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In reply to the discussion: Is it appropriate for flags in NJ to be flown at half-staff in memory of James Gandolfini? [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)27. Wow. What a cheap thing to say, speaking of cheap.
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.
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Is it appropriate for flags in NJ to be flown at half-staff in memory of James Gandolfini? [View all]
Nye Bevan
Jun 2013
OP
yes. i think it is. acting is a form of art, and artists should be honored
La Lioness Priyanka
Jun 2013
#3
Technically, I don't think Christie has the authority since Gandolfini doesn't meet the criteria.
Gidney N Cloyd
Jun 2013
#7
Imo it cheapens the gesture. Don't consider this actor an iconoc figure in the slightest.
MotherPetrie
Jun 2013
#11
The flag code carries no force of law, no punishment, no nada. It's a recommendation.
MADem
Jun 2013
#30
I think it's appropriate. He was a native son who supported the troops in tangible ways.
MADem
Jun 2013
#37
lots of people have supported the troops in various ways. the only thing different about
HiPointDem
Jun 2013
#42
"Lots of people" haven't funded and produced films that discuss PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
MADem
Jun 2013
#61
The (completely unenforced, with no penalties for unenforcement) flag code has very strict rules
MADem
Jun 2013
#38
There is a section of the Flag Code that "allows" Governors to lower it for soldiers on active duty
MADem
Jun 2013
#60
This is a common thing for native sons and daughters. Gandolfini's appeal crosses party lines.
MADem
Jun 2013
#26
He was born in NJ, five minutes (well, maybe 10) from where I'm typing this. n/t
Benton D Struckcheon
Jun 2013
#36
He's a native son who had a successful and accomplished life. Why not honor him? n/t
Cleita
Jun 2013
#39
Local boy made good, I guess. I didn't much care for the man...he's just an actor.
Honeycombe8
Jun 2013
#65
I suppose. But it's not a big surprise, is it? Considering his health. He was obviously unhealthy.
Honeycombe8
Jun 2013
#72
No, it's both the US and the NJ flags. Read Christie's proclamation in the OP.
Nye Bevan
Jun 2013
#71