The Republican governor said Wednesday that he rejects complaints that Houston “forfeited the good things that she did” because of her struggles with substance abuse.
Chris Christie (governorof New Jersey, if you don’t know that by now, tsk, tsk) ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of Whitney Houston. Some folks complained it should be an honor reserved only for the military, first responders & elected officials. Okay, valid argument, maybe.
Not a valid argument?: From the EW article I read, one critic said this: “It’s just such a bad example for people,” said 23-year-old Clause. She said the decision was like saying if someone sings well, drug use doesn’t matter and “you can still be an idol.”
Sets a bad example for people? Girlfriend, Whitney Houston is dead. What bad example is it setting for people? Lowering the flag for her is kind of the exact opposite, its a reminder that an extremely talented woman’s life trajectory was thrown way off course because of drug use and its long-lasting effects (even when sober. Nobody knows exactly what led to her death, yet).
Which is what Christie also pointed out. I want to go on record that this might be the only time I ever agree with him.
Substance abuse is a terrible thing. In my profession, especially when I am doing street outreach, I can see the tragic effect and hold substance use has on people and how it utterly devastates people’s lives. Its a reality I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy (who, for the record, is currently Antonin Scalia).
