CHRISTIE CRITICIZED FOR WHITNEY TRIBUTE

When New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie decided to lower all state flags to half-staff this Saturday in honor of Whitney Houston’s funeral, he never envisioned the incredible backlash he would receive against the New Jersey native and singer.

“What I would say to everybody is there but for the grace of God go I,” Christie said in response to a firestorm of criticism he’s received via Twitter and other social networking sites.

Most of the criticism came from those who believe flags should only fly at half-staff for a fallen member of the military, a policeman or fireman, or an elected official — and not a pop singer. But others took direct aim, saying they simply could not believe Christie would be stupid enough to honor a drug addict.

“It should be for major events. It’s horrible that she passed away. It’s not something that should warrant this,” said one New York woman. “It’s just such a bad example for people,” said a 23-year-old blogger from Virginia. She also added that the decision was like saying if someone sings well, drug use doesn’t matter and “you can still be an idol.”

In a statement, Christie tried to assure everyone he did not believe the Newark born Houston was a role model. Instead, he wanted to convey the message that Houston deserves the honor because of her huge cultural impact and as “a daughter of New Jersey.”

“I am disturbed by people who believe that because her ultimate demise — and we don’t know what is the cause of her death yet — but because of her history of substance abuse that somehow she’s forfeited the good things that she did in her life,” Christie said. “I just reject that on a human level.”