Let us have a serious discussion about Dick Clark.

[swole]

In the other "Dick Clark" thread, many people were talking about family members who were unfortunate enough to experience a stroke. While this is a very serious occurence, I found it hard not to cringe and at some points, even laugh at Dick Clark's attempt to speak certain words.

Now before you go calling me a heartless bastard, I have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone who endures such a tragic medical episode and comes out optimistic, no matter how mentally crippled the stroke left them.

My questions to fellow EF people:

1) Did you find it inspirational that Dick Clark still had some ability to speak, or did you wince (or chuckled to yourself) when he messed up a word?

2) Do you think it was appropriate to let Mr. Clark host the New Year?

Keep in mind not every person has a relative who endured a stroke. Your "x family member had a stroke and was in worse shape than Dick Clark" might have no effect on those who never had close relations to those who had a stroke.

Let us discuss. Maturely.

 

[redguru]

In the other "Dick Clark" thread, many people were talking about family members who were unfortunate enough to experience a stroke. While this is a very serious occurence, I found it hard not to cringe and at some points, even laugh at Dick Clark's attempt to speak certain words.

Now before you go calling me a heartless bastard, I have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone who endures such a tragic medical episode and comes out optimistic, no matter how mentally crippled the stroke left them.

My questions to fellow EF people:

1) Did you find it inspirational that Dick Clark still had some ability to speak, or did you wince (or chuckled to yourself) when he messed up a word?

2) Do you think it was appropriate to let Mr. Clark host the New Year?

Keep in mind not every person has a relative who endured a stroke. Your "x family member had a stroke and was in worse shape than Dick Clark" might have no effect on those who never had close relations to those who had a stroke.

Let us discuss. Maturely.

I winced, and no it wasn't appropriate. It's like having Michael J. Fox host a gymnastics competition.

 

[redguru]

The New Years show is supposed to be celebratory, not so people can feel sorry for Dick Clark.

 

[blut wump]

I'm in favour of promoting awareness of misfortunes, disabilities and illnesses but I'd rather not have it rammed down my throat at 'happy time'.

 

[silverfish]

I couldn't watch the show after hearing him talk. Just not the way I wanted to remember him. I understand how important it was for him to be there. I just think it changed the whole mood of the show.

 

[gotmilk]

Dick should have been a quest and not a host. I don't want to see Jerry Lewis either when his face shows the effects of liver disease.

 

[EnderJE]

Dick Clark = Dorian Gray

 

[c00per]

I think it should be up to Dick Clark.
If he is still capable of making a decision on how he lives his life, privately or publicly, then more power to him.

It's like having Michael J. Fox host a gymnastics competition.

-- or George Dubya hosting a MENSA meeting. Sure he got an A+ on a math test once but we would rather remember him when he was at his best.