Nascar And Perspective Essay, Research Paper
Subject: NASCAR and Perspective ( the true tragedies) Please read.
I think this puts things into perspective for mainstream America
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, 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.
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.
Ed Mitchell