RIP DAD. (Ed Reed)

A certain pop star who has no right to be, in light of his outrageous and offensive behavior over the years, recently showed off a neck tattoo of what looks like a battered woman who may or may not be his ex-girlfriend. It is an act that only confirms his sub-humanity, his despicablity, his worthlessness.

Fortunately, there are better people in the world than this.

Neck tattoos are deplorable as a rule, but perhaps today, we have found one of the rare instances where they are acceptable, even admirable: as a permanent memorial to a loved one lost. This picture was taken by the mayor’s photographer Ed Reed at the September 11 anniversary ceremony this morning. “RIP DAD,” the script reads.

Matt is The Observer's real estate editor. Follow Matt on Twitter or via RSS. mchaban@observer.com