If O'Blowhard reports it, it must be true.
Posted on 02/15/2012 4:02:32 AM PST by Kaslin
The media have no bleepin' clue how to cover the death of Whitney Houston. That's because she was slowly dying for years and many in the press simply averted their eyes.
It was ultra-disturbing that a beautiful woman blessed with an extraordinary singing voice chose a self-destructive path in full view of the world. I mean, here is a person who signed a $100 million recording contract, actually sold 170 million albums and commanded high six figures to deliver a 90-minute concert. Houston was a genuine international star, and yet she often was seen in public disheveled and confused, her substance addiction apparent. The media simply did not know what to say.
We live in a time in which addiction is categorized as a disease, and to do what Nancy Reagan once did and urge people to reject narcotics is considered uncool. How many young performers do we see doing public service announcements warning children to avoid intoxication? Right now, I can't think of one.
The national media pride themselves on being non-judgmental unless you are against abortion. Then you are dismissed as "anti-woman" or as a religious zealot. But in the arena of personal behavior, there's an excuse for just about every nonviolent activity and bad decision.
There is no question that some of us have a history of addiction in our families. There are folks who can use drugs casually and avoid dependence, but they are the exception. Once a person decides to dabble in cocaine, or opiates such as heroin and OxyContin, they are putting themselves at grave risk. And they know it. There are legions of famous people who wound up dead just like Houston. From Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson, the signposts are impossible to miss. No matter how rich and powerful you are, drugs can and will destroy you.
The current medical marijuana ruse is a great example of a society walking away from a responsible position. Ask any drug rehab counselor, and he or she will tell you that pot often leads a person to harder drug use and is mentally addictive itself. Yes, most people can function while stoned. But the more you alter your mind the more your perspective on life changes. Believe me, I know people who get stoned or drunk every day. They become incredibly desensitized to those around them.
On the kid front, the situation is dire. Once a child enters the world of intoxication, their childhood is gone. Presto, they are jaded. That's how dangerous drugs and alcohol are to immature minds. Society has an obligation to protect its children, not to tacitly accept or embrace mind-altering agents such as marijuana.
Houston, however, was an adult who made a decision to embrace the drug life. Reports say she tried to rehabilitate herself a few times, but you know how that goes. Once a person enters the hell of addiction, there is no easy way out.
And that's how the Whitney Houston story should be covered. As a cautionary tale. Another life vanquished by substance abuse.
Some of these ‘artists’ have a following and fans who are just like THEY are... so unless are also a person who uses drugs/alcohol or if you’re a person who is OK with the people who DO.... you won’t have this ‘artist’ on your radar.
Personally, I turned popular culture OFF in about 1971...I kinda got tired of the music that sounded like: “oooh baby I want to throw up in your glove compartment...la..la...la”
Each to his own. I wouldn’t have a falling-down-drunk and druggie bust-out in my house for anything, so watching their movies and buying their recordings is not happening either!
I’ve known 2 life-long addicts who died of their addiction. They both tried rehab. They both failed.
Drugs kill. Period. The fewer drugs available in society, especially to kids, the better.
Everyone has the right to go to Hell. And as long as they’re paying for their own ticket, no one has the right to interfere. Whitney Houston is dead because she wanted to be dead, or at least didn’t object to the idea. Condolences to the family, and move on.
I heard her last interview. I wanted to clear my own throat listening to her talk. The vocals were destroyed. She was all done by then. A sad life story.
“Said the snail about the eagle.”
That should be “Said the live snail about the dead eagle...”
That’s because the cause in this case was so obvious and as Ted Baxter points out the media were already well aware of her situation. BTW Ted here doesn’t blame a doctor or pharmacist. He points to the initial decision to dabble in drugs at all.
In fact, he could well have gone further here are talked about the dangers of prescription drugs as well.
If O'Blowhard reports it, it must be true.
John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers described quite accurately why and how Whitney died back around 1970 — the title of the song is ACCIDENTAL SUICIDE.
The media uses people. It doesn't nurture them.
RIP Whitney Houston. You're on the ever-growing list.
I know! Let's get our government deeper into our lives! Let's prohibit the manufacture, distribution, importation, sale, and consumption of spirituous liquors!!
Let's call it....uh....I know! PROHIBITION!
And...to make it way coool, let's pass a constitutional amendment making ot the law of the land!
Weeeeee! Problem solved!
Oh!?? that's been tried before? And it failed totally? Led to more problems and didn't solve the main problem??
They have no idea how little I care.
Her voice was destroyed and she had little rights to her songs - unlike Michael Jackson.
It’s Dolly Parton who is raking in the money right now
Disease and addiction cannot always be cured. Sin, on the other hand, can be forgiven, and the person restored!
God employs Man's strengths, but Satan exploits Man's weakness.
Never heard of her, but I looked her up and going to check into her music. She really looks like an interesting person.
Another VICTIM of HER OWN POOR LIFE CHOICES....WBill's hardnosed conservative assessment.
Bwaaahahaha, now, that is funny :-)
Would love to hear O’Really backtracking if it turns she died of a congenital heart defect.
Oh give em a break. I heard the name Lady Gaga for a long time and had absolutely no clue who she was, still wouldn’t recognize one of her songs if it was blasting in my ear. Some folks like other types of music and don’t focus on what the mass media feeds us.
I am still not sure of this young fella with the hair Beaver or something like that.
Melissa :)
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