Flags, Ships and Awards – the new lowered standards of honor in the US

Flopping Aces ^ | 02-15-12 | Mataharley

[Starman417]

If we are to gauge the level of respect and honor in our civil society, we need only look to those we - or our elected representatives - consider deserving of special hero worship. Some of these high honors include the flying of Old Glory at half-staff, the honor of having Naval vessels named for an individual, or perhaps being the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Considering several events of late, I can not help but think that the standards that our society deems iconic have hit some unacceptable lows.

Three examples of late have had me shaking my head in bewilderment, tho I'm quite sure these are not only examples.

Gov. Chris Christie Orders US and State Flags to fly half-staff for Whitney Houston funeral

The Republican governor has ordered U.S. and state flags flown at half-staff at all state government buildings on Saturday, the day of her funeral.

Christie defends his decision by deeming the singer a "cultural icon" of the state, along the lines of Jersey musicians Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Bruce Springsteen.

He goes on to say, "Whitney Houston was an important part of the cultural fabric of this state … Her accomplishments in her life were a source of great pride for many people in this state and for this state as a whole. On that basis, I think she's entitled to have that recognition made for her."

According to official Flag Code, Gov. Christie has all rights as the Governor of the State to order the Old Glory's half-mast status to honor whomever he wishes. That is not in question. What may be in question is his judgement in applying such an honor to a woman who can hardly be considered a role model to the young, and ended up abusing her extraordinary gift of song. Or perhaps this is what our society has come to... that our focus, adoration and attentions gravitate to drug addicted entertainers instead of genuine heroes amongst us that do not enjoy national fame.

It's also embarrassing that this extends even to our 24/7 news outlets, i.e. Greta Van Sustern interrupting an interview with Karl Rove about the new Obama budget for the "breaking news" of the jet, carrying Whitney Houston's body, hitting the tarmac in New Jersey. You've gotta be kidding me...

In a society where few can name the Vice President or Speaker of the House, but can name the past four season's winners on Dancing with the Stars, I suppose it's not all that surprising that ratings conscious broadcast entities cater to this mentality. But I do find it disconcerting that arrangement of priorities has reduced our fates, and that of our children and grandchildren, as nothing more than a side note or also ran.... preempted by another pandering opportunity to mourn sundry entertainers - like Houston and Michael Jackson - who also happen to be junkies that ended up engineering their own deaths.

What have we come to when we telegraph to the young that these people are deserving of some of our highest honors?

Obama's Naval Secretary announces next LCS to be named for Gabrielle Giffords

I have to admit, as a Navy wife back in the era of Vietnam, the announcement by Obama Naval Secretary appointee, Ray Mabus, to name the latest littoral combat ship off the drydock after former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, really stunned me. While I have nothing against Ms. Giffords personally, and wish her well in her recovery, I find that such an honor bestowed on someone because they were the target of a lunatic falls fall short of our traditional standards for naming naval vessels in the past, as documented by this 2011 CRS report. Generally, the LCS class is named for small and medium sized American cities.

[mamelukesabre]

The Giffords one gets me the most. But what should we expect when clowns like obama win a nobel prize for nothing?

[Fred Hayek]

I’m just waiting for the following ship names
USS Bill Ayers
USS Bernadine Dohrn
USS William Kuntsler
USS Bradley Manning
USS Philip Agee
USS John Walker
USS John Walker Lyndh

[bravo whiskey]

i’m annoyed with jimmah carter but he was a president and not the complete jackass traitor bastard he has become. MURTHA on the other hand also sucks as a name. i can’t imagine having to be proud serving on any of these.

[Venturer]

I pretty much agree with the whole article.