Day Late Respects

So I'm a day late for this, and when I heard the news about it, I felt I should get on here and leave something, but I just didn't have the gumption at the time, so a day later (and after motivation from a relatives posting), here it is.
The recent death of George Carlin really had me thinking about the impact a death of a celebrity has on the masses. I really liked George and I’m more than happy that he has been getting the coverage that he deserves. I feel that there seems to be a different level of respect for a person that has personally affected me. I guess what I’m trying to say (hopefully without offending someone) is that music, art and literature has more emotional ties to our souls than the other useless nonsense that is shoveled down our throats on a daily basis. For example; Princess Diana’s (*I know I know.. "if I have to hear that F'in name one more time...") unfortunate death would be about a newspapers page six of importance in a perfect world. Other than exist, what did she do in her lifetime that made everyone so upset when she passed? Sure, there were charity efforts, and uhmm.. I’m sure some other reason for her to get a photo shoot in front of a gigantic check of some kind, but I can’t honestly see why so many people cried for her. Artists, musicians, writers, on the other hand do things and say things, and paint things that magically translate to feelings and thoughts that we are having. In fact it amazes me how humans find things in the times that they are looking for them. I’m reminded of how the lyrics of any song (good or not) that I would be listening to would relate to the things happening in my own life at that moment. Sometimes, when I’m tuned out to them, and then concentrate on what is being said, I get that realization. (this documented feeling is more or less a rehash of one of my previous blog postings that I will not go into depth about..I think it was in December)
Over on my brother and laws blog, I mentioned how sad I felt when Mitch Hedberg died. Obviously, I’ve never met him, or know him on any personal level, but in a way, I do. His comedy and humor stemmed from state of mind that I knew well, and connected with. I think the reason I felt bad when he passed was because he did and said things that remind me of the unique and select few people I surround myself with everyday, and it is always sad to see someone like that go away. I guess emphasis of importance on ones life and accomplishments is an American thing though too. When Kurt Vonnegut died, if you were lucky, you might find it in some of the more liberal newspapers front page, but most papers would have a small column on it probably back in the arts section. Only the elite rich such as professional athletes, Hollywood stars, and borderline talented former Mickey Mouse Club singers are deemed important enough to cover in such a fashion. It’s because education isn’t wanted, respected, or honored in the United States. I believe that it all goes back to the ‘keep them dumb, keep them consuming’ philosophy. Celebrities are products and for some reason, genuine and respectable folks who are out there truely connecting with the minds and hearts of people can’t be included or compete with that money side of American society (and part of me is glad they aren’t, which from a psychological standpoint makes me essentially the same as the people I'm condemning, but whatever). Fortunately, George Carlin’s years of selfless work and laughs had lifted him out of the subculture, and he is being recognized for his genius. I will say, however, it’s a good thing that JK Rowling didn’t die of a freak accident the same day, or else he might’ve been shifted a few pages back. Cheers George!
D.