Several years ago, a co-worker and I debated whose death would most affect the world. (Someone we didn't like must have left this world recently for us to get into this conversation.) We got our answer the day we, along with the rest of the world, quietly cried while watching the funeral of Princess Di. We didn't doubt our answer. We didn't disagree with the world. I still don't.
Today, I disagree with the decision to fly flags at half-staff to honor Whitney Houston. It bugs me even more that Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey has decided this for the entire state, thus basically making it "Whitney Houston Day." Is she worth it? How can she be? Did I miss the news about her time in the military? Her work in the fire department? Her bravery in the police department? (Bravery by virtue of living with Bobby Brown does not count.) (No, it doesn't.) (Said NO!)
Honoring someone of Whitney Houston's caliber is what the Grammys are for, and have been there, done that. She didn't change music. She didn't influence the way we listen to music, or even what music we listen to. She revolutionized no dance moves. On the contrary, she was in a movie with Kevin Costner. She married Bobby Brown. Those are reasons to not honor her.
Families of recovered/recovering/struggling addicts honor them as they do or do not wish. I think it sends the wrong message for a state to honor a star whose addiction seems to be such a dominant factor in her death. I do realize this goes completely against the "Elvis" scheme of things, but that's just how I roll. (I'm young; what do I know?)
Will Bill Billy (sorry, had to do it) honor all singers? Mariah Carey can hit those high notes. Will she be honored as well? Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi are fellow Jerseys. They'll need honoring. The guy who named all of Jersey's rest stops should be honored, as well, for honoring all those who deserved to be honored on and by the roads of New Jersey. As long as Whitney lowers flags, I want to make sure other people equally as influential get due credit on their day of... departure.
This isn't really intended to disrespect Whitney, per se. It's a disgust thing, aimed at anyone who thinks a singer, by reason of their very existence, should be honored in the same fashion as are military personnel, policemen and women, and firemen and women. Musical success just doesn't come close to the same level.
It does make me wonder.... Will Tappahannock, VA honor Chris Brown post-humously? Hmmm. On second thought, let's not use him as an example.
(PS. I've been to Tappahannock. That tree will not be interested in honoring anyone any time soon.)
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