What makes Dale Earnhardt so important???

02-25-2001, 05:43 PM

Subject: NASCAR and Perspective
>
> I think this puts things in perspective as to where
> our priorities really are as a nation.
>
> 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, crew chiefs 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.

This Email brought to you by Jedi Soljah
http://js.jedi.tj

RedLilPony · 02-25-2001, 06:11 PM

Dale Earnhardt impacted my life because he introduced me into the wonderful world of cars at an early age. I've said it once and I'll say it again: He was my personal hero. I'm not interested in the army and do not keep up with their news. I am sorry about their loss and will keep their families in my prayers.

------------------
Jodi
AKA PonyGirl
Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe
"Not your average Mustangs..."
http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

02-25-2001, 07:06 PM

Im very glad that you had a hero and you were introduced into cars at an early age. Im happy you can drive your car and race your car in a country that is made possible by the US Military.

ps sorry for the bitterness on my part. Im tired of being in a under appreciated military by the country we serve.

RedLilPony · 02-25-2001, 07:43 PM

It's not that I do not appreciate the army. I do. But, it isn't something that holds my interest. That's all.

I mean I'm a car girl... and so that's what holds my attention and emotions.

------------------
Jodi
AKA PonyGirl
Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe
"Not your average Mustangs..."
http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

RedLilPony · 02-25-2001, 07:44 PM

It's not that I do not appreciate the army. I do. But, it isn't something that holds my interest. That's all.

I mean I'm a car girl... and so that's what holds my attention and emotions.

------------------
Jodi
AKA PonyGirl
Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe
"Not your average Mustangs..."
http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

scott93gt · 02-25-2001, 08:15 PM

castle twice
I understand your bitterness for an underapreciated military as I am an Honorably Discharged Verteran of the US Air Force. I do, however, have to take issue with a couple of remarks you made in your original post.
First, I was a Jet Engine Mechanic and I worked on Aircraft that were designed before I was born. We actually had a plane that reached mandatory retirement (500,000 flying hours). The point I make is this, yes they are old but we NEVER, EVER installed parts on the plane that did not meet serviceability requirements.
Second, the equipment is old, mainly because of the cost to develop new equipment. It is difficult to ask taxpayers to build a fleet of new planes to replace planes that just went into service 3 years ago. To keep the planes and any equipment for that matter servicable, the military is vigilant about maintainence. I would fly ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, on ANY military aircraft. I cannot say the same for the civilian fleet of commercial aircraft. No offence to any other FAA mechanics out there as I hold my FAA license as well.
Third, if the military was some place to get rich, everyone would join. I don't mean this to be harsh but everyone knows that they are underpaid. Could they and should they be paid more, Yes. Will they ever make the same amount as Dale Earnhardt, probably not.
Finally, it is people who operate all of the machinary, whether it is a Army helicopter or a Winston Cup race car. People make mistakes. Dale could have turned his steering wheel the other direction and went into the infield. Please Dale Earnhardt fans, do not linch me as I am simply making a point. Unless it has already been proven to be mechanical error, I am sure that some human factors could be at play in the crash of the Army helicopters.
Dale Earnhardt was not my favorite driver and I really don't even know much about his history in NASCAR but I do know that he was a man with a family who millions of people lived through vicariosly each and every week. We all need heros and like stated earlier, Dale Earnhardt was a Hero in every sence of the word, even in a time when the Superbowl MVP had been indicted for murder just a short year ago. You would never see that or any other disgraceful action from Dale Earnhardt or any other NASCAR driver for that matter. I am very sad that Dale is gone, he is someone I watched race at Charlotte, I heard his voice over my racing scanner, I had a sence that I "knew" him without ever meeting him. Even if I knew the name of every person on those helicopters I don't think I would feel a sence of loss because I didn't know anything about them, they were not in the public eye.
This in no way to disrespect the crew members or any of their surviving family.
Finally, people are born each and every day with an unknown destiny before them. Someone being born right now might be the next rich and famous NASCAR driver and the baby right next to him/her will be a mechanic in the US Air Force. Also, people die everyday and a few are so well known they have a song written about them. Does this make anothers death less significant? No, it just makes it less known.
Sorry for the length.

------------------
Scott93GT
1993 Mustang GT
Silver CC/Titanium Accent GT, Black Clothe interior.
5 speed, 3.08's, 3 chamber Flows, K&N, Hurst Competition Plus.

1991 F150 4x4 XLT Lariat
Six Stick Regular Cab LWB Tow Vehicle

hehhehmule · 02-25-2001, 08:40 PM

The reason Earnhardt recieves more attention is actually fairly sound. For the last 20 years, I've had more contact with him than many of my own family members. Each week during racing season, he has come into the homes of NASCAR fans. He took part in an activity that brought pleasure and escape from more important issues. It's like the reason you are on a mustang board, rather than message board about your home or heart disease. No one would argue that maintaining and modifying your car is more important than your place of residence or your personal health but we still come here.

Hammer · 02-25-2001, 11:03 PM

While I understand the reason the mass populace would mourn for Dale, you could expect the same outpouring from any athlete or famous person. Remember the coverage of princess Diana's death? Many people do, but to be honest, I believe that there are more important people to grieve over if they are lost...

Don't get me wrong, Dale was an incredible, talented driver, his death was terrible, and he will be missed by millions of NASCAR fans. (Including me) But he was not a "hero" as he is sometimes portrayed.
Wayne Gretzky is one hell of a hockey player, but he is not a hero...

There are many things more important to me than Dale or Wayne....
The teacher that is underpaid, but stays in the profession because of the future of our children...
The health care worker that gives a great grandmother the little extra care that she needs every day...
The fireman that risks his own life to save the lives of others...
And yes, that Marine that stands his post at 2 in the morning in the cold darkness in a foreign land, so that others may sleep soundly.

Those are my heroes, they will never get a sound byte, 15 minutes of fame, a key to the city, or a Winston cup. But they have my heartfelt thanks every day...

------------------
"The Yellowjacket"
1998 Mustang GT
13.97@103
"I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."
Winston Churchill.

RedLilPony · 02-26-2001, 12:10 AM

That's true Hammer...
but can you see what he did for me personally? That's why I love him so much. If I wasn't into cars... I wouldn't be into anything. I can't play sports, I'm not scholastic, I'm not musically inclined... He introduced me into my way of live and that's why he's my hero.

------------------
Jodi
AKA PonyGirl
Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe
"Not your average Mustangs..."
http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

02-26-2001, 01:15 AM

Well I must say I am impressed in the maturity of this board. I at no time meant any disrespect to Dale and am saddened by his death just as everyone was. The incident here in Hawaii hit a little closer to home however as I had buddies on one of the two choppers involved. But I was never personally attacked by anyone here on this board and only got thought out responsible answers. Makes me proud to be a oval fan 10 times over.

thank you all..........mac

------------------
66,289,coupe,MT-3
68,302,coupe,AT
Gotta love the true american car.....

Unit 5302 · 02-26-2001, 01:09 PM

One of the soldiers that died was from my hometown, Champlin, MN.

Population, about 20,000. I didn't know him, or know of his family, he was a mechanic on board one of the Blackhawks. If anybody who knows him see's this, please accept my condolenses.

02-25-2001, 05:43 PM	#1
castle-twice Guest Posts: n/a	What makes Dale Earnhardt so important??? Subject: NASCAR and Perspective > > I think this puts things in perspective as to where > our priorities really are as a nation. > > 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, crew chiefs 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. This Email brought to you by Jedi Soljah http://js.jedi.tj

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02-25-2001, 06:11 PM	#2
RedLilPony It's been awhile, huh? Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: I'm from Texas, Bitch! Posts: 505	Dale Earnhardt impacted my life because he introduced me into the wonderful world of cars at an early age. I've said it once and I'll say it again: He was my personal hero. I'm not interested in the army and do not keep up with their news. I am sorry about their loss and will keep their families in my prayers. ------------------ Jodi AKA PonyGirl Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe "Not your average Mustangs..." http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

02-25-2001, 07:06 PM	#3
castle-twice Guest Posts: n/a	Im very glad that you had a hero and you were introduced into cars at an early age. Im happy you can drive your car and race your car in a country that is made possible by the US Military. ps sorry for the bitterness on my part. Im tired of being in a under appreciated military by the country we serve.

02-25-2001, 07:43 PM	#4
RedLilPony It's been awhile, huh? Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: I'm from Texas, Bitch! Posts: 505	It's not that I do not appreciate the army. I do. But, it isn't something that holds my interest. That's all. I mean I'm a car girl... and so that's what holds my attention and emotions. ------------------ Jodi AKA PonyGirl Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe "Not your average Mustangs..." http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

02-25-2001, 07:44 PM	#5
RedLilPony It's been awhile, huh? Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: I'm from Texas, Bitch! Posts: 505	It's not that I do not appreciate the army. I do. But, it isn't something that holds my interest. That's all. I mean I'm a car girl... and so that's what holds my attention and emotions. ------------------ Jodi AKA PonyGirl Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe "Not your average Mustangs..." http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

02-25-2001, 08:15 PM	#6
scott93gt Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Saltsburg, PA USA Posts: 468	castle twice I understand your bitterness for an underapreciated military as I am an Honorably Discharged Verteran of the US Air Force. I do, however, have to take issue with a couple of remarks you made in your original post. First, I was a Jet Engine Mechanic and I worked on Aircraft that were designed before I was born. We actually had a plane that reached mandatory retirement (500,000 flying hours). The point I make is this, yes they are old but we NEVER, EVER installed parts on the plane that did not meet serviceability requirements. Second, the equipment is old, mainly because of the cost to develop new equipment. It is difficult to ask taxpayers to build a fleet of new planes to replace planes that just went into service 3 years ago. To keep the planes and any equipment for that matter servicable, the military is vigilant about maintainence. I would fly ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, on ANY military aircraft. I cannot say the same for the civilian fleet of commercial aircraft. No offence to any other FAA mechanics out there as I hold my FAA license as well. Third, if the military was some place to get rich, everyone would join. I don't mean this to be harsh but everyone knows that they are underpaid. Could they and should they be paid more, Yes. Will they ever make the same amount as Dale Earnhardt, probably not. Finally, it is people who operate all of the machinary, whether it is a Army helicopter or a Winston Cup race car. People make mistakes. Dale could have turned his steering wheel the other direction and went into the infield. Please Dale Earnhardt fans, do not linch me as I am simply making a point. Unless it has already been proven to be mechanical error, I am sure that some human factors could be at play in the crash of the Army helicopters. Dale Earnhardt was not my favorite driver and I really don't even know much about his history in NASCAR but I do know that he was a man with a family who millions of people lived through vicariosly each and every week. We all need heros and like stated earlier, Dale Earnhardt was a Hero in every sence of the word, even in a time when the Superbowl MVP had been indicted for murder just a short year ago. You would never see that or any other disgraceful action from Dale Earnhardt or any other NASCAR driver for that matter. I am very sad that Dale is gone, he is someone I watched race at Charlotte, I heard his voice over my racing scanner, I had a sence that I "knew" him without ever meeting him. Even if I knew the name of every person on those helicopters I don't think I would feel a sence of loss because I didn't know anything about them, they were not in the public eye. This in no way to disrespect the crew members or any of their surviving family. Finally, people are born each and every day with an unknown destiny before them. Someone being born right now might be the next rich and famous NASCAR driver and the baby right next to him/her will be a mechanic in the US Air Force. Also, people die everyday and a few are so well known they have a song written about them. Does this make anothers death less significant? No, it just makes it less known. Sorry for the length. ------------------ Scott93GT 1993 Mustang GT Silver CC/Titanium Accent GT, Black Clothe interior. 5 speed, 3.08's, 3 chamber Flows, K&N, Hurst Competition Plus. 1991 F150 4x4 XLT Lariat Six Stick Regular Cab LWB Tow Vehicle

02-25-2001, 08:40 PM	#7
hehhehmule Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 608	The reason Earnhardt recieves more attention is actually fairly sound. For the last 20 years, I've had more contact with him than many of my own family members. Each week during racing season, he has come into the homes of NASCAR fans. He took part in an activity that brought pleasure and escape from more important issues. It's like the reason you are on a mustang board, rather than message board about your home or heart disease. No one would argue that maintaining and modifying your car is more important than your place of residence or your personal health but we still come here.

02-25-2001, 11:03 PM	#8
Hammer AKA "Dr. Evil" Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: South Fork Ranch Posts: 1,721	While I understand the reason the mass populace would mourn for Dale, you could expect the same outpouring from any athlete or famous person. Remember the coverage of princess Diana's death? Many people do, but to be honest, I believe that there are more important people to grieve over if they are lost... Don't get me wrong, Dale was an incredible, talented driver, his death was terrible, and he will be missed by millions of NASCAR fans. (Including me) But he was not a "hero" as he is sometimes portrayed. Wayne Gretzky is one hell of a hockey player, but he is not a hero... There are many things more important to me than Dale or Wayne.... The teacher that is underpaid, but stays in the profession because of the future of our children... The health care worker that gives a great grandmother the little extra care that she needs every day... The fireman that risks his own life to save the lives of others... And yes, that Marine that stands his post at 2 in the morning in the cold darkness in a foreign land, so that others may sleep soundly. Those are my heroes, they will never get a sound byte, 15 minutes of fame, a key to the city, or a Winston cup. But they have my heartfelt thanks every day... ------------------ "The Yellowjacket" 1998 Mustang GT 13.97@103 "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." Winston Churchill.

02-26-2001, 12:10 AM	#9
RedLilPony It's been awhile, huh? Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: I'm from Texas, Bitch! Posts: 505	That's true Hammer... but can you see what he did for me personally? That's why I love him so much. If I wasn't into cars... I wouldn't be into anything. I can't play sports, I'm not scholastic, I'm not musically inclined... He introduced me into my way of live and that's why he's my hero. ------------------ Jodi AKA PonyGirl Red 68 GT Fastback and Black 99 GT Coupe "Not your average Mustangs..." http://hometown.aol.com/redlilpony/Homepage.html

02-26-2001, 01:15 AM	#10
castle-twice Guest Posts: n/a	Well I must say I am impressed in the maturity of this board. I at no time meant any disrespect to Dale and am saddened by his death just as everyone was. The incident here in Hawaii hit a little closer to home however as I had buddies on one of the two choppers involved. But I was never personally attacked by anyone here on this board and only got thought out responsible answers. Makes me proud to be a oval fan 10 times over. thank you all..........mac ------------------ 66,289,coupe,MT-3 68,302,coupe,AT Gotta love the true american car.....

02-26-2001, 01:09 PM	#11
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	One of the soldiers that died was from my hometown, Champlin, MN. Population, about 20,000. I didn't know him, or know of his family, he was a mechanic on board one of the Blackhawks. If anybody who knows him see's this, please accept my condolenses.