LEAVE IT TO BEAVER

Is there a celebrity today that you respect and admire so much that you would mourn their death?

For me the answer is Bono from the rock band U2. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the dedication he has put forth on issues he believes to be of the greatest importance in society. Also, he has somehow kept his musical dignity. He is someone I believe uses his talents and power to try to make a positive impact on the world. I would mourn his death.

Other than Bono I struggle to think of celebrities that I admire and respect. Where are today's role models? Who do/can kids look up to today? A pantyless Britney Spears? A flippant Paris Hilton? I can name a few athletes that I admire but I know nothing about their personal endeavors. They seem to treat people with respect...that's a start I guess.

I just wonder if it's always been this way. Have celebrities always been some sort of grotesque group of freaks that people gaped at through the lens of a talentless photographer? Have role models always been in such short supply? Are their other role models that have dedicated their lives to helping society - above whatever talent they may have that got them to a position of power?

If you can think of a role model, please share it. Also, do you think a lack of role models has always plagued society? Or are we truly living in an age of declined morality?