Random Question - but not really

CozyHeart13

So I just heard that the Gov in NJ ordered flags at half-staff for the funeral of WH. Um, I didn't think this was really allowed, that only governors can order it lowered following the death of SM from their jurisdiction or present or former goverment officials. In everything I've read and been taught, only the president can order the flag flown at half-staff for the death of leading citizens, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. I know some of you have legal connections and maybe know more or can find an answer to settle my curiousity so I'm posing the questions -
1) What gives this governor the right to issue such an order?
and
2) I love WH's voice and think she was a great entertainer, but I fail to see how she was considered a leading citizen. What makes her contributions to the United States so signifacant, as on the level of MLK Jr?

I'm not really looking to start a debate, althoug that could get interesting. I'm just curious. IMHO it feels almost disrespectful to those who have died in service to our country or who have made real significant impacts that she would be considered one of them. But, it isn't my call and maybe there is something I'm missing, so... please, enlighten me!

kara811

For statewide half-staff/mast, governors has the right to order this. So he can have the flags half staff at state/local buildings. For federal buildings/nationwide half staff, the president has to order it. I am still on the fence on how I feel about this. On the one hand) , WH is a hometown hero in NJ, on the other hand, I don't agree with honoring someone who was addicted to drugs although she had such an impact in the music industry.

LetsHikeToday

I do know that Pennsylvania lowered the flags for JoePa so I think it is up to the state. .

shan87

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_random-question-but-not-really?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:9efc3299-c0b2-46f6-a7f3-655e7f581981Post:42b589e0-23ef-4bd4-b40a-16aff4c0c182">Random Question - but not really</a>:
[QUOTE]So I just heard that the Gov in NJ ordered flags at half-staff for the funeral of WH. Um, I didn't think this was really allowed, that only governors can order it lowered following the death of SM from their jurisdiction or present or former goverment officials. In everything I've read and been taught, only the president can order the flag flown at half-staff for the death of leading citizens, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. I know some of you have legal connections and maybe know more or can find an answer to settle my curiousity so I'm posing the questions - 1) What gives this governor the right to issue such an order? and 2) I love WH's voice and think she was a great entertainer, but I fail to see how she was considered a leading citizen. What makes her contributions to the United States so signifacant, as on the level of MLK Jr? I'm not really looking to start a debate, althoug that could get interesting. I'm just curious. IMHO it feels almost disrespectful to those who have died in service to our country or who have made real significant impacts that she would be considered one of them. But, it isn't my call and maybe there is something I'm missing, so... please, enlighten me!
Posted by CozyHeart13[/QUOTE]

Personally, I don't see the big deal. Yes WH is not the President, elected official or a Service Member but I do think she had a big impact on the US and the World. (I believe she did some non-profit work as well but can't be certain).  I wish this would spark a bigger discussion on fame's influence on drug and alcohol abuse but I know I hopes are too high.

A couple ladies on the nest brought it up earlier this week... if you wanna read <strong><a href="http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/63469304.aspx" rel="nofollow"><strong>CLICKY</strong></a></strong>