Well, I almost wrecked my car last night when I heard over the radio that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie ordered the flag lowered to half staff (mast) in memorial to the sudden death of Saprano actor James Gandolfini. He died of an apparent heart attack while vacationing in Rome.

Give me a break! The tradition of lowering the flag to half staff is to honor those to whom honor is due. Traditionally, this practice has been reserved (actually restricted) to our deceased governmental leaders and to military men and women who have died in active combat.

James Gandolfini will best be remembered, of course, for contributing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to our society.

James Gandolfini was known to have both a cocaine and alcohol addiction and stories of his last few days sound the same. How sad. But worse than this is Governor Christie’s attempt to honor this man by diluting this historically honored tradition.

I thought it was best stated in an article I once read, “But just as an American serviceman killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan is not deserving of a Grammy award, musicians and celebrities are not deserving of the lowering of the American flag.” I agree.