In my little hometown in Mississippi, it has been a big deal when Skylar Laine got on American Idol. Let me preface this blog post by saying that I do not watch Idol, and have tried a few times. I just really don’t care to see people who think they can sing, but really can’t, try.
So, back to Skylar…so many people around here have been rallying around her, cheering her on. That is great…I like it when people get behind a “hometown hero.” It is really neat sometimes how an entire community can get behind a team or person.
Where I draw the line is when funds or systems, previously meant to be used in other ways, from institutions that are public, are used for the purpose of…..wait on it…helping someone to win American Idol!
The first instance was when my wife’s school, a public school, sent her a text on the “emergency line” for when there is bad weather or a disaster or something. The text read as follows:
Don’t forget…vote for Skylar Laine tonight on Idol!
Un-be-lievable.
The final straw for me was while driving back from lunch Wednesday, I caught a glimpse of a huge, primely-placed digital billboard. It was sponsored by Hinds Community College (a publicly funded college) and said the following:
Skylar Laine….vote for her tonight on Idol!
That is just ridiculous to think that a publicly funded college needs to advertise in any way for Idol, let along one of the most prime locations for billboards. Our tax money goes to these institutions and OUR tax money is going to help Skylar Laine win Idol. If a private company wants to promote her, like the local Kroger, that is fine. Just don’t use my tax money. This ought to anger more than just me.
NOTE: I realize she didn’t win, but this is still a pertinent point.
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