I would not consider myself one who follows politics all that closely. I’m amused by people who get worked up arguing talking points with each other, whether it’s through network news, newspapers, the internet or social media. What are they accomplishing by debating someone who feels so strongly about one side of an issue, that they have to yell to get their point across? Do you really think your opposition is listening to anything you are saying? Likely, they are just waiting for their turn to speak (or yell) their point of view. I think most of the people representing our country have a motive, and it’s not to help their constituants. As a whole I think politicians are greedy, selfish and talk out of both sides of their mouth.

Another one full of hot air

For the last couple of years I have heard a lot of talk about Chris Christie, the current Governor of New Jersey. Many have recognized him as being a possible candidate for the presidency down the road. From what I understand he has done a lot to clean up some of the problems in the state and tackle issues head on. In fact, about his comment when Hurricane Irene was fast approaching last year, I couldn’t agree with more…

“Get the hell off the beach in Asbury Park and get out,” he said. “You’re done. It’s 4:30, you’ve maximized your tan. Get off the beach. Get in your cars and get out of those areas.”

However my opinion of the little that I claimed to know about Christie changed drastically this week. Last night he quickly vetoed a gay marriage bill for the state of NJ. Ironically the same day that the Maryland House of Delegates approved legislation of the same issue. My thought is simple. If two people love each other and want to get married, let them. Only 50 percent of people figure out how to make it work anyways. Why does the government need to get involved? Anyone who knows me has heard many a gay joke over the years. But I don’t care if they want to get married, why do you?

But that’s not my real problem with the NJ governor. A little later today there will be a funeral for Whitney Houston, a great singer, performer and artist. Christie has ordered the state’s flags to be lowered and fly at half-staff for Whitney. W.T.F. I think it’s an injustice that Whitney is receiving the same recognition that is done to pay tribute to the passing of Presidents, V.P.s, Chief Justices and others who have served our country, most importantly military men and women HEROES who have died protecting our freedoms.

As a defense of the decision, I understand Christie has called Whitney a “daughter of New Jersey” and has noted the cultural impact she has had. I know she is not the first performer that has received this honored tradition. In fact Clarence Clemons had the flags lowered in his honor (last year in N.J.). As did Michael Jackson after he passed. I am sure countless others have received it as well. Perhaps thanks to social media, it made national news this week. So much so that Rush Limbaugh came to Christie’s defense. I wonder what his take on it would have been if the governor of NJ was a democrat. I bet I could guess… I bet you can too.

1985

Whitney had a fantastic voice. Truly incredible. Her rendition of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in 1991 was by many accounts, the greatest version ever. Does that qualify? Certainly having other hit records and winning Grammys does not change the culture. I think musically The Beatles, Elvis and Nirvana changed the culture (to name a few). Whitney was another R&B artist that came along and did it better, but in my opinion there was no great impact. Of course this is my opinion. I could be wrong…

Just Say NO

Perhaps the impact that Whitney had to the United States public came from her reality tv show. Seeing the inside of her & Bobby Brown’s marriage surely moved the needle.

In the clip below Bobby talks about what it is to be a true American.

Many people have the theory that famous couples having a reality show lead to the demise of their marital bliss. In this case, I think it clearly was the crack.

So where should the line be drawn as to who deserves the honor to have the flag flown at half-staff? Is it a grey area? Perhaps we will just leave it up to the talking heads to yell it out.