Of all the people I thought I would be writing about, Justin Timberlake was not anywhere near the top of the list.
I have nothing against him. He seemed like a nice enough young man who wrote substanceless but fun popular music. “Bringing sexy back” is catchy, and I very much like the song “Love stoned.” Apparently he dated Britney Spears, but the day stuff like that interests me is the day I give in to the decline of civilization.
I know he was at the center of a controversy with Janet Jackson, but while the girls in the room were screaming at the Super Bowl halftime show, I was more interested in the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots putting on a thrilling game.
If I were to meet Mr. Timberlake a few years ago, the only thing I could think of asking him is “how is school?”
Yet just when we think that all people in the entertainment industry are drugged out, whored out screwups and airheads, one of them comes along and offers pure decency.
Therefore, I am going to turn my column over today to the unlikeliest of people, Justin Timberlake. He recently attended a function honoring the marines, and was very moved by the experience.
Many famous people could learn a lot from Mr. Timberlake.
I will let him tell his story, because it is worth reading from beginning to end.
http://www.justintimberlake.com/news/my_night_at_the_marine_corps_ball
Well done, Mr. Timberlake. I wish more young people were like you. If they already are, they should say so publicly.
I don’t know much about your music, but I know a mensch when I encounter one.
eric