Dull Dan

Oh, and by the way: Dan Rather thought Tuesday was dull.

Dan is like a NASCAR fan whose definition of a good race is that there was a fiery crash. He laments the fact that the event is "scripted down to the nanosecond." Well I've got news for Dan. The value and importance of conventions does not result from their scripting or spontenaity. The utility of conventions does not come from their ability to generate ratings and make money for Dan and his parent company.

The importance of conventions -- and why they should be broadcast on networks -- derives from the possibility that they may inspire patriotism and encourage contemplation about our nation and it's direction. The two conventions serve as an opportunity for the parties and their candidates to speak directly to the citizenry, devoid, hopefully, of the negativity, shrillness, and abbreviation of campaign ads. When covered by a professional press that limits its observations to adding factual context rather than slanted rejoinders the conventions offer an opportunity for voters to become engaged and perhaps slightly educated.

Yes, perhaps a test pattern would draw more ratings than some of what the parties might choose to air. But I'd prefer to give the citizens the opportunity to choose whether to tune in than to have you and your corporate lackeys make the decision for us. General Electric, Disney, Viacom and "News" Corp. can afford to miss out on the profits of four days worth of Fear Factor.

So, Dan, if you don't mind, I'd prefer that you limit your opinions to fucking-up election night electoral counts and let the viewers decide what's dull and what's not.

Courage.