I am actually delighted that you chose to respond (immediately!) because you typify the exact sort of person to whom my scoffing was directed.

To clarify for you and others who are unable to comprehend what you read, I am hardly scoffing at her death. Rather, I am scoffing at the knee-jerk, celebrity-obsessed people around the world, such as yourself, who feel compelled to rabidly attack anyone attempting to besmirch your precious princess’ good name. In light of your inaccurate and disproportionately outraged response, I STAND BY MY SCOFF.

Secondly, and far more importantly, I am not disparaging Diana’s good works, I am merely contrasting someone who earned renown and respect through hard work and integrity, influencing both politics and media in the United States (Tim Russert) to someone who used her unearned celebrity to help others just AS MANY, MANY OTHER GOOD PEOPLE DO DAILY.

Except they receive no fanfare or indignant adoration from the masses, because, alas, they are not royalty nor are they famous. They just work to clear land mines or hold the hands of AIDS patients or help raise money or give money because they believe it’s the right thing to do. No paparazzi are documenting their efforts. Entertainment Tonight isn’t covering their stories.

I noticed that Mother Teresa, who dedicated HER ENTIRE LIFE to helping the sick and poor, received a minute fraction of the media attention and mourners that Diana did. Mother Teresa was an exceptional person. Diana was not.