Sunday, January 14, 2007

Letters | Even more on Miss USA

THE DECISION of Donald Trump concerning Miss USA Tara Conner is still bugging us.

Vanessa Williams was stripped of her Miss America crown because she'd posed for some "questionable" photos several years before. Not fully nude, not pornographic, but "questionable." On the other hand, we have Tara Conner, who got "caught up" in the New York party life, visited bars while under age, was found to have used cocaine at the time of the pageant, but will not be stripped of her title.

Although the wisdom of Vanessa Williams' decision can be questioned, she did nothing illegal. But underage drinking is illegal, and so is possession of cocaine. Miss Universe spokeswoman Lark-Marie Anton said, "Miss USA is considered a role model, and her conduct must reflect that." Is this what we want as a role model?

We don't think so. We certainly don't want our daughter to see someone who is involved in drugs and alcohol as someone to look up to. It is absolutely outrageous and hypocritical that Donald Trump and the Miss USA Organization condone this behavior and allow Miss Conner to keep her title.

They say everyone should get a second chance. Well, Vanessa Williams paid the price for her indiscretion, and did get a second chance, and has had a great career. What price is Tara Conner paying? None!

On the contrary, the message is that it's OK to drink and take drugs, even though that's illegal, because it's the "party scene." Rubbish!

So what is it? Are Trump and cohorts blinded by the blonde? What would happen if they did remove Conner? Hmmm, Tamiko Nash would become Miss USA. And if my eyes don't deceive me, Miss Nash is not blonde and blue-eyed. Hmmm.

The very essence of beauty pageants have been scrutinized and criticized in the past few years. This development is an embarrassment to all pageants, and a slap in the face to all contestants who truly live up to the standards that are set.

William & Robyn George

Philadelphia



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