Clay Aiken has had his fair share of rumor being reported as fact, and I’m sure that there are many many more people/celebrities out there too.
This past week, Clay's name has been bandied about the internet, attached to a story that gets more outrageous each time it's posted. It disgusts me to see the level that the "press" has stooped to.
But it's not just Clay, yesterday I read two very disturbing stories about the “media” and about the internet. The first was about a family fighting to have pictures taken off the web. The pictures were leaked by two California Highway Patrol officers and were of their daughter who had died tragically and horrifically in a car accident. Their hands are tied, but they are fighting. You can read more on this story here Newsweek.com - One Family's Fight
The second was about Brooke Shields. Her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, was taken from her assisted living home by two “reporters” from the National Enquirer who misrepresented themselves (in other words they lied) to get her off the premises in an attempt to get some juicy gossip. What the HELL is wrong with people to take advantage of a 75 year old woman. You can read more on this story here People.com - Brooke Shields
It is outrageous the level that our society has sunk to. I used to think that it was just a hand full of people who enjoyed this sensationalism, but now I’m afraid that it may be the majority - I find that very sad and very scary.
I try to do my part by not reading this kind of crap and staying away from any site that supports it. This gets more and more difficult as time goes on.
In my opinion, the only way to change it is to change the laws. This is not the media our founding fathers had in mind when they structured Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Information. Something absolutely must be done. I've contacted my Senators & Congressmen once already, but maybe I need to contact them again. It is getting out of control and is now affecting PRIVATE citizens - not just celebrities (who, believe it or not, are also private citizens)
I highly recommend you check out this timely article on The Clay Aiken News Network
