WHITNEY HOUSTON: DO WE REALLY CARE?

There. You said it well Bibi. I feel sadness that this woman died before her time, as it were. But many famous folk leave this earth and don't get this kind of hype. I hope the media circus will be done soon and her family left in peace to grieve and get back to living.

WHITNEY HOUSTON: DO WE REALLY CARE?

Some do, some don't, to each their own! Those who truly care, do so regardless and/or in spite of what the media does?

I feel sadness that this woman died before her time, as it were.

I find this comment somewhat funny, but not really...I mean, if it wasn't her time to die, who's time was it? Seriously, I hear this being said all the time, so who should be dead instead of the person that actually died at that time?

I was and always will be a fervent admirer of the stunningly unique talent that was Whitney Houston. She set the standard that few vocalists will ever match, much less surpass, but I long ago gave up trying to figure out the whys and wherefores of our culture's media coverage in the wake of celebrity deaths.

The clincher for me was when Paul Newman—not only one of the truly legendary stars in the American film industry but also an extraordinary humanitarian and social activist—passed away in September 2008: there was no special tribute to him and his extraordinary body of work in the program of the 81st Academy Awards ceremony held in February of 2009. Cut to the 82nd Academy Awards presentations held on March 7, 2010, which contained a lovingly delivered fifteen-minute tribute to John Hughes, director of such milestones in world cinema as The Breakfast Club and Home Alone - a huge WTF moment, in my estimation.

I would humbly submit that the answer is simply to honor the ones we love and cherish most in our hearts and in our memories, and to hell with all the hoopla. It's all baloney anyway.

Personally, no, I don't care for Whitney as she didn't know me personally and wouldn't care one iota if i or any of her fans passed away. It's a business and she made music to collect a paycheck from those that wanted a piece of her. Yes I love and enjoy her music and always will.

Whitney made her choices in life. The biggest mistake was Bobby brown that introduced her to the drug scene and she liked the drugs and continued on with the abuse.

What sickens me most is how all these other people used Whitney to promote themselves. There never should have been an event like what took place on this past Saturday, and the flags in PA should have not be flown at half-staff either.

They closest friends and family members all should have had respect and had a silent funeral for Whitney, but as we all already know, they will use this woman's death to make as much money off her stories and death.

People should be ashamed of themselves for selling out personal and private things such as deaths of a loved one, that is, if you really had any love and respect for that person in the first place.

RIP Whitney, you will be missed by all your fans, but you did make your choices in life that led to your final demise. We all wish that you had taken a better path than the one you ended up on.

It was NJ, not PA. In PA, we only fly the flag at half staff when one of the Steelers dies. (Just kidding.)

= she was a beautiful singer and actress but she could not handle the fame as many like her could not either. It is a great loss to the musical world an an issue should be treated with respect regardless of how she died. But I don't agree that the flags should be flown at half mast. That honor is only given two military heroes and presidents.

Yes, I have to say, I care...From princess to pauper, "anyone" who's life is cut short because of bad decisions "is" worth caring about, and I'm talking from personal experience here....IMO.

Yeah, I liked Whitney and it saddened me when she passed.

But, with that said, I was sickened to death with all of the Whitney specials after her death. I watched a couple of them but after that, I did what anyone should have done if they didn't want to watch another Houston special:

change the channel.

Bibi-1186846Yes, Whitney Houston was a great singer. Peter Falk was a great actor, but where was it shown the funeral procession, weeping, and coverage on every channel for him day after day?

Maybe because Whitney was somewhat beyond just being another great singer. Peter Falk was a good actor and I enjoyed him in movies and on TV, but not anywhere close to being in the same league as far as being great or adored by millions of fans worldwide. There are many many good singers and actors, but only a rare few can ever be deserving as truly being called Great. Whitney was a musical gift to the world and she deserved the attention and respect she received for giving the world some of the most absolutely pure, emotionally heartfelt and moving performances that a human being is capable of.

What saddens me the most, is that Kevin Costner said it best when he said he saw in her that she always silently asked herself "was she good enough" and in spite of her outward confidence, her self doubt was always with her and I believe that the failure to resolve that personal demon is what drove her to seek escape through drugs and alcohol. Remember, that within that beautiful woman's adult body and mind, there also existed a sweet but frightened little girl that lacked confidence and doubted her worthiness of being bestowed such a gift to receive such adulation and attention and unfortunately she could never come to terms with accepting it. I also believe that she didn't intentionally kill herself as some have suggested. Prescription drugs and alcohol do not mix well and in many cases lead to unintentional and accidental suicide. May she rest in peace and may she feel the love that many of us will send her every time we hear her glorious voice. So yeah, I do care about her.

OomYaaqub

It was NJ, not PA. In PA, we only fly the flag at half staff when one of the Steelers dies. (Just kidding.)

Thanks for the correction.

:)

Prescription drugs and alcohol do not mix well and in many cases lead to unintentional and accidental suicide death.

I agree with you on this with that one correction! I honestly believe that she passed out while in the tub and drowned unintentionally, but will wait to see what all the tests say once results are in?

Disgusting. Flying the flag at half mast for druggies while real heroes die overseas.

Ditto!

It's more to this than just Whitney taking drugs, it's Whitney being Black and taking drugs !

Do I really care? No more than I Cared about Michael Jackson. Most celebrities do end up dying of drug use in some form or another. They usually die young. She wrote some beautiful music that will live on. But now it is time to give Whitney her peace.

katt-529866 #1.14

It's more to this than just Whitney taking drugs, it's Whitney being Black and taking drugs !

What does her race have to do with her drug addiction? Drug addiction affects millions of people - the rich, the poor, black, white, brown, yellow and red, male, female and those not sure.

I have read every post on here and race is in them ! It does not have anything to do with her for me , but for other's especially the flag posters it does . This country now is on a race thing," AND NO MATTER HOW MANY PEOPLE TRY TO PLAY IT DOWN,RACISM IT IS ALIVE AND WELL ! and I am not one to let it get a free pass at anytime ,for any reason !

I am 85 years old , born in the deep south , seen and been in a lot of serious thing's , and one thing I do know is Racism when "I FEEL IT "

You see racism is a feeling , and if you have never felt it , you don't know when it is applied !Oh I know when they call certain names like the N word one say's that is racism , for me that is just someone calling a name associated with racism for it is not a action word , unless the action is when someone bust someone in the mouth for it , when you pull me over because I look a certain way or make me show papers to prove who I am or complain about the flag of the United States being lowerd for An American citizen when it has been done before , that's racism for these things can be felt by anyone who has been put in these positions for any reasons before .

I never heard of one calling Judy Garland a druggie , and she fell off the stage during a preformance high on alcohol and drug's , but she is America's Dorothy or Marilyn Monroe , she's America's beauty and that what she is known for ! and their are plenty more even just recently who has not been called out like Whitney ! I hope I have at least put a dent in the answer to your question , if not I can do no more .

I have read every post on here and race is in them !

katt. With all due respect, this is simply not true. However, I will agree that racism is alive and well.

I should have said many have racism in them not all ! my bad!

AND IT IS IN MANY , READ ALL OF THEM UNTIL THE LAST ONE !

and Thank You for the respect !

katt:

Um. I never mentioned anything about race.

My post above your's made a correction , I had notice that I had made a mistake in my wording but had already pressed the post comment button, should have posted the correction right under my statement but at 85 I am beginning to get a little slow (smile)

I never heard of one calling Judy Garland a druggie

It was not common to call anyone a druggie back when Judy G was buzzed out on barbiturates. Nor did they mention much about her drunkenness. Those kind of things were not talked about in polite public.

I see nothing racist about it. Her abuse of drugs is as legendary as her music...she was the poster child of a druggie. She had it all - looks, talent, money out her wahzoo, famous friends, a beautiful home,warm sun, clear skies, adoring fans and in the end she died alone due to drugs. If she was not on a drug when she died then the damage to her body, to her heart was done by the drug abuse killed her.

No one called Ray Charles a druggie (at least openly) either. Despite his amazing talent his drug use killed him early and deprived the world of his music. The only difference is people are now openly caling WHitney a "druggie"

In some cultural environments, such as the music industry and professional sports, drugs are more prone to abuse then others. There is nothing racist about. I believe it was about the time when people starting referring to sex, drugs and rock n roll, the time when Janis Joplin was in the middle of killing herself with Southern Comfort and a variety of drugs did the term druggie start to be used in the open. The death of Jim Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix and Janis J were all drug related and people did refer to them at times as druggies.

What I and many others are upset about is the New Jersey Governor Christie issued an Executive order to half-staff the US flag and state flag at all state facilities in honor of Whitney Houston (pictured). Section 7m authorizes the President, the Governor, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia to half-staff the US flag in certain circumstances. The Governor slapped War Vet, fallen Police and other who gave the ultimate scarafice by having the Flags lowered to honor her.

I dare to differ with you , the only reason I knew about Miss Garland is because on the news not many times they said she had died , they said she was depressed that's why she took pills and alcohol. Even if the word druggie was around at that time, I do not believe they would have used it for her from the way they handled her death and life , How many people knew she fell of that stage? They covered the show , the only reason I knew is because my neice worked at the venue where it was held and told me.

Now you can try to convince your fellow NV ers on here that there is no racial aspects to the way things are being handled with M's Whitney but me you will never convince!

Just like the Gov. Chris can veto same sex marriage he can lower that flag , that was his choice for M's Whitney and what was done or not done for other human being's, hasn't anything to do with it !

American Dreams, it seems your biggest beef is with Gov. Christie because of the lowered flags. If you feel that strongly about what he did, why not write to him and voice your concerns over his choice of when to lower the flags of New Jersey and when not to. Better yet, find an attorney to bring forth a lawsuit and claim something about it being grossly unfair and wrong and you want the state of New Jersey(and yourself)to get financially compensated over your loss due to the flag being lowered.

Better yet, find an attorney to bring forth a lawsuit and claim something about it being grossly unfair and wrong and you want the state of New Jersey(and yourself)to get financially compensated over your loss due to the flag being lowered.

LOL. They should be able to sue for pain and suffering

Not really. Sad and that's enough. I didn't know her personally.

Who cares? Oh for heaven's sake. Let it be as it is.

I can't explain why, but I do.

Me too. Those who really don't care about Whitney Houston shouldn't worry about what happened in her life or about those who do care ...

No one forced them down her throat. She made those choices for herself.

Yes, she likely made her choice. Maybe. We were not there. But they are poisons and most people are not aware of that fact.

I agree, mrsrachel. She made her choice. She was a fabulous singer, as hundreds before and after her (no doubt), but flying flags at half mast is done for those who serve the country or do great public service for a cause, or are heroic in some ways. Not for a pop singer who was addicted to drugs, alcohol, powerful voice or not!

I care if for no more than being human for when death hit's it affects other's who have to live on , and I have been through that pain !

I care if it's not for more than a wake up call for people who are put in charge of keeping one safe and out of harms way, you cannot slack on your job, regardless of whom the person is or what comes out of their mouths !

I care because she was a human being , and I am not God therefore I do not judge !

I care for her music made it personal !

RIP M'S HOUSTON !!!

Fish, there are inappropriate times/places to make a joke, and then there are really inappropriate times/places to make a joke. Normally I find your humor humorous, this time however I couldn't even force a smile. I know you're just trying to lighten the mood, but I don't feel it was the right way to go about it. Just my opinion.

Sure it was in bad humor but i am a little sick of the glorification we give to these stars. I saw the reality show with Her and Bobby Brown and i was put off at the type of life they live. How about we pick the random life of someone without the fame. Maybe someone who inspired others in a positive way who didn't ruin their own life. Call me insensitive but we glorify some pretty flaky people.

Try not calling her a star and just call her a human being or a relative of yours and see how funny you sound !

Right now my sister is in the middle of killing herself with drugs. It's not funny, it's not something I feel should be joked about.

You are so correct bonos_rama. It's peculiar that so many posted derogatory comments about Whitney idolized and still almost worship Elvis as some sort of deity or demigod. He was ingesting enough chemicals for a rhinoceros. While a fan of Elvis' music and films he didn't get the backlash Whitney did. Then again, their was no internet back when he passed for some people to post what they might have really thought. Whitney didn't deserve the horrible treatment she received upon her passing. Just her National Anthem alone will never be rivaled and I and others at least have her music to remember her by.

You know, I was thinking about President Kennedy the other day, don't know why. A year from next November it will be 50 years. But for someone to carry on for all those years, even when it wasn't a mere entertainer but someone whose death changed history, is just crazy.

I heard her sing and I sure as hell don't love her. Hell, I didn't like her even a little bit.

But then again, thats coming from a guy who would line up METALLICA next to BACH and make a case on how they collate.

Rotflmao!

ScreamingForVengeance Yeah, like those guys in Metallica are such musically talented icons to be compared to Bach. Don't get me wrong as I like Metallica too primarily because I am a guitarist. Maybe you didn't like Whitney's singing because you lack any knowledge or appreciation of what it takes to technically sing like she did. Way harder than singing a Metallica song ! If you couldn't feel it (Whitney's singing) then perhaps you drank too much jack or smoked too much ganja ! What exactly have you personally achieved in the music world ? I'm not slagging you because you don't like R&B vocal style, to each his own. It's just that you come off as being just another bitter rock star wannabe who is over 40, sleeve tatted up with various skin piercings and still wearing skintight leather pants hoping it will make your sagging butt and crotch look good to all the ladies. I say this and I am a musician that has toured and performed in some of the biggest venues and festivals in the world ! Dude, your lack of respect for a fellow musician (whether or not you like her music) and lack of compassion for anther human being is pathetic. I don't even think that the guys in Metallica would think you are cool for sayin what you said in your post. Roll on the floor and laugh your ass off at that !

I have endured this horrible problem with a loved one but sometimes you have to take an opportunity to laugh.

Okay, my bad.

I get a little sensitive about this subject.

Peace

badfish

good POV. We have our own version..If you can laugh about it later why not laugh at it now?

This is why the world is in the shape it's in now. People just don't CARE! For many people, it's all about them. My mother always said, "if you can't say something nice about somebody, say nothing at all." (hint)

I bet many of you who say you don't care about Whitney - have done more than your fair share of idolizing Elvis!

Damn straight we have, and so what?

I've never praised Elvis either.

However.....

Ronnie Van Zant...Randy Rhodes...Ronnie James Dio...Cliff Burton..."Dimebag" Darrell... Jimmy Hendrix...

RIP Brothers!

Never liked Elvis the Pelvis either. Sorry.

Damn straight we have, and so what?

Well at at least you admitted you're a hypocrit. They were both drug offenders.

Always disliked Elvis and his songs. Out of respect for those who do like him I will keep the rest of my opinion about him between me, myself and I.

I watched it online DS and tears were just streaming down my face. I couldn't help it. When I heard of her death, I was in shock. I opened a bottle of champagne, watched her videos and toasted Whitney, that beautiful soul with that beautiful voice.

"I Will Always Love You," is my all time favorite song.

Shelby I intended to go to the gym right before it started but I was glad I watched it Kevin Costner really spoke well and I loved Stevie.

My favorite was the Star Spangled Bannner....NoOne has done it better Marvin is a close second.

Whitney will be missed.

opened a bottle of champagne, watched her videos and toasted Whitney

I'm always looking for reasons to get toasted myself, but Whitney Houston?

No thanks...

DS12, I think I'm the ONLY one who didn't hear her sing The Star Spangled Banner. That's now on my to-do list.

...and yes...she will be missed by many of us.

It Aint So I've seen your comments on other threads and I gotta ask you why must you infect so many of them with your misplaced attempts at humor and childish comments ? I thought I had put you on my ignore list of which I will do so again as soon as I post this comment.

The ability to project your emotion into a song is itself a talent. I don't think her voice was nearly as great as Dolly Parton's, for instance, but look what she did with the song, "I Will Always Love You."

The problem is that song has been played and over played since it first came out. Sick to death of it now just like I'm sick to death of the side show that Ms Houston's death has become.

I don't think anyone would argue about her physical beauty and her vocal agility. She was indeed a talented human but personal life was a slow motion train wreck. She was never strong enough to climb out of the hole she fell into when she married BB.

how long before we start to see the Whitney's Houston Life Story on tv? And will there come a time it will be played on every channel 24 hours a day on the date of her death?

I have no doubt your prediction will come true..... the industry never misses an opportunity to make bucks out of adversity.

ScreamingForVengeance Good, you've made your point. Next time if you really want to prove you don't care even a little bit, just don't comment. My god, are you a washed up bitter roadie gacked out on blow, jack and weed or what exactly is your problem dude ? Couldn't make it as a rock star, sucked at guitar/bass or drums or were you just another miserable, hard to get along with band mate that was kicked out of every band you were ever with ? You sound like one miserable bitter dude to me.

larry, why are you so upset that not everybody cares? She is responsible for her own death. One of MY all time favorite singers, folk artist Stan Rogers, died back in 1983 while helping his fellow passengers off a burning Air Canada plane that had crashed. He died a hero. You can hardly say the same about Whitney Houston.

Next time if you really want to prove you don't care even a little bit, just don't comment.

Why should anyone care? She was a selfish scumbag. She didn't care about her child, her family. She cared about getting high. She is a typical junkie who didn't have the personal responsibility or integrity to control her life. If not for herself, then for the people who loved her. Namely her child. The title of "mother" doesn't just mean you pop them out and go about your selfish life as you please. I'd like to think that the lifelong commitment and responsibility to your child and family separates us from wild animals.

I agree with you, Watch.