Smith deserved the spotlight

Who is to say that Anna Nicole was not our Princess Diana, when our culture regards celebrities as such? (Sara Wilson, Feb. 20, “Anna Nicole Smith takes over the media”) Other countries inversely apply the phenomena, treating their royalty a lot like celebrities, like when Prince Harry got the media in a frenzy over his Hitler outfit.

Some cry “shame!” because the media has given too much attention to Smith’s death. Maybe her sensational death is a lot easier to handle than the thought of genocide. Perhaps the media is made up of private enterprises that know that ratings equal money, or maybe people liked the randomly mirthful and opulent Smith. If people were only interested in uber-serious coverage, there would be a higher demand for Katie Couric bobble-heads.

Serious broadcasting is not a waste, nor should the media should forever milk the celebrity cash cow. But Smith’s death deserves more than a brief interlude. There’s a saying that goes something like, “Public opinion regulates public opinion,” i.e. if it’s not what the public wants then it wouldn’t be on TV.

Some may have considered her repugnant, but her life directly affected many lives. Her precedent-setting lawsuit regarding J. Howard Marshall’s estate reached the Supreme Court — where the justices ruled unanimously in her favor.

So, to Anna Nicole: you’re as newsworthy as Michael Jackson, Monica Lewinsky, and The Heaven’s Gate Cult. Besides, I can always change the channel.

Elizabeth St Clair

Junior, French

Dixie Chicks deserved a better ‘toon

Jordan Rudd created a far from entertaining illustration in the Feb. 20th edition of The Daily. While ribbing at the idea that the Dixie Chicks won an award simply for bashing the president, he failed to realize their deeper message earned them that acclaim.

Their album received increased attention since the hit track focused on the backlash they received after lead singer Natalie Maines spoke out against the president. Doesn’t music win awards for musical appeal, and more importantly, the statement it makes? Country music is about the American way of life, and since the Dixie Chicks boldly exposed a more ugly part of it, their five awards should not be seen as any less meaningful.

Cory Farren

Senior, public health

Black History month and Tully’s

After reading the staff editorial on Black History month (Feb. 21, “Reflecting on the necessity of Black History month”), I couldn’t help but notice that February is also Tully’s “Celebrating Chocolate Month.” Hopefully this is an unfortunate coincidence.

Nick Colonnese

Junior, mechanical engineering

Editor’s note: The Opinion Editor personally called Tully’s headquarters to investigate, and they assured The Daily that they are celebrating chocolate this month as a nod to Valentine’s Day, and not to Black history.