Friday, June 08, 2007

Why Should We Care?

We shouldn't, really. In fact, I'm embarrassed just writing this.

But what matters here is that, amidst all that is going on in the world, with the serious issues facing this country both now and in the coming election year, and with all the unsung heroes of our time who make their part of the world a better place, the cable news channels today are focused almost exclusively on a public figure, whose only claims to fame are that she is heiress to a huge fortune, and that she has no discernible career skills. (Please, don't tell me she's a singer.)

Now, living in a town like Washington, one learns that there are two kinds of heirs to fortunes; those who continue the legacy that brought their families such wealth, and those who squander it until there is little or nothing left. It is a sad thing to watch, as the young prodigals awake to find their friends gone, their money spent, and creditors at the door. A dynasty created by the sweat of others' brows, is brought down by those who never break one in their lives.

We were told by the celebrity in question, that imprisonment would be some sort of transforming, life-changing experience. We may never know. Meanwhile, a little-known aspect of this saga has emerged at a website called "gossiplist dot com." It seems that our subject has adopted a posture for the cameras that remains relatively stable, whatever the time of day or circumstance. This may be the only stabilizing force in her life that is truly of her own making.

Which may have been the "transforming, life-changing experience" she had sought all along, don't you think?

Or don't you?
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