LETTER: Sympathy shoudn’t be based on a person’s fame

Dear Editor,

On Feb. 18, 2001, 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. He was a winner and earned everything he had. 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 remind us of his tragic end and the radio already has a song of tribute to this winning driver. He was the best in his profession.

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 20s. Most of them lived in sub-standard housing. If you add their actual duty hours 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. Their children were 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 Feb. 18, 2001.

Then ask them if they can name one of the seven soldiers who died in Hawaii two weeks ago.

Feb. 18, 2001, Dale Earnhardt died driving for fame and glory. 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.

Alex Robinson