It’s been a hectic week: actress Farrah Fawcett and singer Michael Jackson died, and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sandford took his turn at the “I was unfaithful to my wife” podium. Sanford was followed immediately by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, stepping down “for the good of Alaska.” To all of these media-driven experiences I make the ungrateful comment, “So what?”
I ask that ungraceful question because in fact, to me as an American citizen, none of those things is important. Not one of the events I mentioned above will change my political, religious, or philosophical points of view, nor will they affect how I treat the family and friends who surround me. They won't improve my work, my income, or make me happier. All they really do is make me turn off the TV.
I am far more interested in how the American conversation on health care is progressing; what options are offered, how are they received, and what can the House and Senate do to develop viable compromise. I am far more interested in how President Obama is being received in Russia and what he is doing to regain respect for America around the world. I am very interested in the American economy, and I want to hear a variety of points of view so I can make up my mind how proceed with work, retirement, and investments. Yes, I can make my own decisions in these matters: I don’t need to call Suze Orman.
I am fortunate to be an American who reads. I grew up with newspapers and magazines, and I still prefer to get my information that way. Sometimes I watch C-Span, which offers a primary source for government activity, but mostly I read major papers online. To go in-depth on a topic I try to find a magazine that still has traditional reporting.
I’m beginning to suspect that network television is an idea whose time has passed (unless you really enjoy watching advertising). When morning and evening news shows are focused on finding mystery and drama in the death of a 50-year-old entertainer, they’ve hit bottom. Michael's death matters to his family and friends. If fans care about Michael Jackson, let them develop their own cable network, make it all-Michael 24/7, and let networks and their news be focused on matters vital to all Americans.
Please let Jackson and all the other TV-created celebrities rest in peace.
I ask that ungraceful question because in fact, to me as an American citizen, none of those things is important. Not one of the events I mentioned above will change my political, religious, or philosophical points of view, nor will they affect how I treat the family and friends who surround me. They won't improve my work, my income, or make me happier. All they really do is make me turn off the TV.
I am far more interested in how the American conversation on health care is progressing; what options are offered, how are they received, and what can the House and Senate do to develop viable compromise. I am far more interested in how President Obama is being received in Russia and what he is doing to regain respect for America around the world. I am very interested in the American economy, and I want to hear a variety of points of view so I can make up my mind how proceed with work, retirement, and investments. Yes, I can make my own decisions in these matters: I don’t need to call Suze Orman.
I am fortunate to be an American who reads. I grew up with newspapers and magazines, and I still prefer to get my information that way. Sometimes I watch C-Span, which offers a primary source for government activity, but mostly I read major papers online. To go in-depth on a topic I try to find a magazine that still has traditional reporting.
I’m beginning to suspect that network television is an idea whose time has passed (unless you really enjoy watching advertising). When morning and evening news shows are focused on finding mystery and drama in the death of a 50-year-old entertainer, they’ve hit bottom. Michael's death matters to his family and friends. If fans care about Michael Jackson, let them develop their own cable network, make it all-Michael 24/7, and let networks and their news be focused on matters vital to all Americans.
Please let Jackson and all the other TV-created celebrities rest in peace.
Comments