Bismarck Tribune - News » Columnists » Hagen - Spears, Ledger shouldn't be laughed at now

Spears, Ledger shouldn't be laughed at now

Feb 01, 2008 - 04:05:52 CST

Celebrities spend their time on a pedestal for all to see, a spotlight shining on them so that all the public can study their every move beneath a microscope and criticize them. It's unfair for any human being to have to live with that level of attention on their shoulders, but that's the price paid in return for the fame and the fortune it pays them.

With that attention can come a lot of jokes made at their expense. For the most part, I don't think that's a problem. If you can't take a joke or two, how did you even manage the process of working your way up the ladder to the position you're on?It's a tough world, and you have to have a tough skin.

However, we should all know that there are limits to when jokes should be made and who they should target.

A lot of jokes have been made about Britney Spears, and that's to be expected when someone attacks SUVs with umbrellas, shaves their head and loses a custody battle to Kevin Federline.

However, with the news Thursday that Spears had been admitted into the hospital for a "mental evaluation hold," I would hope the jokes cease for a while. Quite clearly, we're seeing this woman's life fall completely apart, and apparently she needs a lot of help. Ihope she gets it.

Along similar lines, I especially don't find it fair to make jokes about the death of actor Heath Ledger last week. It's a tragedy when any 28-year-old from any walk of life dies for any reason, whether it be from drugs, suicide, accident, disease, etc.

The family and friends of anyone who dies at such an young age do not deserve the pain that comes with the public leering over their shoulders and making snide comments.

Fortunately, most people are raised well enough to know not to mock the dead. It's rude, juvenile and absolutely out of line. You're not proving anything by kicking someone who has no means of defending themselves.

Fox News talk-show host John Gibson must not have got the memo, as he began his first radio show after the news of Ledger's death hit by playing funeral music, along with a clip of the famous line, "I wish I knew how to quit you," taken from Ledger's film "Brokeback Mountain.".

Gibson came on the air, saying, "Well, he found out how to quit you." He would then continue on this line of "humor"by playing more clips from "Brokeback Mountain" in a mocking fashion and calling Ledger a "weirdo."

After this show, Gibson tried to defend his actions, but eventually relented and apologized sort of saying he was sorry that people were offended by his comments and took them to be anti-gay and insensitive, and sorry that Ledger is no longer alive.

Being sorry for how someone reacts to what you did is not the same thing as being sorry for your own actions. It would have been nice to see someone like Gibson, with a platform to share his opinion as he does, actually recognize that taunting someone who is no longer capable of defending themselves is not funny. It's childish and cowardly.

Ledger's family, friends and fans deserve more than a halfhearted apology.

(Reach columnist Kelly Hagen at 250-8259 or kelly.hagen@bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Simle Mom wrote on Feb 8, 2008 6:40 PM:

" Brit was even overheard telling a homeless man, "you're better off than I am". OK...that is a cry for help!! As for Heath, the authorities haven't ruled it a suicide--just an accidental overdose. But, I sure would hate to be the prescribing Dr.s OR pharmacies, to not have caught all those prescriptions & their cross-actions. "

No Common Sense wrote on Feb 8, 2008 3:56 PM:

" Prediction: Now that Britney has been released and has disappeared, this trainwreck is going to end very unfortunately..... "

REX wrote on Feb 8, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Hey, Guys.........GOTCHA!!! Hahahahahahaha "

pinky wrote on Feb 8, 2008 1:25 PM:

" To Rex.
I am still just hoping you don't think you are some kind of good person, because it is quite clear that you are not. So don't YOU go thinking you are better than anyone, its going to bite you in the bum one of these fine days. "

MamaMia wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:41 AM:

" No, seriously REX, don't hold back! Tell us how you really feel. "

Deb wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:46 AM:

" to REX: wow.

I wish for you nothing less than what Britney has had thrust upon her.

Good luck with that. "

REX wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:11 PM:

" I offer all the understanding and tollerance shown to me when that loser was on top. Your problems are just that, Britney. "

REX wrote on Feb 7, 2008 8:08 PM:

" Yes, laugh, smirk do it uproariously. The world and all its opportunities handed to them on a silver platter and dropped like a hot potatoe (yep with an "E") Laugh and ridicule them. Absolute LOSERS. No sympathy. And my exwife? You are one. "

dante wrote on Feb 7, 2008 6:26 PM:

" the cruel reaction of J. gibson was tasteless and uncalled for. i would like to someday write his obituary... " today, a soulless, nasty , pallid vampire of a man passed away. he will not be missed.""".... and what of the bi-polar disease said to be suffered by b. spears? its a serious mental affliction with horrible symptoms. again, a MENTAL DISORDER....compassion is tough to get from vampires, it seems. all of them. "

TY ty TY ty wrote on Feb 7, 2008 6:06 PM:

" TO: Deb who wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:49 PM - I will admit I have limited interest of this article; I have not owned a TV for over 10 years (and love this choice, BTW). Realizing, a lot of the celebrity hype and tragedy is lost to me; thank you for differentiating between "Los Angeles" versus the incorrect "Las Angeles" and this probably could carry into "Las Vegas" versus the incorrect "Los Vegas". You do know your stuff, Deb. Thank you for demonstrating that "Education", whether through school or self-taught, EDUCATION is the key! "

Victims of their success wrote on Feb 7, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Many celebraties become victims of their success. Ledger and Spears would fit into that category. From what the media is reporting about Ledger's struggles with pressure from demands from his profession, sleepless nights, and distress before his untimely death, my sense is that Ledger felt trapped in a body that was wracked with pain and misery. People in his situation look for a way to end the pain and misery, saying "so that I can get on with my life." Ledger sought an escape from his pain and misery from a combination of prescription drugs that were available to him. A rational thinking person would conclude that ingesting a combination of those prescription drugs at one time could easily led to death. A person who feels entrapped with uncontrollable pain and misery often times does not think rationally. I feel much compassion for Ledger, his family, and his friends. My prayer is that Ledger can find the peace of mind in death that he wasn't able to find in life. His Creator is looking after him. "

Deb wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:49 PM:

" Unfortunately, SE Forty - these people have a lot to do with people in this area. They are in our livings rooms on our TVs every night, in every magazine we read and all over the internet. You, me and our kids have major exposure to these people on a daily basis. Just because we are about as far away from Los Angeles or New York or Miami as possbile doesn't make celebrities' foibles (and successes for that metter) any less relevent to our area. It's called Pop Culture, and no matter how far away from it you try to run, there's a marketing exec somewhere trying to get you buy their brand of it. "

JustMe wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:49 PM:

" One person is dead, yeah he deserves it?!? What is wrong with you people? Spears may have done some dumb things, but look at the mental disorder, bipolar is what they are saying it is, and then the abundance of medication they are feeding her? She deserves this? The mental disorder alone can explain her actions, plus all the stress of poparazzi and what not, you are a fool for saying she deserves this. If she got help she could live a normal life, but you would rather see her go down because she has had more success than you. You people make me sick to think you should not feel sorry for someone who is in need of help, I hope that the tribune posts your obituary in the funnies section. "

REX wrote on Feb 7, 2008 1:29 PM:

" SE Forty, I think these people make great examples for our children, what NOT to become. They got everything they wanted. Look at them. "

SE Forty wrote on Feb 7, 2008 7:24 AM:

" What do any of these people have to do with anybody in this area of the country??? I'll never understand why people even care to comment about any of these people. When was the last time any of them called you up just to say Hi? Who cares what they do? Not me. "

No Common Sense wrote on Feb 6, 2008 4:46 PM:

" To: Rebecca wrote on Feb 6, 2008 3:27 PM:

You nailed it square on the head! There is no longer any accountability for anyone. They can say what they want then deny responsibility and hide from the fallout. Look at MySpace, Facebook, Text Messaging, etc. I can say what I want in cyberspace and do have to worry about any repercussions for my actions.
My two teenagers are begging for MySpace accounts and it ain't gonna happen on my watch. They may get cell phones but until there is a true need, nope.

"

Rebecca wrote on Feb 6, 2008 3:27 PM:

" Also, I find it interesting how mean we can all become when we have anonymity. Take away accountability and people will say truly cruel things that they would be embarrassed to say in front of actual people. Ah, the freedom of disguise. "

Rebecca wrote on Feb 6, 2008 3:24 PM:

" To All: Just so everyone is aware: Heath Ledger didn't die because he was on drugs or because he wanted to kill himself. He was on multiple medications and they reacted badly together, causing an accidental overdose. (Most likely because the medications were prescribed by multiple doctors.) He shouldn't be lumped with Anna Nicole, Brad Renfro, Jim Morrision, Janis Joplin, or anyone else who overdosed on illegal drugs or substances. As far as respecting celebrities, yes, they know that they will be in the spotlight and should be able to handle it. Personally, I'm going to teach my child to be a decent human being to everyone, regardless of their status or income. Just because it is expected doesn't mean it is ok. "

No Common Sense wrote on Feb 6, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Guilty until you are proven Guilty.
That's the society that we live in today and it sells all day long. "

Judge Not wrote on Feb 6, 2008 11:23 AM:

" It's all fun and games until it happens to someone you care and love. I have learned that you NEVER say NEVER. Never say " oh that would never happen to my family we are better than that. You never know what life has in store for you. Trust me. I believe we shouldn't dwell on the misfortunes of others. I have learned to just say a prayer. I do not give an opinion as we do not even come close to knowing the truth. Pray for those who are going through troubled times and pray for the strength that it does not fall upon you or the ones you love. What kind of society have we turned in to that we love to see others down and beaten. If Heath or Brittany were your child would you appreciate all the negative publicity? What are we showing our children about when you are down. Are we showing them that people will kick you and beat you like a dead animal or do we want them to know that if you fall we will be there to help pull them up and get things on track. No wonder these young adults are having problems we leave them no room for error. We expect perfection as a society. I know I am not perfect so I refuse to judge. I guess its true DON'T LET THEM SMELL BLOOD!! "

??? wrote on Feb 6, 2008 11:09 AM:

" Where is my comment to REX? "

To REX wrote on Feb 6, 2008 10:21 AM:

" You wrote:" Ledger is dead, it should be left at that. Spears is a freak, she should be ridiculed incessantly. "

I sure hope you don't go to church on Sunday or claim to be a follower of God or a good person yourself. "

No Common Sense wrote on Feb 5, 2008 4:34 PM:

" To: Tom wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:49 AM: " Whos fault is it? "
The Parents. The Media. The Public.
Take your pick. All are somewhat responsible.
"

why????? wrote on Feb 5, 2008 2:50 PM:

" oK so spears and federline had their little issue and everyone is freaking out about it. But Why??? It wouldnt be that hard to find a middle class woman going through the same thing so why is this case so worthy of public view?? "

Deb wrote on Feb 5, 2008 12:54 PM:

" "Indulged" is the word. I don't know if it applies so much to Ledger, but child star syndrome has been around since little Shirley Temple, not to mention the Lil' Rascals. It amazes me evertime the new crop of child stars comes out - didn't anyone in their family read this story before?? We all know how it ends - and it always starts the same: an insecure (mentally, emotionally and finacially) morther or father has a self-diagnosed "gifted" child and forces them into the spot light "because it is what my child wants." And then the craziness ensues - leading ultimately to untimely death. That same story has made our little Brit Brit insane, and it killed Heath, River, Anna NIcole, Dana Reeve.... ugh. I could go on, but you can see it all in gory detail on VH1 or E! I'm sure the re runs of Celebrity Babylon are on right now. All so sad "

Online Editor wrote on Feb 5, 2008 12:45 PM:

" To No Common Sense: Thanks for asking. I found two comments, I couldn't find the third. One comment was deleted because of a reference to profanity, the second comment (DUI) was in poor taste. "

Just my 2 cents wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:21 AM:

" I would like to say that your column was a pleasure to read. I can't believe that some people think it's right to 'bully' and make fun of people when they are experiencing mental health concerns and tragedy such as death. Regardless of your public celebrity, no one deserves to be dragged in the mud. I wonder how some of you people out here would feel if your personal life and choices were ridiculed. I guess bullying is fair game....what has the world come too... is empathy dead???!!!! "

Edward wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Me sarcastic? ;) "

to Get Well Brit wrote on Feb 5, 2008 10:00 AM:

" I almost agree with you -- Britney's life is this ridiculous run from the paparazzi all the time, etc. BUT. She's been an adult for years and still chooses to put herself in front of the camera. It doesn't matter anymore what her parents made her do. She could leave but she HAS embraced the life she's got. Not saying it would be easy to get away from the media, but it could be done. She's getting more and more attention because she does more outrageous things every time she leaves the house. And those poor kids in the middle of it....I mean, who would want to be with a mom who is the greater of two evils compared to K-Fed.... "

Publice Eye wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Celebrities have always been in the public eye and their actions have been very visible to to the public. These celebrities have known what they are in for. If you're going to be in the public's eye all the time learn how to take the heat or step out of the kitchen. It's as simple as that. "

Nick wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:49 AM:

" Kelly,
You are apparently playing to a tough and ignorant crowd. Showing some compassion for your fellow man should not be met with such derision. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your column. You have a lot of "pluct". "

re: Edward wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:13 AM:

" I believe you all are missing the "/sarcasm off". Just thought I'd throw that out there. "

maNDan Jim. wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:55 AM:

" You will never convince me not to make fun of Britney Spears. We always love a fall from grace , even more so when it plays out right infront of our eyes. "

Tom wrote on Feb 5, 2008 7:49 AM:

" Whos fault is it? "

LB wrote on Feb 5, 2008 2:08 AM:

" I agree with Kelly, it is disrespectful. I will be the first to say I don't feel sorry for say, Tom Brady for not winning the super bowl. But these people have families and people with money have problems and many are not happy. That doesn't mean we should act like Gibson, what a jerk. As far as Britney Spears goes, it is still up for debate for me, cause if it is a mental disorder, I do feel sympathy for her, but if it is drug induced, then I am less sympathetic. Many people who win the lottery end up miserable and unhappy because, hello, MONEY doesn't make you happy!!!!! "

Dumb Montanan wrote on Feb 5, 2008 12:54 AM:

" Wow I thought I was the dumb one here. Does no one realize Edward's comment was sarcastic? If you missed it heres the definition:

Sarcasm from Greek σαρκασμός (sarkasmos), 'mockery, sarcasm' is sneering, jesting, or mocking a person, situation or thing. ... "

d-uh wrote on Feb 4, 2008 11:13 PM:

" they made their choice of what they wanted to do, and loved the fame and the megabucks. then collapse under the weight of their empty meaningless lives. what ever things they do or did, what ever choices they make or made, they are their own choices, even if that means killing themselves. let nature take its course; sooner or later it will anyway --- all the dr phils and know-it-alls of the world, even tom cruise and his scientology won't be able to save them. "

again wrote on Feb 4, 2008 10:17 PM:

" well i read most of these comments and it does sound like some of these people are a lil jealous..like I said Celebs do everything to please their fans and worry less about the people who really should matter to them. All of you should have some sympathy instead of putting her down..no heart at all... "

Get well Brit! wrote on Feb 4, 2008 10:16 PM:

" I'm a grown woman who feels nothing but sorry for Brittney. She was never an adult/teen who made a decision to live her life in the publc. Since the age of 7 or so her parents put her in front of a camera, she was their meal ticket. Brittney has never had the opportunity to know what it's like to be private. Some child stars (Jody Foster) have advisors/agents who actually cared and encouraged them to get away and go to college. Brittney has people on the payroll who continue to push and exploit her, despite the very public down fall she had had. And don't forget those damn photographers who keep this 24 hr watch on everything this girl does. She is not able to open her curtains much less just hang in the back yard. When she does leave her home or vehicle she has at least 20 of them with in inches of her blinding her with flashes. What a way to live your life. Should she pack up and leave Hollywood? YES! But, does she have the nerve? Are people who are suppose to love her telling her she can't, after all they are counting on her paying them. I believe I just read "The fact is you were mentally ill to begin with or you never would have embraced that kind of life to begin with." is just sad. She did not seek to embrace this life, she was thrown into it as a young child. I wonder how well we would all do. "

REX wrote on Feb 4, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Ledger is dead, it should be left at that. Spears is a freak, she should be ridiculed incessantly. "

Britney--intelligent?? wrote on Feb 4, 2008 5:38 PM:

" OK, the girl said she hadn't been able to sleep.....well, friends said she was popping 11 laxatives a day. Hello??! Of course she couldn't sleep while sitting on the toi-toi all day/night..... No, I do not feel sorry for her. She is a spoiled brat who needs to be putting her kids 1st. And as if she wasn't bad enough, then her lil sis thinks it's cool to be a young mom, and gets preggers. Hello--Lynn Spears?? Did you not have the talk with your daughters?

My deepest condolences to the Ledger family. "

Rasmus wrote on Feb 4, 2008 4:50 PM:

" Who listens to Fox Noise anyway? Fox is all about distracting people from the important issues and putting a smiley face on everything Bush does. Making fun of the dead, homophobia, sexism is served up daily by Fox. Turn off the Fox channel even if they are showing Spring Break footage while reporting on serial killers! "

rere wrote on Feb 4, 2008 4:05 PM:

" Oh edward, edward, edward, you ignorant fool. You best be thanking your lucky stars that there are men and women out there fighting for the freedom that you take for granted. God bless America and our Military!!! "

Large Marge wrote on Feb 4, 2008 3:30 PM:

" Brittney deserves everything she gets. She should stay home and work on getting her kids back - rather than constantly being out in public doing stupid things. This latest "mental health" issue is just another stunt for attention.

It's a tragedy about Heath Ledger. Such a promising career/life in front of him. Ya gotta feel sorry for his daughter. "

Hog Man wrote on Feb 4, 2008 3:28 PM:

" Gibson was out of line with his lame attempt at humor at a dead man's expense. If his homophobia is so overwhelming that he takes cheap shots at an actor who merely portrayed a gay man in a movie, his employer should second guess his position. As for Britney Spears...that was rather comical and entertaining for a while, but now it's gotten to the point of being tragic. I think Hagen hit the nail on the head here. While I take a certain amount of pleasure in taking jabs at celebrities and their stupidity, there IS a line that shouldn't be crossed. "

ndguy wrote on Feb 4, 2008 3:26 PM:

" What drivel. The article above attempts to elicit a tear jerk response from the public to a problem that is a problem only to a few spoiled brats who believe they are “above” the little people. True “celebrities” are those we respect because of their accomplishments or their skills, whether they are local, regional or national figures. We have been celebrating the wrong people. People like Britney Spears, Kevin Federline, and Anna Nichole Smith are not deserving of our respect because of their public actions. Personal behavior and problems are one thing, but when these people choose to place their personal lives in the public arena it is no longer private and becomes open to criticism. The loss of life is never a cause for jokes, but, in my opinion, the only reason for making this a “news” story is to point fingers at Fox news and its people. It looks like nothing is going on in Bismarck worthy of comment or consideration so a cheap shot was taken at someone who probably won’t even know it was taken. "

Callie wrote on Feb 4, 2008 3:09 PM:

" Edward, what makes you think Spears is highly intelligent? That aside, the pressures that U.S. troops face don't even compare with these celebrities. How can you believe that people who are separated from their families for long periods, facing death every day, living in intolerable conditions, etc. have it better off than these celebrities? That's what separates those of us who live in the real world from those who live in tabloid land. "

lbark wrote on Feb 4, 2008 2:35 PM:

" I THINK ITS TRAGIC THAT ALL THESE PEOPLE ARE DYING AND WE DON'T KNOW WHY? ANNA NICOLE AND HER SON, DEAD FROM ACCIDENTLY OVERDOSING? HEALTH LEDGER, MAYBE OVERDOSED? WHY SO UNHAPPY WITH ALL YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN. I GUESS ITS TRUE MONEY DOESN'T BUY HAPPINESS, I WOULDN'T MIND GIVEN IT A LITTLE TRY THOUGH......COURSE I GUESS THAT MAY BE THE PROBLEM WANTING ALL THAT STUFF....... "

Captain Crunch wrote on Feb 4, 2008 10:18 AM:

" Spears deserves to be help up for all to see. A fine example of what not to become. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go shave my head. "

Steve H. wrote on Feb 4, 2008 9:46 AM:

" I submitted my comments and then took the time to read some of the other entries. Wow, I'm always reassured that we are really living in that good family values loving country that I hear so much about whenever I visit these type of opinion sites. Comparing holding the most powerful man in the country accountable for policies and just plain picking on people; and all of us having so much free time and emotional energy to act like we know and care about what is really going on in these celebrities' lives is just so charitable. Interesting stuff, but sad. "

Steve H. wrote on Feb 4, 2008 9:41 AM:

" I happened to see Kelly's column first thing this Monday morning and I just needed to let someone know right away... THANK YOU! I am so sick of this type of sick and cowardly commentary passing as humor, and especially as you pointed out when it is aimed at true human tragedy regardless of the people's status or income. I really have a problem with the number of people making sizable incomes from behavior that I would consequence my 9 year old daughter. THANK YOU! "

Hey Edward! wrote on Feb 4, 2008 7:43 AM:

" The troops have peole trying to kill them. Duh! "

Devon wrote on Feb 4, 2008 7:25 AM:

" If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. No sympathy here. "

Thomas Elliot wrote on Feb 4, 2008 6:38 AM:

" Jim is exactly right. I have absolutely no sympathy for those who embrace material wealth and attention seeking. They got just what they deserve. Absolutly no sympathy. A crazy broad like that should never be allowed unsupervised visitaion. The fact that she is the mother of two children is a biological accident and nothing more. "

REX wrote on Feb 4, 2008 5:42 AM:

" Oh poor, poor baby. Poor baby has to live on a "pedestal for all to see" and all for only $750,00 a month. Poor babies. You know what? You got everything you wanted. You got it on a silver platter. All the glory and all the glitz, all the fame and all the attention, Look at me! Me, me, me, me, me, me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You got everything you wanted, have a nice life. I don't feel sorry for you at all. The fact is you were mentally ill to begin with or you never would have embraced that kind of life to begin with. You're not alone at all. "

Edward wrote on Feb 3, 2008 11:24 AM:

" To Jim: US troops are supposed to be able to take it. Also, according to some they are not smart enough to come out of the rain. Artists like Spears and Ledger are highly intelligent and sensitive. The troops do not have the daily pressures that these intelligent and sensitive creative artists must deal with. "

again wrote on Feb 3, 2008 1:02 AM:

" I cannot believe this..I don't think its right for anyone to make fun of the dead. That is soo wrong, and disrespectful. We should be paying our respects to family and friends, instead "we need money so lets give people a good laugh at their expense" even when they just died. And as far as Spears goes, nobody should try to judge or make fun of her. We all have our break points in life and nobody is perfect, if everybody was perfect boy would this world be boring. I can't imagine being a Celeb and your fans expecting soo much for you that you give up on people you love just to please them? That is ALOT for one to take on. Britney didn't let me down, she is still my fav. artist and always will be. I had a breakdown and my Dr. said this is rock bottom and now there is nowhere else to go but back up..and I believed him I know she is gonna get better and she will be back and better than ever..my respects go out to Heath Ledger's family. He was one of my favorite actors.. "

Erik wrote on Feb 2, 2008 2:00 PM:

" That's funny. I don't remember the Commander in Chief dying. You'd think that would've been in the news. And "pluct"? Is it Make Up A Word Day already? Here's my contribution. "Rindifferry." It's what you'd call someone who responds to an issue without understanding it in the slightest. And you, jim, would be an excellent example of a rindifferry. "

jim wrote on Feb 1, 2008 10:15 PM:

" when a person is a public figure, they are open to any and all comments leveled at them hey kelly, where were you when our troops, our commander in chief were lied about, made fun of, etc.? beware of the log in your eye before you pluct the splinter out of another's eye. "

khagen wrote on Feb 1, 2008 2:13 PM:

" I don't remember saying anything about how the public should react to immoral behavior. This column is about the reaction to a person who has died, and another who was taken to a hospital and seems to be in the midst of a breakdown. I make no judgments about how either individual arrived into their personal tragedy, nor do I say whether anyone else should.
Absolutely, celebrities should be chastised for illegal behavior. I think, if you read more carefully, you'd see that I wrote in the very beginning of the column that celebrities should be expected to put up with a lot of criticism with their position.
I never once said that celebrities shouldn't be taken to task for breaking the law, or behaving badly. I said it's rude to publicly attack someone who is already suffering the consequences of their actions, as John Gibson did. If a plea for civility somehow makes the world a worse place, then consider this my new plea for forgiveness. "

Nate wrote on Feb 1, 2008 12:32 PM:

" While we're at it, can we get John Gibson to apologize for being alive? Even then, I'm not sure that would be enough. "

Keith wrote on Feb 1, 2008 11:49 AM:

" Kelly, your dead wrong about how the public should react when celebrities or anyone acts immoral, immature, breaks the law or decides to destroy themselves through drugs, partying or violent behavior. These people are looked up to by millions of people and our children. I would rather chastise them because of their actions and show our children that you will not get to be honored in any way when you behave like this. The world is messed up enough and does not need your help to make it worse! By the way, Ledgers family I'm sure are well aware that he was no angel and if they didn't it is best they do now and as a result they can probably accept his passing because they now have a reason and can put a closer on this. "

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