What constitutes a 'notable' death?

To the editor: I am responding to an article by the Associated Press in the Dec. 5 "Life Stories" section adjacent to the Obituaries.

I read two uplifting stories authored by Daily Herald staff about a reverend and a local historian who passed away.

A third mentioned person, listed as a "Notable Death" is "Pimp C." Don't you just love that name? My question to you is "Who decides what constitutes a 'notable' death?"

Yes, I agree that his death at the age of 33 is sad. A life wasted … wasted because he was a rapper who used explicit language to promote his own personal agenda and to convert more young people into the darker side of hip-hop.

His newest promotion is "Pimpalation," a DVD that shows his release from jail in 2005, and his work in the studio with "stars" including Scarface and Bun B. A song listed on his newly released CD is "The Pimp is Free," which again was written because he was freed from jail.

I believe, and I am sure many other Americans believe, that there are more uplifting, interesting, and moral people who could be listed in your section "Notable Deaths." Your selection has disgusted me! How are we, as Americans, ever going to point the moral compass in a positive direction and fight those who prefer to denigrate people and entice children into their world, when our community newspaper promotes their lives by printing this tribute to an undesirable.

This Associated Press article does not merit even a mention in your newspaper. Put it in the gossip papers or "rags" as they call it. We don't need to read it; we don't need to know it. Help make America a better place, Paddock Publications!

Nancy Konnen

Rolling Meadows