Phones, letters, e-mails
| 12:59 UK time, Friday, 22 September 2006
Among the audience responsereceived by the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ in the past 24 hours was much discussion of the newsworthiness of Richard Hammond's crash. We received these three e-mails, among thousands of others:
- Whilst saddened by news of Richard Hammond's accident, I must implore you; please please don't give in to the rantings of those people who would have us beleive it's immoral to drive cars, race cars, drink beer, fly aircraft, strive for new records. It is feats of derring do of this sort which define humanity, and sure, sometimes things go wrong. That is no reason to stop trying. I for one don't want some bleeding heart liberal to wrap me in cotton wool.
- Richard Hammond, Richard Hammond, Richard Hammond.... I really do think there's more news than Richard Hammond, but listening to the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ this morning three days after it has happened you wouldnt think so! Why so over the top about someone doing something willingly that went wrong? I didnt even know his name before three days ago and I imagine many other people didn't.
- Please convey our heartfelt best wishes [from Australia] to Richard of TOP GEAR and our thoughts are with him and his family, we have already lost two of our Icons and cannot believe the news from the UK. THIS TRULY A BLACK SEPTEMBER.
Comments
I have to totally agree with the first email. I couldn't help but think that the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ had gone health and safety mad when reporting on Richard Hammonds terrible accident. Life is dangerous. Full stop. There is only so far that risks can be mitigated.
What is the point of this blog entry? Is it to illustrate the mind set that says 'if we approach a few random people on the street, for a vox pop, then we have achieved our objective to be more inclusive or interactive'? What is important is the totality of views and how you respond.
The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ have gone overboard over Mr Hammonds accident, mostly to promote their own program and staff in the Blarite world of constant spin.
The Clarkson program is an ongoing junket for the staff, so called testing ever more exotic machines that few can afford.
I note that Tiff Needell was not the driver on this occasion - he is qualified on the subject of fast vehicles.
Richard Hammond deserves all our support. He is a fantastic presenter who has proved time and time again that he is up for anything all in the name of tv. I wish him good luck, a speedy recovery and hope to see him on the TV soon!
Anyone who is sick of his status been reported in the news needs to take a look, the man has a wife and 2 children and is seriously injured. I myself lost my Father in Leeds General infirmary when i was 12. For the sakes of this well loved man by his fans, friends and close family. Everyone should be behind him :)
I always love his tests on top-gear and i hope he still goes on with the tests and his normal life if he's better. Be better! (from the Netherlands)