The Pedestal

I know that there are millions of people around the world that are mourning the death of Whitney Houston this week, but you will not find any sympathy here.  I am not implying that I am happy or excited about her death, in fact it is tragic, but the pedestal that musicians and actors and athletes are placed upon in life and in death is not necessary, especially when they cause their own demise.

I know nothing about strong addictions.  I don't know what it's like to get sucked into the world of drugs and alcohol and not be able to find my way out. I don't know what it's like to have the world watch you spin out of control.  I don't know what it's like to think that you are impervious to tragedy or to think that you are untouchable because of the money and power that you have.  I do know that when these millionaire people get caught up in those things that it is very public.  I do know that there are people that are feeding them the drugs and alcohol and enabling them as opposed to truly being their friend and looking out for their best interest.  I do know that there are centers and organizations that are available to help out people with addictions.  And I do know that these public figures have the money and the resources to check into these centers and organizations.  But why do that?  Why put yourself in the scrutinizing eye of the public and the media?  Why allow yourself to look human?

I think that the worst part of the situation is that because she was so popular, people just kind of laughed off the fact that she was a drug addict.  They said that it's too bad and the whole 'crack is whack' thing was just a joke.  The bad part of it all was that she could have done something about it with all the resources that she had, but there are millions of others that are addicted to drugs or alcohol that can do nothing about it.  Millions that do not have the resources to get better.  Others that end up dying and no one pouring their hearts out because they were 'just some druggie or an alcoholic' that never amounted to anything or were not someone who entertained the public.

In the end, it is too bad about anyone who has this fate, but there is always a way out.  Even if they have to get worse before they get better.