Whitney Houston

[river walker]

Now i understand that she was a great singer and played in a few movies, but who made the call to fly the flag at half-staff? I mean she had a great run at life but she chose to end it by drinking, popping pills, snorting cocaine, and what ever else she put in her body !!! This is crazy considering that we have guys and gals over seas giving there life for our country every day and you dont see near the recognition for them!!!

[MrJohn]

Totally agree! She was great and then made bad choices.
A shame but if we are going to fly flags at half staff, it should be for those that served the country and/or humanity in general.

[Clockwork]

which flags were at half staff? govt'?

[Big_Daddy]

which flags were at half staff? govt'?

State of New Jersey ordered flags to half staff.

[GreatNWRiversGS]

which flags were at half staff? govt'?

State of New Jersey ordered flags to half staff.

NEW JERSEY..... what more needs to be said

[river walker]

Well.... At least she is 7 days sober!

[Bonzo]

--->

She was born and raised in New Jersey -- Cultivated for stardom and exploited from the time she was a toddler to become a pawn of the entertainment industry. She lived and died as a victim of others greed. It is fitting that the flags fly at half mast as a tribute to this child of a US Veteran who never was allowed a life of her own -- nor the opportunity to experience the America her father served to protect. The disaster of her life and death should serve as a wake up call to the tragedy that our entertainment and sports industries have become.

<---

[WhiteDog]

She ultimately made her own decisions. Nothing more nothing less.

[Bonzo]

She ultimately made her own decisions. Nothing more nothing less.

Do you really believe that?

I'm thinking that when they were handing out brains...
...you thought they said trains and rode out of town on a rail.

<---

[WhiteDog]

Of course a doddering old fool wouldn't believe that she was ultimately responsible. Good to see the staff at the home let's you have some computer time this early in the day Plunker.

[Bonzo]

---> Speakin of fools...

You're reading your own perceptions instead of mine.

Of course she is responsible for her decisions but only a simpleton would leave it at that.

There is something more to consider and that is that she was never equiped to make reasonable decisions. She was led through every major step of her life by her mother and then the recording and performing industry moguls with the goal of making her famous and capitalizing on that fame. Much like Elvis and Bon Jovi were but from a much earlier age. Whitney never ever had control of her life in the sense that normal people do and was emotionally affected. She seriously needed help but packing away the proceeds left little time for her handlers to allow that.

I'm sure we all would rather have had her avoid dependancy or to get help but she simply was not equipped to take control.

--->

BTW: Bruce deleted Plunker years ago. He no longer exists at gamefishin.

<--- New Guy Out.

[river walker]

Im sorry but i dont beleive that any pop star should have flags at half mast! What is it that they did other then choose to get into the business of being a pop star, rock star or a country star? When Michael Jackson passed away, did you see any flags at half mast? I didnt! She was a 46 old person that couldnt make reasonable decisions? She could of also got out of the business at any given point,and if that was her passion then why take yourself out if the game? To live and die of others greed? Not sure i get that one, what i heard was she died because she put too much %#*$ in her body and then thought it would be a great idea to take a hot bath!!!

Flags flown at half mast are for certain people, she was not one of them!!!

[RJW]

To start with, half mast in the navy (on the water) half staff on land.

New Jersey has allowed this for years. I has been done for a number of actors singers and others. They do not hold this to the same standard as other states. If fact I also wonder hw many know the correct to put a flag at half staff.

[Clockwork]

--->

She was born and raised in New Jersey -- Cultivated for stardom and exploited from the time she was a toddler to become a pawn of the entertainment industry. She lived and died as a victim of others greed. It is fitting that the flags fly at half mast as a tribute to this child of a US Veteran who never was allowed a life of her own -- nor the opportunity to experience the America her father served to protect. The disaster of her life and death should serve as a wake up call to the tragedy that our entertainment and sports industries have become.

<---

if i ever get that famous im not going to overdose on drugs, i'll overdose on Lobster.

you have got to be kidding me, i think the tradeoff for her is worth the mega millions and being loved the world over. at her peak, everyone loved her. of course, a coke addiction changes things.

[Glocker]

Bad role model . Yes
Could sing the National Anthem. You Bet
Flags at half mast? She was a hero in NJ, probably the only one they ever had.
Better than sending a letter to Afghanistan President saying your sorry!

[Bubba]

Once the Autopsy report is made public..... it is all speculation as to what she died from........ She had a storybook past with fame and all that came with it ............. Lowering a flag in her honor is not asking for to much..... It's done and over with now, but, the untold story will come forth again once the report comes out.......... Everyone is hoping that what she died of was not drugs............ the truth will be hard to swallow for some that knew her tho.

[corkiedrifter]

Bad role model . Yes
Could sing the National Anthem. You Bet
Flags at half mast? She was a hero in NJ, probably the only one they ever had.
Better than sending a letter to Afghanistan President saying your sorry!

Here's a couple more deserving (in my opinion) New Jersey Heroes.

McGUlRE, THOMAS B., JR.
CMOH(Air Mission)

Rank and Organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps, 13th Air Force. Place and Date Over Luzon, Philippine Islands, 2526 December 1944. Entered Service at: Sebring, Fla.. Birth: Ridgewood, N.J. G.O. No.: 24, 7 March 1946.

Citation:
He fought with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity over Luzon, Philippine Islands. Voluntarily, he led a squadron of 15 P-38's as top cover for heavy bombers striking Mabalacat Airdrome, where his formation was attacked by 20 aggressive Japanese fighters. In the ensuing action he repeatedly flew to the aid of embattled comrades, driving off enemy assaults while himself under attack and at times outnumbered 3 to 1, and even after his guns jammed, continuing the fight by forcing a hostile plane into his wingman's line of fire. Before he started back to his base he had shot down 3 Zeros. The next day he again volunteered to lead escort fighters on a mission to strongly defended Clark Field. During the resultant engagement he again exposed himself to attacks so that he might rescue a crippled bomber. In rapid succession he shot down 1 aircraft, parried the attack of 4 enemy fighters, 1 of which he shot down, single-handedly engaged 3 more Japanese, destroying 1, and then shot down still another, his 38th victory in aerial combat. On 7 January 1945, while leading a voluntary fighter sweep over Los Negros Island, he risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude in an attempt to save a fellow flyer from attack, crashed, and was reported missing in action. With gallant initiative, deep and unselfish concern for the safety of others, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, Maj. McGuire set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.


SERGEANT JOHN BASILONE, New Jersey
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

CMOH

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:




For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Basilone's sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.


JOHNSON, ELDEN H.

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Valmontone, Italy, 3 June 1944. Birth: Bivalve, N.J. G.O. No: 38, 16 May 1945.

Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Johnson elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving the massed fire of about 60 riflemen, 3 machineguns, and 3 tanks from positions only 25 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled his patrol leader to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Then, despite 20mm. machineguns, machine pistol, and rifle fire directed at him, Pvt. Johnson advanced beyond the enemy in a slow deliberate walk. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. Advancing to within 5 yards of a machinegun, emptying his weapon, Pvt. Johnson killed its crew. Standing in full view of the enemy he reloaded and turned on the riflemen to the left, firing directly into their positions. He either killed or wounded 4 of them. A burst of machinegun fire tore into Pvt. Johnson and he dropped to his knees. Fighting to the very last, he steadied himself on his knees and sent a final burst of fire crashing into another German. With that he slumped forward dead. Pvt. Johnson had willingly given his life in order that his comrades might live. These acts on the part of Pvt. Johnson were an inspiration to the entire command and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

Just 3 of 94 CMOH awarded (not won) to individuals of New Jersey.

Washington State has 33 CMOH awarded.

[stlhdr42]

Kinda a slap in the face when a troop dies in combat and the flag doesn't move but a oxygen waster like Houston dies and its half staff. Jeezus.

[river walker]

Kinda a slap in the face when a troop dies in combat and the flag doesn't move but a oxygen waster like Houston dies and its half staff. Jeezus.

+1000000000000

[i8skeerd]

Charlie Sheen is 45 and his story has been all over the news because he is a substance abuser, an adulterer, sexually promiscuous and obnoxious. Lindsay Lohan is 24 and her story is all over the news because she is a celebrity drug addict and thief. Something as frivolous as Kim Kardashian's stupid wedding and all her other fame seeking antics [and short-lived marriage] was shoved down our throats.
Now we will be bombarded with the ifs, whys, where's of the Whitney Houston tragedy and we will have to listen to this not just once but for days on end. She had magnificent talent but chose to go way of addiction. They keep talking about 'honoring' her ?
While........

Justin Allen 23

Brett Linley 29

Matthew Weikert 29

Justus Bartett 27

Dave Santos 21

Jesse Reed 26

Matthew Johnson 21

Zachary Fisher 24

Brandon King 23

Christopher Goeke 23

and

Sheldon Tate 27...

All are some of the Marines that gave their lives last month for you!

There is no media for them; not even a mention of their names. HONOR?

[Glocker]

Charlie Sheen is 45 and his story has been all over the news because he is a substance abuser, an adulterer, sexually promiscuous and obnoxious. Lindsay Lohan is 24 and her story is all over the news because she is a celebrity drug addict and thief. Something as frivolous as Kim Kardashian's stupid wedding and all her other fame seeking antics [and short-lived marriage] was shoved down our throats.
Now we will be bombarded with the ifs, whys, where's of the Whitney Houston tragedy and we will have to listen to this not just once but for days on end. She had magnificent talent but chose to go way of addiction. They keep talking about 'honoring' her ?
While........

Justin Allen 23

Brett Linley 29

Matthew Weikert 29

Justus Bartett 27

Dave Santos 21

Jesse Reed 26

Matthew Johnson 21

Zachary Fisher 24

Brandon King 23

Christopher Goeke 23

and

Sheldon Tate 27...

All are some of the Marines that gave their lives last month for you!

There is no media for them; not even a mention of their names. HONOR?

Honor------I am deeply sorry that they paid with their lives! And serving our country. I am also ferious that we have a so called president that sends a letter of apology to a president in Afghanistan over one of their precious Korans getting burned. The people over there could care less about Americans and our way of life. That is unless were not giving them something. I personally would like to see the USA make a glass bowl out of the region. I don't think there is anything worth fighting for over there anyway.................What a waste. Unless of course it was Payback.

[madcapmag]

When troops fall, the sadness is huge. They were like you and me, just that they were called upon to do a duty that we chose not to do. For that, we need to be thankful. Realize, though, that a soldier dying hits closer to home than a celebrity. When a neighbor/friend/loved one is killed in the line of duty, it could have been us. People do not want to think of their own mortality. However, when the mighty (rich) people fall, we can not place ourselves in their shoes or anywhere close. Game on. That is why we have to read such shlock. Perhaps instead of watching and reading the mainstream, you read from different sources that actually cover news that is pertinent.

[dmack]

Why let facts get in the way of a good lynching. Gov. Chris Christie has had the flag flown at half-mast 42 times. Thirty-one for servicemen, two for first responders, six times for public officials, and once each for Clarence Clemons, Harry Shatel, and then for Whitney Houston. What an outrage !!

[WhiteDog]

Shameful that he chose to demean those who should be honored.

[codliveroil]

Let the entertainment industry honor whitney , The government should not get mixed up with entertainment , Or popularity as a result ,