– via Facebook

Dear Kanye West,

I am honored to be writing such an important star. I am a mere Internet sensation. I’m not sure I am worthy to address you, although the Huffington Post did say I was “Humorous and Insanely Popular.” I don’t pay much attention to those things. Anyway, please excuse my interference in your life for a quick second.

I read your interview and also watched it on video. You said:
“I’m just giving of my body on the stage and putting my life at risk, literally.….and I think about it. I think about my family and I’m like, wow, this is like being a police officer or something, in war or something.”

I want to thank you for putting your life on the line for all of us every day. I know that being a rapper is tough work. I have tried to rap, and it is very difficult to keep up with the pulse of the rhyme flow…although when Ice Ice Baby comes on the radio, I can usually keep up with ol’ Vanilla. Anywho, your job is just some very dangerous work. Most people don’t consider… if you rap really fast, without a chance to inhale, you could pass out and hit your head.

That last paragraph was covered in sarcasm. I’m letting you know, just so you do not think I agree with your very ignorant assessment of your career (or any other performer)as it relates to a person in the military or a police officer’s service. You sir, are as misguided as they come. I do have a suggestion for you. Since you are accustomed to danger, from your life as an international rapper, I am strongly encouraging you immediately abandon you career as a super star and join the military. After joining, I would like you to volunteer to be deployed in Afghanistan or one of the numerous other forward locations where our men an women are currently serving. When the Taliban starts shooting at you, perhaps you could stand up and let the words flow. It could be something like “I’m Kanye West, wearing a flak vest.” I’m sure they would just drop weapons and surrender. You could quite possibly end all wars, just from the enemy being star-struck.

Your line of thinking is part of the problem in the world today….which include entertainers thinking they are something more than just entertainers. I know it is supply and demand and the demand for your services is high. I get economics. What I do not get is you EVER comparing what you do for a living to our heroic military members, who are always in harm’s way… and my brother and sister police officers who have to go to work carrying weapons and wearing a bullet-proof vest to protect themselves.

Check yourself, before you wreck yourself….Chief Oliver.

Hey Kanye, Chief Oliver isn’t impressed with your interview. But the world is impressed with you, Chief Oliver. Because this is the best thing I’ve ever read. Ever. I’m not sure anything else comes close. I might move to Brimfield, Ohio and steal a car just so I meet the Chief. There are so many great parts to this post. Chief Oliver might not be able to rap like you Kanye, but he can sing along to Ol’ Vanilla with the best of them. I’m glad the Chief gets serious towards the end, because he’s absolutely right. Celebrities are surrounded by so many “yes men/women” that they really think they’re the most important people in the world. Here’s a reality check: we watch your movies, or listen to your songs because you’re talented enough to be the very best at what you do. That’s it. You put on a front for a living. And you’re very good at it. No more, no less. When people like Kanye think they’re more essential to this Earth than someone like Chief Oliver, or any military serviceman or servicewoman, that’s when we have to take a step back and really think about who we choose as our heroes. Kanye West is not a hero. He’s a guy who just so happens to sing some songs. In the words of the almighty Chief: check yourself, before you wreck yourself, Kanye.

– Ryan