Earnhardt & the Soldiers

[Clinotus]

From an email I got. Thought provoking.

Something to think about, Sad But
True.

>>On 18 February 2001, while racing for fame and
>>fortune, Dale Earnhardt died in the last lap of the
>>Daytona 500. It was surely a tragedy for his family,
>>friends and fans. He was 49 years old with grown
>>children, one, which was in the race. I am new to the
>>NASCAR culture so much of what I know has come from
>>the newspaper and TV. He was a winner and earned
>>everything he had. This included more than "$41
>>million in winnings and ten times that from
>>endorsements and souvenir sales". He had a beautiful
>>home and a private jet. He drove the most
>>sophisticated cars allowed and every part was
>>inspected and replaced as soon as there was any
>>evidence of wear. This is normally fully funded by the
>>car and team sponsors. Today, there is no TV station
>>that does not constantly remind us of his tragic end
>>and the radio already has a song of tribute to this
>>winning driver. Nothing should be taken away from
>>this man, he was a professional and the best in his
>>profession. He was in a very dangerous business but
>>the rewards were great.
>>
>>Two weeks ago seven U.S. Army soldiers died in a
>>training accident when two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters
>>collided during night maneuvers in Hawaii. The
>>soldiers were all in their twenties, pilots,
>>crewchiefs and infantrymen. Most of them lived in
>>sub-standard housing. If you add their actual duty
>>hours (in the field, deployed) they probably earn
>>something
>>close to minimum wage. The aircraft they were in were
>>between 15 and 20 years old. Many times parts were not
>>available to keep them in good shape due to funding.
>>They were involved in the extremely dangerous business
>>of flying in the Kuhuku mountains at night. It only
>>gets worse when the weather moves in as it did that
>>night. Most times no one is there with a yellow or
>>red flag to slow things down when it gets critical.
>>Their children where mostly toddlers who will lose all
>> memory of who "Daddy" was as they grow up. They died
>>training to defend our freedom.
>>
>>I take nothing away from Dale Earnhardt but ask you to
>>perform this simple test. Ask any of your friends if
>>they know who was the NASCAR driver killed on 18
>>February 2001. Then ask them if they can name
>>one of the seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two weeks
>>ago.
>> > >
>>18 February 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame
>>and glory at the Daytona 500. The nation mourns.
>>Seven soldiers died training to protect our freedom.
>>No one can remember their names and most don't even
>>remember the incident.

 

[AgentOrange]

I was a huge #3 fan and I agree with that e-mail but thats the way people are. We put famous people on a higher level than we do "normal" people. Its always been that way and probably always will. People forget that these famous people wake up everyday and do the same things we do. Its a sad thing.........

 

[Pacfanweb]

Agreed, but 2nd time this has been posted.

 

[ToBeMe]

I agree completely with what the message has to say.....especially having served myself! One thing I do think needs pointing out though, if Dale Earnhardt had died in his early twenties, we would not have heard about that or him ever! He was completely broke until he finally got a break in the mid seventies.....I also remember several young actors/actresses whom have passed away early in their life, but were given nowhere near the attention this death has. Again, not trying to make excuses, but, I feel that one of the reasons Dale Earnhardt's death was given so much attention was not for the dramitic way in which it occured, although that did play a big part! He was a self made man "blue collar" if you will, and started out with nothing! He had a goal to someday become a racecar driver and while many scouffed at his ambition, he was not phased and strove for his goal many times losing things he loved along the way. When he was 22 he lived in a run down trailer and was almost evicted from that! He paid his own way from the beginning and never asked anyone for favors. What I'm trying to put into perspective is, I don't think Dale Earnhardt was given all this fanfare because he was a famous racecar driver.......at least not completely, I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that he was a respected person whom came from meager beginnings and fullfilled his dream! He related to everyone from Joe Carpenter, to the Exec. in the Corporate World! You either loved him, or hated him, but one thing everyone had for him was respect. Dale Earnhardt didn't mince words or actions, you knew what he said was the truth, and you knew if he wanted by you on the track, he would prevail most of the time! This all didn't come from being "A Famous Race Driver"........it came from the way he was as a person and that's why his death gained so much attention......at least IMHO.......

 

[monckywrench]

The general public identify with and live vicariously through entertainers and celebrities, so they grieve absurdly when one of them croaks. Military casualties are just another news story, of interest mostly to their families and other G.I.s.
I have nothing against Dale Earnhardt. To dare greatly, win often, and die instantly in the middle of doing a thing you love is magnificent.
I do enjoy it when Liberal icons get snuffed though, just to hear their fans come unglued. The Kennedy clan has provided much merriment

 

[StageLeft]

Its always like this. I read a headline which read "Earnhardt's death up there with JFK". Remember when Mother theresa and diana died at the same time? Who was truly more important? And who did most people care about? Being a celebrity means a lot when you die it would seem.