a wise man once wrote about how americans foolishly choose their idols and give non-stop airtime to people who are famous for being famous. while i agree that the paris hiltons of the world should be put in their proper places, it's not just hollywood celebrities getting disproportionate airtime. it's the politicos too--particularly of the talking head variety.
i'm pretty liberal, and tend to disagree with just about everything that comes from the right, with the exception of ron paul, who may very well be the last sane politician in our country. i laugh at the sheep who willingly allow chris matthews, rush limbaugh, bill o'reilly and other so-called pundits to direct their ideologies (an aside: let's get something straight, it's one thing to agree with a talking head and his position simply because he's better able to articulate what you feel. it's something completely different to be devoid of any original thought or common sense and to depend on these overpaid blowhards to do the heavy lifting for you.) .
but as much as i dislike their views and often the terms they use to express them, i understand that it's a bunch of spin and propaganda to help an administration and an ideology in which they firmly believe. and of course, for good ratings.
then there's anne coulter. or manne coulter, if you prefer.
i concluded shortly after hearing her latest attacks on john edwards, whom she wished had been killed by an assassin's bullet, (and for whom i will not be voting for in the colorado primary. full disclosure) that manne is simply the most despicable public figure of our time.
while the other talkies (liberals like franken, et al included) attack the opposing party on issues and personal beliefs, mr. coulter attacks liberals simply to attack them. she attacks them individually in books, on radio, on tv and in magazine articles. she attacks their family life, their looks, their accents and wishes them ill in their personal lives, not in their professions.
her attacks are viscious, classless and rooted in nothing more than hate. they're often times so outlandish that there is no other plausible explanation for them other than that she likes to hear herself talk and hopes to sell a few more books. her views are so far right that even the most conservative republicans look downright liberal in comparison. and she does absolutely nothing to advance the conservative agenda. many in the grand old party are trying to distance themselves from her (since any link could sink any hopes at a successful run for office), the media, however, seem not to mind one bit.
how does a hate-mongering, truthless, self-serving sociopath get so much airtime? paris hilton. anne is the skinnier (even than paris), uglier, politically charged, more intellectual and vocal
version of paris. she's slandered and libeled her way to prominence, despite no evidence of any discernable talent. yet the chris matthews, larry kings, and (this really pains me to say this) even the bill mahers of the world give her a pulpit, a platform to spew her hate anytime and anywhere she wants.i've met countless conservatives/republicans in my life (many of whom are my friends) that are able to hold intelligent, meaningful conversations and express their personal political beliefs with grace and dignity. this type of discourse should be applauded and should have its place in the halls of congress, the floor of the city council, and in circles of friends discussing the issues of the day. manne coulter's hate-filled, slanderous brand of propaganda has only one place--the fiery pits of hell. i'll save him a seat.
