Singer hits wrong note with N.Y. firefighters
by Shannon Harrison, managing editor

    I recently heard something that has made me once again feel the need to complain about these wonderful people who entertain us.

   In a recent statement, classical singer Charlotte Church said the American people were making too much out of the New York firefighters. She also said that we were treating them as though they were celebrities.

   Oh, well Miss Church, we are so sorry that these firefighters, in your opinion, do not have the potential to be as skilled and popular as you.

   What you apparently do not understand is that their skills and potentials are as great or greater than yours. Their talents lie in other areas than behind a microphone.

   These men and women risk their lives every day for all people—not just those who can afford top dollar tickets to a concert. They don’t do it for publicity or to make a ton of money. They do it because they care about people’s lives.

   God forbid when another terrible event happens and these men and women risk their lives to save others, they take any attention away from Miss Church.

   This little girl needs to grow up and realize that she is merely an entertainer who makes too much money.

   She also needs a lesson in respect. One day, she just might need one of these men or women, and her words could come back to haunt her.

   I realize that this child is only 15-years-old, but I am beginning to believe that she has let her so-called stardom go straight to her pretty little head.

   Maybe she doesn’t realize that if it weren’t for normal, everyday people who purchase her albums, she would be nothing.

   Oh, pity, could you imagine how her life would be? No attention for Charlotte. She would have to be a regular person, who actually had to care about others around her, and not just her stardom and hairdresser.

   I believe that her mother needs to teach her some manners. The funny thing is, I always thought that the English were polite. I guess somewhere down the line that trait failed with her.

   She owes these men and women who risked their lives, and will continue to do so, an apology. She has no right to say such disrespectful things to people who lost friends, loved ones and their own lives while trying to save others.

   I, for one, will never purchase one of her albums to make this snot-nosed entertainer have more money than she deserves.

   Yes, Charlotte, believe it or not, there are more important people in the world than you.

   Personally, I prefer listening to the singing N.Y. fireman.