WASHINGTON – In memory of Whitney Houston, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has issued a controversial decision: He wants flags flown at half-staff at state government buildings Saturday in honor of the late singer who grew up in the state.
The Republican 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. Christie says her accomplishments are “a great source of pride for the people of the state.”
Houston passed away Saturday afternoon in a Beverly Hills, Ca. hotel room. The cause of her death is still unknown.
Twitter was abuzz Wednesday with reaction to the decision by Christie, whose home is in Mendham, a wealthy town where Houston also had lived.
In online postings, there were two main arguments: One was that it should be reserved for members of the military, first responders and elected officials. The other was that it’s wrong to honor a drug addict.
So what do you think? Should flags fly at half-staff for Whitney Houston? Post a comment in this story, comment on WTOP’s Facebook Page or use #WTOPTalkback on Twitter.
Follow WTOP on Twitter
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
