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.

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