Editorial on NASCAR

[Robert Myers]

A friend sent me this.  I don't claim authorship but I think it makes 
something of a point.
____

A different perspective on the coverage of the Dale Earnhardt fatality:

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 of whom 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.
February 18, 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.

Bob
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  Robert L. Myers   304-574-2372
  Rt. 4, Box 57,  Fayetteville, WV 25840 USA   WV tag Q SHIP
  '95 urS6  Cashmere Grey - der Wunderwagen    ICQ 22170244
  http://www.cob-net.org/church/pvcob.htm  MediaRing Talk 304-574-1166
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