a member of the Armed Forces from that State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty....."

Yes there have been many great folks who have done great thins for their country - however the lowering of our Standard should be reserved for those who DIE IN THE LINE OF DUTY!!!

I understand a precedent was set many years ago - but this really should stop! Matthew E. Drake

Well, I can see why a celebrity may not be worthy of a Flag at half mast but why all the hoopla? Whitney was an icon from NJ and the people of NJ should be proud of what they produced. Her battle with drugs is nothing new , many celebrity have fallen victim to a weakness that has destroyed them. If anything her death should bring an awareness to the practice of how prescription drugs are administered and the ethics of such practice among doctors and pharmacies.

As a proud New Jerseyan I'm all about honoring our icons. I get the importance and history lowering the flag plays in our military, but this is a great show of respect for someone who loved her home state and inspired lots of people.
Doing a quick google scan, I found that people also were upset when a Wisconsin governor decided to lower the flag in 2005 because the pope passed: http://darnfloor.blogspot.com/2005/04/group-opposes-lowering-flag-for-pope.html

This past November our town flew the United States flag at half-mast for about a month following the death of our late Assemblyman.

I have a thought..... lower the State Flag when a great comedian, singer, sports icon, etc from a particular state has passed. I agree there are so many who have done great things for their states and even their Country - but the American Standard should never be lowered unless it is in honor to those who die in Service to it... By the way an Assemblyman is one who has served..... I am a Christian, and Vet - lower the Christian Flag when someone great in religious service passes, lower the State Flag when someone grea from that State passes, - give honor to whom honor is due... but let's let Old Glory remain flying proud - AND HIGH.... She should not be lowered to every passing of a good person....

If he wants the state flag at half mast, thats great, but the US Flag should only be lowered for those that have served our country. The US Code is clear on this, as is the Congressional Report done in 08. If it is lowered for every high profile person it lowers the integrity of the flag!!!! Im saddend to think that celebrities are given this type of status in our country.

I think her battle with substance abuse and disregard for her daughter is what leaves a bad taste in our mouth about the big honor—especially in light of a NJ serviceman's death in Afghanistan a few days ago.

but I was corrected today about whitney's accomplishments...according to this person she had own foundation that raised millions of dollars to help children dealing with homelessness, AIDS and cancer; she raised money for the United Negro College fund, she was recognized by St. Judes hospital for her charitble donations, she raised money for the Children's Defense fund, she made the National Anthem at the Super Bowl a "hit single" and donated the proceeds to the Red Cross

She did her job well. If I do my job well do I get the same honor? I don't think a drug addict should receive such an honor. She's isn't someone I'd want as a role model for my children.

We're honoring drug addicts now? She was ill and deserving of our pity and compassion, but not a public honor.

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.

Christie was boxed in and had to do this. In his zeal to honor Clarence Clemons due to his unbridled personal love for Bruce and the E Street Band, he's opened a Pandora's box concerning who is and isn't deserving.
No disrespect towards Whitney or Clarence but the Governor's knee jerk response to the death of Clemons is why he's forced to lower the flag for Houston.

A cultural icon? Really?? She was a junkie not a role model!!
Gov.Cristie is taking pensions from NJ police officers, who protect us from junkies and honoring her?!!
Wonder who the next Gov will be because it won't be Cristie! See ya bye bye Cristie!!!

To suggest that an untimely death and controversy over flying the flag at half staff "came at the right time for Christie" so as to create a diversion from a civil rights issue in our state is beyond absurd. I'm too polite to say what it truly is.
Flying the flag at half staff for a celebrity who has contributed only to her own pockets while setting a poor example for her fans only serves to demean the honor for those who have given so much.
Mr Christie is honoring pride of birthplace -a perversion of the honor of a half staff flown flag

does christe not know that whitney had a serious drug addiction. well i hope he can read i,m not sure he can.i am embarassed for the state that honors this let her family mourn in peace without political controversy. christe thinks this is a vote booster he still doesn,t get it he,s the next EXGOV!

This just goes to show what poor judgement Governor Christie has! Honoring Drug Addicts is ridiculous!

please - because she donated money to charities does not make her a hero. it was a tax right off. and charities like st. judds etc., - they just use her name. she probably has never set a foot into any of these charities. i want to know if you will raise the flag for me. I do alot more charitiable work than her!

She was an icon from our state of NJ! How often in our lifetime do those come along? Had it been Bruce Springsteen, just like the member of his band Clarence Clemons (who is unknown to half the people of NJ) there would be no issues, for obvious reasons that is. We should honor Houston for her triumphs and achievements. She had her issues and wasn't perfect by any means, but who is? Raising our flags at half mass is the least we can do. She's gone forever & we'll never see another. Get yourselves people! Its not that serious!

As a former service member 03 to 08 I am disgusted. I still serve as a law enforcement officer and this enrages me. I lost a lot of friends in Iraq (I was infantry) and they did not get this honor. Their blood is the red in that flag. Tell me which color Whitney contributed to. I was in Iraq when the shootings at VT happened and that is no different. Although sad it does not warrant that honor. I remember being in the chow hall after we lost a buddy on the mission we came back from. Do the American people know who that soldier is? No, but his blood stained the flag he wore on his right shoulder. Don't even ask me about Paterno. Maybe we can start giving 21 gun salutes to these larger than life gods that so many of you worship. So many have forgotten who we are and where we came from.

There are many service men who we'll continue to honor. There was & will only be one iconic Whitney Houston. She's more than worthy of our flags being flown half mass.

obviously Christie has his favorites, and those who died for their country are not one of them. disgusting!

You can't handle the truth!

Not undermining the importance of the flag being flown at half mass for each & everyone of our service men & women that have sacrificed or risked their lives for our country. I know all too well the feeling being a military wife for many years, but not gonna get into that. However, my opinion on Whitney Houston stands. I guess if one's opinion doesn't jive with the masses they're considered an "idiot".

"Half mass" is when you get to church late and cut out right after Communion. I believe the term you're looking for is "half staff". Are you sure you are a military wife?

So, if a married gentleman buys as many intimate gifts for every woman he thinks is beautiful as he buys for his wife, should his wife accept that? What sort of woman accepts intimate gifts from a married man? And what does all of this intimate gift giving say about the gentleman's relationship with his wife?

You have got to be kidding me. Lowering the flag for a dead singer is the only thing more stupid than minute my minute updates of where her body is.

Maureen- How do you propose they decide who to fly the flag at half staff for? Range of vocals? Percentage of people who like them? Number of Grammy awards? Or for that matter- records or movies sold? Hell, Kevin Smith is from Red Bank, he will eventually die, and he made films ABOUT New Jersey. Should we fly flags half staff then? How, praytell, would you make this decision?

Absolutely not. She is to be felt sorry for, but not honored. She was not a role model for our already misguided society.

What about half staff to honor other citizens?
•Only the president of the United States or the governor of the state may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a national or state figure.
•In addition to the traditional half-staff salutes when proclaimed by the President, the Flag Code mentions the use of our Flag for honoring citizens who have died, especially government officials and prominent citizens. However, the Flag Code does not exclude any citizen, whether they belong to an organization or not, whether they are recognized very locally or regionally. Examples of deceased citizens that might be honored with by lowering the Flag to half-staff include local religious leaders, youth leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches, local politicians, or a local hero. There need be no authorization from the government for the private sector (non-government) to use the Flag to honor any citizen. It is important to note that the Flag Code is a code, it is intended to provide guidance and is not obligatory. It carries no civil or criminal penalties for "misuse" of the Flag. Individual are not acting illegally when using the Flag according to their own usage. Only on government / public building is the flag code required to be followed.

Read more: http://www.gettysburgflag.com/flyflaghalfmast.php#ixzz1mTYPnMbi

I copy and pasted the above law. However it does not mean I agree. I totally do not think this flag should be at half staff for a singer that died.

Hey! I have an idea! Let's award her a Nobel prize!

What about the Medal of Honor. After all she gets the flag

Why side-step the obvious? Christie made this decision because it's February. Hello. He won't be reelected in spite of this transparent decision he thinks will be helpful to him in race relations.

I am disgusted by the amount of media attention this gotten! Even if she had not had "issues" in her life, there has to have been many other things that have gone on in the world other than her passing. Although it is very sad, I do not think the flags should be at half staff for any actor, entertainer, etc, but reserve for those who have serve our country and preserved our freedoms!

Half mast for a singer; dutifully serving soldiers and firefighters are heroes by default; and Newt is a genius. Right on!

I love you Whitney! You were a true cultural icon & will be greatly missed!

We lost an angel; not a soldier. Honor her with your heart and in your prayers. She needs no other form of recognition as her life was one huge spotlight.

Obviously Gov. Christie made an educated decision and it's quite interesting to see all the hoopla surrounding this. Nevertheless, on Saturday afternoon, whether we agree or not, the flag will be flown at half staff in honor of Ms. Houston. Carry on ya'll.

THIS IS SO WRONG!!!!! Flying the flag half staff should only be reserved for our military and for the ones who serve this country.

Lowering the flag to half-staff should be reserved for members of the military, police, firefighters and other first responders who die in the line of duty. Honoring any entertainer in this way, especially one who self-destructed and left a young girl without a mother, is disgraceful.

For those who are interested, you can see all of Christie's executive orders here:
http://nj.gov/infobank/circular/eoindex.htm

Hey maureen,you got it right! half staff ! a disgraceful decision by our governor

only those that desurve it. she dosent deserve it what did she really tell the kids of today? oh yea its ok to kill urself with an overdose what the hell is the world coming to when a singer is held in the same regard as those who have fought and died to defend the freedom in this country the very same freedom that let her make the dumb ass decision to take her own life its bs and you all know it

Her rendition of the National Anthem during the 1991 Super Bowl, help rally support of the nation in the first Gulf War. Many do not know this, but all her proceeds from the release of that performance that made the top 10 on the charts went to helping the Gulf War Vets,. Again, after 9-11 she re-did the song and again donated the proceeds to first responders !!!!!!!!!!!! Yes she fought demons, like we all have at one point or another. This woman was a patriot pure and simple

When I noticed the flag at half-staff, I took it as a gesture of respect for, and remembrance of , South Orange's own daughter, Patricia Flynn. Pat was a longtime resident who raised her wonderful family here. She served as our Tax Clerk for many, many years, and never failed to greet everyone she helped with a smile. She did her office proud, and is certainly deserving of this honor and public tribute.

How many other celebrity's donated to our military ? How many citizens donate to our military ? Ya she donated money but I do also. So when I die will the flag be flown at half mass NO. The only reason Chris Christie done that was for problisity. You fly the flag at half mass to honor our arm forses. I should of been a celebrity. Bad call chris!!!

I have the utmost respect for Whitney Houston and applaud Gov Christie's efforts to recognize her contributions publicly. However, I agree with Tom that only those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the line of duty should be given this honor. Just because the American Flag has been lowered in the past for entertainers doesn't make it right. It is time to stop making the same mistake and diminishing the respect and honor for those who are truly deserving.

I agree with some of the other readers that although Houston was an icon in the entertainment industry she does not deserve this honor. It should and MUST be reserved the men and women who serve our country and put their life on the line every day!!

She could sing, but at the end of the day she was a crackhead whose career had long been derailed by drug use and bad personal choices. She didn't write any of her own music, and died in debt to her producers, whose advances she lived off of. Sure, her death was tragic, but even the most casual and disinterested observer could see the road that she had been on for years now. The honor of having our flag flown at half staff is justifiably reserved for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their fellow citizens, or those who have made significant contributions to the betterment of society through acts of public service during their lifetimes. People should demand more from their role models than name recognition.

I do not like seeing our National flag used to honor non Military or extinguished political figures and rather see State flags used for purposes like this, but protocall allows it on State property. I would rather see the State flag lowered instead. Inspite of her fall from grace because of her addictions and life style, I think people ought to remember this lady gave millions to childrens charities. After Saturday`s service and a few press releases regarding cause of death and some unflattering tabaloid articles slanted to sell issues and probably as full of fiction as fact for someone not able to defend herself, we will probably forget Whitney as fast as we forget our fallen. Do we really need to trash someone who is not even buried yet over a decision she had nothing to do with? I wish more people would focus on those that survive her and be a bit more respectfull. Wouldnt you want that for yourself or family?

Maybe it's just me but, we've already seen millions upon millions of dollars of TV and print media news coverage...at least 15 minutes worth of televised tributes (Grammy's)...all of which will fuel an estimate $10 Million windfall to Ms. Houston'estate through album sales and song downloads. Frankly? She has and will be remembered and memorialized for the ages...while nobody knows the name of the last kid from their state killed in action in Afghanistan or Iraq. Let's leave flying our flags at half staff for them and others who have truly served their states and nation.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Controversy-Over-Lowering-NJ-Flags-for-Whitney/139399933

Lowering the flag to half staff was definitely the right decision. Now she should be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame immediately. The way her life spiraled downward was sad and of her own doing. But she gave us years of great music, and that should not be discarded. She is being honored for her cultural contributions to society, and not for her personal struggles. Her rendition of The National Anthem was probably the greatest thing she ever did, and that is how I will remember her. Enthusiastic and patriotic!

Do we go half staff on very one killed in Afghan? No, and that tells you where are our real feelings are. No man/woman has a greater love then that sacrifice. So just skip the 'cultural contributions' stuff. We dishonor our service men and women without making them the focus of 'fame'. Gary Englert has it right.

This just confirms my opinions of Christie and what a complete idiot he is! A flag should only be lowered for people who served their country. Yes, Houston sang beautifully, and supported NJ, and sure it was tragic that she had so much pressure in her life that she turned to drugs and died at a young age. But, she did not put her life at risk every day as she rescued people from fires, arrested criminals, or kept our country safe (all for a fraction of the salary that Houston made!). The American Flag is a national icon and should be treasured and only lowered for the American servicemen and women, firefighters, police officers that serve it!

she was a waste of talent who neglected her daughter. huge ego huge drug addiction huge jacka$$. there are people who WISH they'd been given the gifts she had, I feel most sorry for her daughter, who no doubt played "the mom" as most children of addicts do. dont be surprised if she ends up being the next casualty out of feelings of guilt. yes she used to be able to sing but the flag at half staff? disgraceful.

Ms CAT...apparently you have a personal relationship with the Houston..and knows all the happenings...how dear you talk about another human being like that...you guys are so judgmental...it makes me sick...Apparently you live a perfect life and has never done ANY wrong in your life...DISGUSTING if you ask me

Memorial Day. Veterans Day. Our military, both living and deceased, are honored every year with national holidays. So all of this wailing about our military heroes not being honored or remembered is a bunch of crapola. I'm pretty sure there won't be a Whitney Houston day every year. The flag lowering is a one time thing and not really that big of a deal.

I guess maybe we will lower the flag for Bobbi Brown next because he was such an amazing rolemodel, just like Whitney.

Bottom line, Protocall is being followed. If yu dont like it, change it!

To all those "close" friends - where were you when she needed intervention? Mourn her now with your tears but you should have stepped in and stepped up. Tough love!

Jeez, the Brits really missed the boat when Amy Winehouse died. She could have given Whitney a run for her money in the substance abuse department.

Jack Howerton
So much time and attention given here because there just isn't more tabloid exciting news... Takes planes flying into buildings to bring people to real important issues and events ... Then the news media turns their brains back to nonsense like this... It is more than sad.... God bless all the servicemen and service providers who protect us everyday!!! More than that, the families and friends of all the fallen... No half mast for them...

Served 10 years active duty. Went to Iraq twice. I have no problem with it. Grow up people. Idiots.

Memorial Day. Veterans Day. Our military, both living and deceased, are honored every year with national holidays. So all of this wailing about our military heroes not being honored or remembered is a bunch of crapola. I'm pretty sure there won't be a Whitney Houston day every year. The flag lowering is a one time thing and not really that big of a deal.

This is the single most assanign statement of this whole thing...As the wife of a disabled american vet I am appalled that you even put that crackhead waste in the same sentence as our military...Our military EARNED WITH BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS THOSE DAYS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHAT DID SHE DO WHAT?

she did nothing but waste her life...put her in a box, put her in the ground, and get on with the living of people who work hard, play hard, and get by without sucking on a crack pipe....

I am leaving a short and simple comment. I am a great fan of Whitney's music but I believe that having the flag flown at half mast should be only for military members and government officials. I don't think they should have for the other singers either. That's just my opinion.

The U.S. flag code is clear. He should have lowered the New Jersey state flag in recognition of her not the U.S. flag which is only used to honor people who have served their country and states.

Lowering of the flag is an honor that should be reserved for those that serve our county .....military personal, police officers killed in the line of duty. I believe it is a disrespect to all the men and women serving our country.

I believe it is disrespectful of military, police officers and firefighters to lower the flag for anyone other than those who have served our country or died in the line of duty. It should be reserved only for them or it will lose its meaning.

It pisses me off how we don't fly flags half mast for all war vets, but we do for some crackhead. What has she done for this country, other than entertain?

I love all u ingratefull people who have never had to step over a battle buddy because he was gunned down, or pick up body parts. Yea yea she could sing. So what! I can belch really loud! A good friend of mine died by GA Swat a few days ago woke up early in the am having a flash Back from war started shooting from his House. now thats an american hero who diserves Old Glory flown half mast, he gave everything for his country, he was a purple heart recep. also had a masters deg. 3 combat tours, he gave his sanity and eventualy his life, but not before faithfully searving his country. An he paid the ultimate price for doing what most of this population is to chicken shit to do. He signed the papers and joined the United States Marine Corps, so while all of u are saying whats the big deal this that and the other, all Im saying this crack head from NJ that song is more important then my brother in arms? Your all crazy and the gov of NJ should be delt with acordingly for taking it upon himself to fly the American Flag however he see'S fit. The only person he is aloud to fly it half mast for is the president x amount of days after he has died, memorial day, labor day, andveterans day, the president is only one aloud to order flags half mast for someone who did not serve his/her country stated in the flag code.

And for anyone who says big deal its just one time. Yeah just one time all of u that dont see a problem with it dont truly know what the american flag is then. It is America'S most valuable and most charished peace of history has always had military moving it from place to place, this whole conversation makes me sick. And all of u that dont see the problem with it need to read a little history on our flag.