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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIs it appropriate for flags in NJ to be flown at half-staff in memory of James Gandolfini?
TRENTON, N.J. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Monday in memory of "Sopranos" star and New Jersey native James Gandolfini.Gandolfini died Wednesday in Rome at age 51. A family spokesman says he suffered a heart attack.
The governor's order says Gandolfini was an iconic actor who "left a timeless impact upon television and film in the state of New Jersey and across our nation."
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57590533/n.j-flags-to-fly-at-half-staff-mon-for-gandolfini/
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHRIS CHRISTIE, Governor of the State of New
Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of
the State of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State
departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during
appropriate hours on Monday, June 24, 2013, in recognition and
mourning of the passing of James Gandolfini.
http://nj.gov/infobank/circular/eocc135.pdf
32 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited | |
Yes. Gandolfini was such an iconic actor that ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in NJ is appropriate. | |
13 (41%) |
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No. Ordering flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Gandolfini is not appropriate. | |
19 (59%) |
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0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided. | |
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pnwest
(3,305 posts)I mean, if he's a native, he's done a lot for NJ, and a popular person among the residents... Why the controversy?
Cooley Hurd
(26,877 posts)La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)graham4anything
(11,464 posts)It is a major, major loss for the state, which has gone through so much in the last year.
We should all take stock and think about wellness
This was a preventable death yet some want to make fun of those who want wellness(which should be anyone).
Things one overindulges when they are 20 or 30 catches up when you hit 50 and this is stark proof of that.
One minute one is here, the next gone, and yet people make fun of say attempting to rid 48 ounce sodas with a free 48 ounce refill and a bucket of popcorn with icky sticky nauseating butter in it.
Wellness.
As summer is here and people go to the beach also don't forget the sunscreen and generously reapply it, especially if one comes out of the water.
And careful on the fried foods too.
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)Logical
(22,457 posts)Gidney N Cloyd
(19,847 posts)No real harm done, I suppose, but here's what Wikipedia says:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-mast#United_States
premium
(3,731 posts)James Gandolfini was an iconic actor and should be honored this way.
boston bean
(36,655 posts)Fearless
(18,458 posts)MotherPetrie
(3,145 posts)TorchTheWitch
(11,065 posts)I don't care if he's considered iconic or not. He's just an actor. And only known for playing the character of a mob boss.
It's ridiculous.
HiPointDem
(20,729 posts)Ohio Joe
(21,894 posts)An acknowledgement of the passing of a local person that did good is the correct thing to do.
Pelican
(1,156 posts)The symbolism has lost its potency...
Mosby
(18,023 posts)Last edited Sat Jun 22, 2013, 01:36 PM - Edit history (1)
And dishonors others who really deserve recognition at their passing.
MADem
(135,425 posts)It's not the only thing he's done, just because it's the only thing YOU have ever heard of...
Here, educate yourself:
http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/Remembering+Gandolfini+Alive+Memories/8552942/story.html
Nearly 10 years later, in 2008, a very different Gandolfini older, wiser and with The Sopranos behind him made a quiet entrance at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, at HBOs portion of the semi-annual TV Critics Association press tour.
This time, he was there to promote a personal passion project, Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq, a documentary about the terrible injuries suffered by returning U.S. servicemen and women from the war in Iraq, and how they were adjusting to life back home.
Gandolfini, the films executive producer and most vocal backer when no one else wanted anything to do with it, was still a huge physical presence, but he insisted on remaining quiet while five injured U.S. Army veterans, four men and one woman, all interviewed in the film, took the stage and held their audience rapt with personal stories of war and recovery.
It was only a matter of time before Gandolfini was pressed to say something anything but when he did his voice was barely audible, a hushed whisper.
He wanted the veterans to have their say, and he didnt much care if anyone else in the room thought him distant or standoffish.
Mosby
(18,023 posts)Maybe he was a really nice guy, but there are lots of nice New Jerseyans who die every day and they don't receive any honors from the gov.
I have never watched the sopranos, shows about thugs and criminals don't interest me much and the way people glorify the "mob" bugs me, sorry.
MADem
(135,425 posts)"I came back and was struck by the silence here in this country about what's going on over there," Gandolfini told NBC Nightly News' Brian Williams in 2007. "When I talked to these soldiers, I was struck by -- you can be cynical on both coasts or wherever you are -- honor, duty, loyalty to your country. It hit me. I guess some people forget about that, or don't think about it."
...Gandolfini followed that film three years later with Wartorn: 1861-2010, another HBO documentary that traced the history of post-traumatic stress disorder -- previously known as shell-shock and combat fatigue -- throughout American history.
Shifting the focus to war's invisible wounds, Wartorn, which Gandolfini executive produced, featured the moving stories of vets of WWII, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom -- some of whom spoke out about PTSD for the first time. Gandolfini himself led several insightful conversations with top U.S. military personnel, including Gen. Ray Odierno, then-commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, and Gen. Peter Chiarelli, former vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army.....
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/james-gandolfini-death-sopranos-star-571899
He also did movies where he didn't play a gangster, he wasn't a one-trick pony.
Politicalboi
(15,189 posts)He was JUST an actor. Get over it people. It DOES cheapen it's meaning by lowering it for every Tom, Dick and Harry.
karmalk
(61 posts)FarCenter
(19,429 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)The US post office violates the flag code every day by selling flag stamps.
Not every violation of the flag code is G. Gordon Liddy in a flag thong...
Given the work Gandolfini has done for US wounded veterans, I think it's an appropriate honor, flag code be damned.
And I'm a person who isn't a fan of flag clothing, flag paper plates, flag napkins, etc.
FarCenter
(19,429 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)The flag code is pretty much ignored, these days. The US Post Office flouts the flag code by selling flag stamps. People can rant and rail about it, but they are the Hank Hill minority and that attitude no longer prevails in this country. Times change.
He was active in the Wounded Warrior Project, and he was an artist. There was much more to him than just Tony Soprano.
If G. Gordon Liddy can wear a thong flag, the producer of Alive Days Memories deserves a single day where the flag is flown at half staff around his home state.
I'd rather see the flag at half staff for a guy who was good to war vets than represented like this:
HiPointDem
(20,729 posts)him is he's a well-known actor.
MADem
(135,425 posts)But go on and pretend that his contributions weren't significant in this regard, if you'd like.
HiPointDem
(20,729 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)RobinA
(10,233 posts)The flag of the US should only be at half staff for people of MAJOR national significance. I'm talking President, current or ex, and maybe one or two other people.
HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)Only the POTUS can order the US flag to be flown at half-staff. It seems reasonable that Christie can order NJ State flag to be flown half-staff. Proper flag etiquitte has been largely forgotten and ignored over the past 50 years. Shameful, IMO.
Iggo
(48,694 posts)I thought only the Pres could do that.
I could be wrong...
former9thward
(33,424 posts)The private flags can go along with his wishes as they see fit.
treestar
(82,383 posts)So it's up to New Jersey. If that's what they want to do there, it's ok.
HipChick
(25,532 posts)the actor literally dropped dead..heart attack...He got whacked by the Big Guy upstairs...
He was always a big guy
Chris is kinda big, so...
edbermac
(16,139 posts)
Wilms
(26,795 posts)Tony has personally committed eight murders in the show. Furthermore, as a Boss, he is responsible for the deaths of others killed on his orders. The eight known murders, all explicitly presented onscreen, were:
Willie Overall, shot and killed by Tony to "make his bones", or become a made man (1982).
Fabian "Febby" Petrulio, strangled by Tony for ratting out members of Paulie and Pussy's crew and joining the witness protection program (1999).
Chucky Signore, shot and killed by Tony for conspiring to kill him with Junior (1999).
Matthew Bevilaqua, killed by Tony and Big Pussy for attempting to kill Christopher Moltisanti (his cousin in-law) (2000).
Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero, executed by Tony, Silvio, and Paulie on a yacht, after they discovered that he was an FBI informant (2000).
Ralph Cifaretto, choked/bludgeoned to death in a fight over Ralph's supposedly killing of their prize-winning race horse "Pie-O-My" for insurance money. (2002).
Tony Blundetto, shot and killed by Tony with a shotgun for the unauthorized killings of Joe Peeps and Billy Leotardo, in order to spare him from being the subject of torture from Phil Leotardo in revenge for his brother's death (2004).
Christopher Moltisanti, suffocated by Tony when after a major car accident Christopher revealed he was still using drugs (2007).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Soprano#Narrated_killings_committed_by_Tony_Soprano

Cleita
(75,480 posts)by the actor, James Gandolfini, who is not a gangster but an artist. He also has a whole body of work that has nothing to do with Tony Soprano. Really you shouldn't engage in strawmen for making your case.
Wilms
(26,795 posts)
darkangel218
(13,985 posts)IMOHO.
Jamastiene
(38,197 posts)I have to admit not knowing enough to make an informed opinion. As it stands right now, I don't see the controversy. Am I missing something major here?
MADem
(135,425 posts)about how the flag is to be displayed.
These are wrong:
but people do it anyway.
Jamastiene
(38,197 posts)The flag should never be worn as clothing or used to sell merchandise. Most people do not know that second part either. People will be steadily buying napkins, paper plates and bowls, and other assorted cookout materials when July 4th gets here. Plus, those flags on the cars that have been in vogue since 9/11 constantly end up tattered and/or on the ground. I know this because my aunt, back when she could still walk, would stop, get out of the car, and pick them up, then take them to the VFW for proper disposal.
But, is it wrong to have it at half staff for an actor who was from that state? I guess I can see the state flag being flown at half staff. I mean we fly flags at half staff after major tragedies that have nothing to do with the military, like after school shootings and other traumatic events. It doesn't seem disrespectful in this case. Is it really that big of a deal in this case? Technically, I can see how it should not be at half staff, but considering how many other times it is flown at half staff for loss of life of citizens, and out of all the things that are done with the flag (merchandising/clothes), is this really that bad in comparison?
MADem
(135,425 posts)killed....however, the minute the federal gubmint goes overbboard on telling state leaders what they are "allowed" to do with a piece of cloth, it gets squirrelly!
Like I said, I can be a fart on some aspects of flag display--I have always hated seeing it used as bunting--presidents from both parties do this, like fifty flags on the stage are somehow "better" than one, nicely lit, over the shoulder and "in the frame" of the TV shot.
I guess my point is, if the President(s) from both parties, and Congresscreatures, also from both parties, cannot be bothered to observe "The Code," themselves, then it's not the worst doggone thing in the world if a governor (even one from 'the other' party) lowers the flag to honor an actor who went out of his way to actively support my fellow servicemembers. He was also a supporter of other charities, including Parkinson's Research. Give him the day, and the rispetto, I say.
Are three enough? Are six two many?
Eight must mean you're REALLY blocked up!!
This is...just WRONG:
So long as the feds employ a "Do as I say, not as I do" POV when passing laws about "The Flag Code," I say Governors from all states and parties should just ignore their asses, particularly when paying tribute to native sons/daughters that people care deeply about.
whistler162
(11,155 posts)shot!
MADem
(135,425 posts)However, I didn't want to gross people out if they were reading this thread over brekkie!!!
whistler162
(11,155 posts)what old farts shouldn't tell parents that haven't taught their children how to dress.
MADem
(135,425 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)This isn't a party-specific thing, he's a well-known citizen, a state "asset," as it were. Christie did the right thing.
JustAnotherGen
(34,287 posts)Yesterday. No. Our state flag - yes. US Flag - That's for Leadership and folks in public service.
Bennyboy
(10,440 posts)Even from New Jeresy Standards. Did they half staff for Sinatra? Will we for Miami Steve? Bruuuuuuuuce? Bon Jovi (once the dancing stops, anyway)..... Been an awful lot of Jersey Celebrities from jersey and I don't remember that ever happening for them. What is hilarious, is the Governor is celebrating and actor who portrayed a person that was totally outside of the law, murdered, etc). Weird.
whistler162
(11,155 posts)Bennyboy
(10,440 posts)Bon Jovi might lie in state for a week or two!
customerserviceguy
(25,198 posts)Christie will hold a state funeral. Loads of people from around the area would watch it on TV.
Flags were half-staff in NJ for Whitney Houston. And as for that "totally outside the law" thing, you do know it's only a role he played, right? Would you have the same reservations for honors given to Anthony Hopkins at his death? He played Hannibal Lecter, a most vile villain.
Douglas Carpenter
(20,226 posts)Benton D Struckcheon
(2,347 posts)Cleita
(75,480 posts)geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)arely staircase
(12,482 posts)he was a beloved and talented nj artist.
RudynJack
(1,044 posts)so I see nothing wrong with it. Christie likes to honor New Jersey natives this way (Clarence Clemons, Whitney Houston, etc.)
New Jersey is especially proud of its celebrities. Let them honor Gandolfini however they want.
Tierra_y_Libertad
(50,414 posts)customerserviceguy
(25,198 posts)If Gandolfini had retired from the movie business some twenty years later, a future NJ governor might well have given him some kind of recognition award, of the sort that the President does every year for prominent Americans, many of whom are in the entertainment business.
Since that didn't happen for Gandolfini, this is the best that Christie can do. I'm sure it's popular among folks in NJ, and that's who the Governor is supposed to make happy.
HockeyMom
(14,337 posts)Didn't they do it for her too? Don't think they won't for Springsteen and Bonjovi when they pass?
MadrasT
(7,237 posts)
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)My sentiments exactly
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)He didn't change anything, make anything, cure anything, or do anything earth shattering. He wasn't even an acting legend. I don't get the big reaction to his death.
And yet, where is this kind of response when a Burt Lancaster or Cary Grant dies? People who have proved their acting chops for decades and became legends in their field.
Union Scribe
(7,099 posts)There's the shock of a relatively young man dying suddenly, plus the shorter span when a younger celeb dies between when they die and when they were most successful. With older legends, the shock is less and the gap between that time and when they were at their peak is larger.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)I could tell that when I saw him in a movie last year. He could barely say his lines without stopping frequently to take a breath. Shortness of breath - sign of heart trouble. He was huge, and his color was not good. Eyes baggy. I'm shocked to learn he was in his early 50's. I thought he was much older than that.
(Being large doesn't make him bad or anything. I'm just saying it's not a big surprise he had a heart attack and died young. Now, John Candy was a surprise!)
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)pnwmom
(109,713 posts)
Nye Bevan
(25,406 posts)Does this change your opinion?