Dear Paris Hilton:

I don't really get into celebrities much. Sure, if I'm stuck in line at the Teeter, I might read the headlines on the magazines, and I see the latest yahoo offerings every time I check my email, but that's about it. I surely don't watch TMZ or any of those pseudo-news shows and I've never once been in possession of a National Enquirer. But this week, I can't help myself, but rant a bit.

Last night was the Emmy's, and while I don't usually watch, this time they got me...just had to see how my Gleeks did! Plus, I had heard that George Clooney was receiving an honor, so duh...Clooney! He didn't disappoint, even showing up in a hilarious skit. (Just love a man who can laugh at himself!) Mr. Swooney, my pet name for him, was honored with the Bob Hope Award for his tireless efforts in fundraising and awareness to those in need...the Haitians, the victims of the Tsunami, those devastated in Pakistan. His speech was funny, but right on the target. He addressed the need for relief efforts to continue even after the event has become old-news, and he applauded others who use their celebrity for good.

Which brings me to you,Paris. Paris, I don't know you, and you certainly would never even know I was alive (like the cool girls in high school). I'm a mom, and a small business owner, just trying to survive and make a way for myself and my family in these tough times. My husband and I are raising five kids, and trying to teach them values and morals and give them direction so they will hopefully become good citizens and good people. So when I see someone like you, who seems to have an awful lot of resources at her disposal, and yet decides to do nothing good in this world, I just cringe. First, I'd like to just slap your parents. What are they thinking, satisfying every little whim that your much-underworked brain can imagine? If I were your mom, you would be grounded, young lady. No judge would have to order you to do community service; I would see that you put our money to good use. You are rich and famous, no doubt, but you had nothing to do with it...you were handed this life on a silver platter, by parents who obviously never taught you that to whom much is given, much is expected.

I'm sure it's hard to find time to get your new hair extensions in between your cocaine busts and drunken parties, but maybe you could squeeze in some time to actually be a valuable member of society? (Or is your sex tape going to be your legacy when you're gone?) People like me, little people, who work and raise children and vote and volunteer and heck, read even, are tired of hearing about your latest arrest. So you're not really worried? You should be.

Might I suggest you look up Mr. Clooney? He lives out there in La-la land. I know, he's old. But he is what being a celebrity is all about. His aunt was a great lady, a great singer, Rosemary (I'm sure you have never heard of her; your point of reference probably only goes as far back as Green Day), who did lots of good works in her time. No doubt her character rubbed off on her nephew. Sure, he's handsome, and is rich and famous and adored by millions, but somewhere in his schedule, he finds time to help...really puts his money and his time and his energy where his mouth is. Plus, he's classy. (Class, grace, poise...these are words you should google-search.)

I'm sure, if you asked him, Mr. Clooney would love to tutor you in how to use your celebrity for good. I dare you. Give it a year. Go out, find a cause that you believe in, someone who could use your smile and money to promote some kind of change for the better, then jump in! Those of us who have to work for a living would respect you so much more then. And maybe, if you concentrated on serving others for a change instead of indulging yourself, you could respect yourself a little more too.

Here's hoping,
chocolategirl