VegasNewsReview.com

Half-staff for Whitney?

Whitney Houston, born Whitney Elizabeth Houston on August 9^th, 1963 in Newark, New Jersey.  An accomplished singing artist, actress, and mother. Whitney had eleven No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. She is the only artist to have seven consecutive No. 1′s on that chart, and is the first woman to ever debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.  Whitney has sold more than 55 million albums in the United States, and more than 170 million records worldwide.  Whitney is the only artist with at least one Grammy, American Music Award, Emmy, MTV Video Music Award, MTV Movie Award, People’s Choice Award, and Billboard Music Award to their name.  She passed away on February 11^th, 2012.

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey has ordered that the American flags at State buildings be flown at half-staff the day of Whitney Houston’s funeral.  Many are outraged because the privilege is usually reserved for military, law enforcement, governmental officials and catastrophic events.  But the order for this privilege is reserved for the President of the United States and the Governor of each state to dole out. ( .gettysburgflag.com)

I, myself was not fond of the gesture as it is not customary to honor artists.  Governor Christie defended his decision by claiming Whitney Houston was a cultural icon in the history of New Jersey, but in the same paragraph, acknowledges her substance abuse problem, stating “because of her HISTORY of substance abuse, that somehow she’s forfeited the good things that she did in her life”.

While I can think of many comparisons of people that did “good things” in their lives, I can remember those same people in the news after the bad things they also did and no one mentioned any type of ceremony for them when they passed away (or were executed).

Many have referred to the deaths of service people, law enforcement and other public servants that have seemingly gone unnoticed, while recognition of her life continue to pour in after Whitney’s death, adding to the media frenzy and adding to her post-death value. 

Yes, her albums and merchandise will now be at a premium.  Rumors have been circulating about Whitney’s net worth was approximately zero, but with the hype about her death, sales should skyrocket. 

Are any of the news networks connected to the recording industry?  Hmmm.

As far as the flag flying criteria, contact your state representative to change to the orders if that’s not your cup of tea.

Up to now, it’s the Governor’s right. 

Right or wrong.