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Americans have really gone overboard in their apparent need to elevate icons to the level of idols who they can drench with adoration. No sooner do we recover from the loss of the Queen of Soul whose death set off an orgy of adulation, than Arizona senator and naval war hero john McCain sails away on a deep sea of accolades, The nation submerged itself in grief, mourning the departure of 2 familiar and beloved figures, treating their deaths as world shattering events that set off weeks-long coverage. Of course the media played its part in turning these events into epics. Regular network programming was interrupted to announce these deaths. Pictures of the deceased were splashed on the front pages of newspapers and magazines all over the country. Prime time TV dedicated entire shows to remembering their lives, featuring their choked-up contemporaries as guests. Cable networks streamed repeats of their tributes. In Aretha's case, radio airways were inundated with her hits, attention called to her being the recipient of many awards and how her signature song "Respect", became the anthem of women everywhere. Fellow artists inspired by her, recalled in interviews how awesome her soaring voice was, - her songs hailed as toe-tapping and soul searing. Everybody had their favorite Aretha record and who but BET is scheduled to air the special of a star-studded memorial service that will follow 2 days of her lying in state for fan viewing. In his tribute to Aretha, President Obama referred to her as a national treasure... pause for Miz Benita to roll her eyes before cupping her hand to her mouth and confiding: "more like a faded diva who, once past her prime, got by on a reputation that excused a strident howl struggling to reach the high notes that a clarion voice once easily caressed, no mention being made of albums that never went platinum, while fellow divas like Patti LaBelle and Chaka Kahn continued to kick ass. But i'm not one to gossip so you didn't hear that from me." In death, John McCain has been given the treatment befitting a head of state. He is being extolled as a courageous war hero, a POW who endured torture, a former presidential candidate, a U.S. Senator of statesman caliber, his passing marked by flags in Washington DC being lowered to half-staff. Both his Republican and Democratic senate colleagues praise his willingness to compromise. His body will also lie in state for public viewing and his funeral will be attended by ex-presidents who will honor and eulogize him. He will later be laid to rest at Arlington National cemetery with full honors. A brave war hero who earned a chest full of combat medals... pause for Miz Benita to roll her eyes and cup her hand around her mouth before confiding: "more like a mouth full of bigotry, a someone who back in the day was a racist, homophobic misogynist who, in private, liked to regale his buddies with jokes about niggers and Asians and dykes and cunts, a hold out who voted against making MLK's birthday a holiday in Arizona, - a captive suspected of revealing secrets while in enemy custody, But I'm not one to gossip so you didn't hear that from me." Whatever. We loved Ree-Ree! We'll miss her and remember her at her best, glad that she will be given a grand send-off in keeping with her fabulous image. John McCain? There are numerous reports that he reformed his biased ways, acquiring a wisdom that comes with age... pause for Miz Benita to shrug and reflect: "What can i say that i haven't already said? Nobody's perfect. And you heard that from me."

Whoa Miz Benita, betta watch out spreading rumors about our newly Sainted cultural icons -- even 45 had to be respectful. 😮 I was unaware of McCain's racism, but given his age and background that is not a surprise. While I try to avoid all the hype the media generate I did see Ms. Franklin's red heels -- that seemed a bit much to show. I can ever remember seeing anyone shoes in their coffin. It is amazing what the media choose to cover -- the shoes of a dead woman... sheesh. Tell Mz. Benita she can post here anytime -- just tell her not to spread any gossip about me LOL!

EXCELLENT!!!

Popularity is a reflection of identity - what is popular is how the majority see themselves. 62 million people identify with 45* - they see themselves in him. 90 million people couldn't even be so bothered to vote in the last presidential election. Our reality is what it is - even if it is the WORST side of us. We get the government we deserve.

i don't agree with this. I don't think society concerns itself with the sexual behavior of women anymore. Nobody cares. Everybody is too self absorbed with other things. Furthermore, women lie about their escapades. They screw as much as they want to. They just don't broadcast it. Oh shut up. Take that long dissertation and shove it. You're no expert on the subject. The conflict between black men and women has little to do with sex. it's more about what each one brings to the table and how this impacts on a relationship; about men wanting validation and support and women wanting attention and appreciation. And money. Men need to stop speaking with authority about women. Y'all don't know jack. Your ears would burn if you'd ever be a fly on the wall during girl talk.

After I shared my data you wrote; "I need verifiable evidence." What did you write to suggest that the data I shared had any validity? Why share Mike's opinions when he offers no verifiable data?

"The U.S. government does not represent the interests of the majority of the country's citizens, but is instead ruled by those of the rich and powerful, a new study from Princeton and Northwestern universities has concluded." Talk about a statement of the obvious. But I will read the Princeton study anyway. With so many people struggling (invisibly so, because the media are constantly talking about a booming economy) it really is a really bad time to be poor in America. You president want to cut or eliminate the few programs designed to help the poor. People with decent jobs, who live fine communities and great schools don't really see the people (the majority of American) who are struggling. The chickens will come home to roost and when they do we all will be effected. This is the unraveling of America I'm not looking forward to witnessing...

@Troy Join Tiger Woods and Jim Brown who both just said Trump was being unfairly treated by the media who doesn't respect the office of president, and pounces on his every word, constantly criticizing him. BooHoo. I've predicted that 45 will pick up more and more support because everybody has a gripe and he will eventually get around to bitching about one that matches up with one shared by someone who doesn't like him. Multiply this by a thousand and the numbers will groooooow. i give up. Let the chips fall where they may.