The 'Desperate' Consequences of the Writers' Strike (by Jim Wallis)
The evening news has been filled with tragic reminders of our broken world: continued violence in Iraq, bombings in Afghanistan, and political unrest in Pakistan.
But the most devastating news of all?
Due to Hollywood's ongoing screenwriters strike, Desperate Housewives may have to go into reruns this season. Terrible news, I know. My issue is not with the screenwriters themselves (I sympathize with their efforts to get an equitable share of corporate profits). As to the content of our media culture—now that's another story.
So what will be the consequences of our nation's restricted access to Housewives? Brace yourselves. This could get ugly.
America's appetite for the scandalous, seductive, and scintillating may have to be put on hold for a time. Adultery as entertainment may have to give way to long meals around the family dinner table. On cold, dark evenings we may have to fill the void reading books in front of the warm glow of fireplaces instead of catching up on Eva Longoria's most recent escapades with her pool boy. And rather than lying in bed channel surfing the for the latest television infidelity, we married couples may actually have to turn to one another and engage in meaningful conversations (or even in committed, marital sex).
What terrible, horrible, utterly rotten, no-good news indeed.
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Comments
Finally, Jim. You were clear and concise. I agree that we are enamored and seduced by the consumerist culture for fooldom.
But let's start focusing on the abnormal appetites in the body (of Christ) also.
When does the new catechism begin?
thanks for this post; perhaps more direct challenge to these abnormal appetites in the body will begin to reshape the political and social dynamics that you are focusing on at SJ.
Let's get back to our original calling.
Posted by: belated | November 9, 2007 1:48 PM
Or, people may buy DVD's for which writers actually DO get a residual, although it's only four cents.
Posted by: MaryAn | November 9, 2007 2:07 PM
The reality is:
CORPORATE TEE VEE SUCKS!
top to bottom, 24/7.
And corporate tee vee is toxic to the brain.
Four years ago we stopped watching corporate tee vee, cold turkey.
We’re getting more done.
We’re reading more good books.
We watch good movies - without the ads.
We hunt our news down on the internet.
Instead of having it spoon fed to us.
We’ve lengthened our attention spans.
We have a more positive outlook on life.
You can kick the habit too.
Posted by: justintime | November 9, 2007 2:18 PM
Great post Jim. Although I'll argue that the TV show I work on that's being shut down is good clean wholesome fun and doesn't have an ounce of sex or infidelity in it.
But on to my main point:
I wish people would recognize that the biggest effect of this strike is NOT that America has to watch re-runs. It's that there are thousands of us who work on crews in the film & TV industry (and we don't get residuals for anything - we're hourly workers) who are being put out of work in a matter of weeks. And lets not forget the number of small businesses (dry cleaners who clean costumes is one example) who rely on the entertainment industry to keep their doors open.
Yes, I'll have more time for family dinners and conversations.
But that'll be because I'm unemployed.
And please don't think I don't recognize that this isn't really a big deal in the grand scheme of things - I won't go hungry and I've got a roof over my head. But still, not having a job is a drag.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 9, 2007 2:23 PM
Despite the fact I disagree with most of what is said in Sojo. I really like this post. So I will give my props.
Posted by: Jorge | November 9, 2007 3:16 PM
I agree that us missing out on some desperate housewives may do us some good :), but it comes down to being fair in business. Writers are people who work hard and deserve payment. The corporation stations who make a ba-jillion dollars off of what the writers create should justly pay the percentage owed to them. Until the whole system of Hollywood changes, the corporation should follow their own rules to those who work for them.
Posted by: Missy | November 9, 2007 4:29 PM
I'm sure that I'm in an extreme minority - I've never seen an episode of "Desparate Housewives"!
I'm continually amazed at what passes for entertainment these days. But not everything is trash. Some sitcoms can evoke some serious thought along with the laughter. Some TV programs just shine with excellent writing and acting. Unfortunately, they are few and far between. Fortunately, that leaves plenty of time for reading, listening to music, family discussions...
H
Posted by: Harvey | November 9, 2007 5:05 PM
Rather than 'scintillating', did you mean 'titillating'?
Posted by: Ted Voth Jr | November 9, 2007 6:51 PM
I am also one of the folks who will be losing income at the end of next week due to the writers strike. I do welcome the time at home with my family and trust God will provide for us as He always has. I am grateful that I do not derive my sense of security from the job or income it provides.
It is still alarming to look at all of my friends who have no faith. I am praying that God will shine through all the believers affected by the strike and that we can love and support the fearful through this difficult time.
Content is the least of the issue or concern.
Posted by: Korey Pollard | November 9, 2007 7:05 PM
Wait a minute. Striking screenwriters also write uplifting, wholesome, informative and educational scripts that are produced for television or directly to DVD. Are Christian clergy unprincipled based upon your example of Pat Robinson? Should we not worship since Christians mix politicts and religion and con money from the weak and misguided?
Desperate Housewives is one of the dozen or so shows that is clearly over the moral edge. But it our choice to watch it or not.
Without screen writers, there is no production, good or bad. It seems unfair that they get no benifit from their work product when it makes tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars for others when successful. If we judge, let us judge fairly. Judas was just one of twelve. Not all were bad guys.
Posted by: Jim S | November 9, 2007 7:10 PM
well at least no one but me watches Nip/Tuck. That show makes Desperate Housewives or any other show seem like nothing. I guess I am in the minority here but I don't have a problem w/ vulgarity in television. I just don't want kids to see it.
I hope the screen writers get everything they asked for.
p
Posted by: payshun | November 9, 2007 10:25 PM
It was the lawn boy not the pool boy, and I do find the show scintillating...but over the top as well -
Ask your colleague Diana Butler Bass what she thinks of the show...I'd love to hear the dialogue!
Posted by: Peter Carey | November 9, 2007 11:49 PM
Although I really admire the work you're doing, Jim, I really cringed when I read this post. First of all, I'm not quite ready to write off pop culture and the world it represents. God is madly in love with and on the loose in the world! I believe that our job, as Christians, is to be out there on the lookout for what God is up to so that we can 1) participate in it and 2) name it when we see it! Your post paints our culture (represented here by TV) in shades of "awful." I don't think that's fair to our culture...or to God.
Second, I realize that although you have taken the lead on a variety of key justice issues, you have steered clear of any issues affecting the LGBT community. I was under the impresson that was mostly a "political" move...don't let the current fascination with "sex" that plagues our churches distract from the larger issue of justice. But, wow. You really showed us the door in this post:
"...we married couples" you say, "may actually have to turn to one another and engage in meaningful conversations (or even in committed, marital sex)..."
It wasn't enough to make your point once; you made it twice.
Guess we'll have to be satisfied with just WATCHING sex on TV, after all.
http://reclaimingthefword.com
Posted by: kfry | November 10, 2007 12:50 AM
I guess I'm another one of those who have never watched or had any desire to watch "Desperate Housewives".
I've read reviews of it in the local paper. It sounded depressing. Pardon me, but...you know...aren't there enough depressing things in real life? Why would I want to turn on an imaginary TV show to get more?
I don't watch a lot of TV for that reason. Mostly the news and some education stuff on public broadcasting. Even shows that are supposed to be good shows wind up being same-old "So...who's sleeping with who?" Yawwwwnnnnn....you know...it's kind of...well... to be honest - "old" is what it is.
The internet is more interesting because you can pick what you click on. And real life is even more interesting.
I have enjoyed TV shows that were uplifting and inspiring. Perhaps I'm limited because I don't have cable. One more expense I don't need.
Posted by: Amazon Creek | November 10, 2007 1:17 AM
I'm really concerned about the implications of having to think for ourselves!
Posted by: canucklehead | November 10, 2007 1:31 AM
I am not sure I hear Jim "showing (anyone) the door" in this post; nor "writing off pop culture." Preaching, speaking, writing and magazine publication are all parts of pop culture.
The "cultural bottom line" always interests me. At the end of the day, we, together, have produced a certain type of culture and certain kinds of lives. At the end of the day my children's toy box is filled with 'junk toys', a bunch of folks are huddled over their computers hurling insults at each other, we are overweight and undernourished, and 950,000 U.S. lawyers have waged legal wars.
I believe Jim points out there is a bottom line to entertainment production and consumption in our culture; and that we simply have an opportunity to consider how that bottom line is playing out in our lives.
I largely gave up television entertainment a long time ago; but watch too much news. The daily news cycles (print, radio, TV, internet) are disruptive to my walk with Jesus. I try to consume news on a more delayed basis that is more reflective, accurate, and in-depth.
Posted by: letjusticerolldown | November 10, 2007 6:43 AM
I love Desperate Housewives. But I won't be especially sad if it goes into reruns. I'm horrible at keeping up with any TV show, so I always end up watching it on DVD once that comes out. In other words, I'm a season behind everyone else anyway. And people keep telling me what happens to my favourite character. (Which, if you're keeping track, is Bree.)
Posted by: Iris Alantiel | November 10, 2007 10:11 AM
Do not worry, folks. This is campaign season, and one certainty is that, in their crusade to save America from all and sundry naughtiness, the Republican leadership will root out every potential salacious bit of gossip possible. Should none be evident, the power of insinuation can keep us filled with suspense for weeks to come. Who needs Desperate Housewives when we have Desperate Politicians?
Posted by: DHFavian | November 10, 2007 11:18 AM
I heard on the news the Governor of California advocating for the strike to end , I guess it does have a fall out on many employees . That part always bothers me , I never like the idea of any body loosing employment .
The entertainment industry has gone of over the edge in appropriate materials and is alsways pushing to go farther on TV .
No P I don't think your all alone . I watch my share of over the line stuff , My wife tells me that is one thing , she is being nice when she says one , that the Lord has not dealt with me yet . I am a movie , documentary , sci fi , drama , horror , chick flicks when I watch a movie with my wife , classics hound dog . But when people tell me that TV is one of the things that has hurt our culture I do see that , Jim Wallis was right about this , we need more people interactions , more family is always good start .
Now if only only he can keep that mind set to include folks like me in his future writings , not his politics , well then he would be acting like a Pastor I guess and I think I would be more open to his points and ideas then to dodging his stereotypes .
Posted by: Mick Sheldon | November 10, 2007 1:03 PM
I can sympathize with the writers here. They perform the sinlge most crucial role in the creative process, get paid next to nothing for it (usually), then watch as actors and directors (or, in this case, networks) get all the accolades.
During the last screenwriters strike, oscar-winning writers talked about not even being invited to their own film's after-Oscar parties. Aside from a small handful of writers, even the most talented writers are forced to write on spec, getting 10-20k for a year's worth of work. I wouldn't be happy either.
Of course, I think the dismissive treatment is primarily a function of what audiences want. The nation's number one comedy right now is Two and Half Men. Now, I'll grant you that writing a show like that is tougher than it looks (cheap gags and all), but they can certainly find other writers who can keep that show going.
But Charlie Sheen is irreplacable. Why? Because if he goes, people will stop watching. They have formed a bond with Charlie Sheen, and have come to know and love him. They could care less about the people who write the penis jokes. So Sheen gets millions, while writers get thousands.
It is an interesting commentary on society, and an interesting story, I think, though it's certainly the stuff of microscopic violins.
Posted by: kevin s. | November 10, 2007 2:29 PM
Maybe I seem weird because my consciousness (and conscience) are no longer informed by TV.
Soon after we had children, we disconnected broadcast and cable in 1990. The effect on their minds had been disturbing to watch - and to tell the truth, I had to admit it wasn't doing my own any good either. Sometimes I wonder if we call things "adult" because adults are into so many awful things.
Now I've never been one to restrict based on R-Ratings - because sometimes the truth can get such a rating too. And I believe in the auteur theory of direction.
But the main thing is we aren't being made merchandise of, psychologically manipulated into anxieties so that advertisers can sell us false palliatives.
Up to six years after giving up commercials and the channel remote, I was still making new discoveries about the real world I'd misunderstood from being raised on TV filling my mind with distorted perceptions.
I know it's hard to make a living and it's not just working in Hollywood that produces moral conflicts where we work. And it's difficult to know whether bad life is imitating bad art or the bad art just reflecting bad life.
But asking for excessive sympathy for this toxic wet dream factory to the world being on hiatus is just more of the typically myopic and narcissistic Hollywood propensity for making films about itself.
Think of all the millions displaced from jobs in manufacturing, with no comparable jobs or benefits anywhere in their or their children's futures, between the coasts in flyover country.
Hollywood is always more bathos than pathos.
Posted by: N.M. Rod | November 10, 2007 3:49 PM
I just had to post this item from the late great Hunter S. Thompson on the subject of the TV business:
"The TV business is uglier than most things. It is normally perceived as some kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs, for no good reason."
Is this what the writers are up against?
I really hope the writers win this one.
Posted by: justintime | November 10, 2007 4:17 PM
Television is a tool, and like most things can be used constructively or destructively. A show can be trash, or of excellent quality.
I agree with Jim's comments on one level. However, it's important not to lose sight of the fact that this does affect many people's careers in that industry. Jobs that feed their kids, pay their bills, and allow people to use their creative gifts. Jobs that may be dream jobs for some people which could also be personally devastating.
It affects the supporting businesses also.
Content aside, it's an issue of proper treatment of workers. I hope they get a satisfactory resolution.
I have a TV/media background although it was more news-based. Most people don't really understand how much work and how many jobs go into a production. Even on the news. People see the face of the anchor on the screen and are barely aware of the fact that behind that effort lies the work of (often several of these)
a producer,
director,
news director,
technical director,
Chyron graphics operator to create the crawl and to change the graphics, an art department to design the box beside the anchor,
research people in some cases,
assignment editors,
Production people---
a script person,
a floor director to communicate to the talent,
three studio camera people,
someone to run the prompter,
someone to light the studio,
someone to prepare the set (not to mention the company who built and designed the set, the salesperson that sold it, etc ad infinitum).
An audio operator,
A tape op,
A master control engineer and other engineers,
Photojournalists and field crews,
Editors
And many more. It goes on and on especially when you consider supporting businesses.
It's tempting to think, 'television is trash, who cares about Desperate Housewives?" The truth is there are many jobs these types of situations could affect.
And as an aside, I watch mostly news. I don't watch a lot of scripted TV, but I will admit to a Law and Order addiction, as well as Seinfeld. And the Daily Show is brilliant.
Posted by: L | November 10, 2007 4:25 PM
letjusticerolldown - First, Jim seems to be making the point pretty clearly that, for him, sex should only happen in the context of a marital relationship...and since marriage is a right only given to heterosexual couples in the U.S., that pretty much closes the door to the rest of us who feel called to a partnered life. This is a throw-away comment in his post - it's not the main point, I know - but the fact that he is just tossing this out there like this is what makes it so unsettling.
Second, I worry when a "walk with Jesus" is experienced & understood as something we have to do apart from "the world." I'm not saying that's what either you or Jim is saying, exactly, but this is a pretty common view among many Christians today. And I just think we miss some very important things. For example, Matt.4 - Jesus begins his ministry at the crossroads of the nations! Not sequestered in a synagogue or the temple or a holy city or a holy mountain. Jesus did, once in awhile, go off to pray. But Jesus could almost always be found in the thick of things, right in the middle of the action, at work in the world, mixing it up in the midst of messy everyday life. Following him means following him into that world, not escaping it...even if that means following him to Wysteria Lane.
http://reclaimingthefword.com
Posted by: kfry | November 10, 2007 8:18 PM
Even though a lot of people labor mightily at it, doesn't change the fact that much of it is sound and fury signifying... nothing.
And often worse.
Just like engineers working on seemingly abstract problems, just cogs in a machine that ends up delivering destruction to someone at the other end, it's easy to avoid considering responsibility for the consequences of your own actions.
Even pornography in either magazine, film or internet requires considerable organizational and personal effort. Is our only responsibility to make sure that those who are involved in these creators of these destructive enterprises "fairly compensated?"
Television as an industry, not just as a neutral technology, is highly manipulative and advertising-driven. What doesn't contribute to a materialist mindset leading to consumption can't be sponsored or produced.
If we act ethically, we might find there is a downside to our success in the industry. So often in L.A., morality is disposable to the bottom line, and not just in executive offices. It is highly competitive and people often literally will do anything to get and stay in the business.
Posted by: N.M. Rod | November 11, 2007 12:24 AM
I'm a gay Christian and I didn't find his comments offensive (although I do understand where you are coming from). I've often been oversensitive when this issue comes up, it's hard not to be. But people do have different views on all sided.
But he didn't sound like he was making a swipe, just making a point about the main discussion. And in my view (but probably not his) 'committed, marital' can mean partnered also.
I just took it in the context of his larger point.
I wish the writers well and pray for those whose jobs are affected.
Posted by: GC | November 11, 2007 2:00 AM
I gotta say I'm a little disappointed. You seem to have forgotten that it's not just scripted shows that put America's ugly appetites on display. Remember such gems of reality TV shows as "Survivor", "Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire", and "Temptation Island"? More coming our way during the writers' strike, I fear...
Posted by: JRM | November 11, 2007 8:43 AM
GC,
Why did we need to know how you like to have sex? "Christian" is already a label. And, just as well defined in the behavior category as well. No one needs to know your private sexual proclivity. No one asked. Don't tell.
Mr. Wallis,
See where YOUR writing talents have brought us.
Posted by: Donny | November 11, 2007 8:28 PM
The "Desperate Housewives" are neither "desperate" nor "housewives"--discuss! (Sorry--couldn't resist.) Yea, I've watched the show; sort of a guilty pleasure. But I'm right with Jim on his point. And I agree that not only are most series on TV now total crap, but I CAN'T STAND all of that so-called "reality show" garbage.
Anyway, tonight, my wife was watching the DVR of the latest "all new" episode of "Desperate Housewives" ("All new"? As opposed to what, "part new" and "part old"? But I digress.) and invited me to join her. I was feeling stressed and needed to exercise anyway, so I declined and went for a walk. You know, I got some decent thinking done, to say nothing of the favor I did my heart and blood pressure and how I wore off the tremendous meal I had after church at our potluck, and I didn't miss watching the show at all! Hmm!
BTW Donny, you mentioned Jim's subtle hint that he "likes to have sex" as if that would be a bad thing! Besides, that wasn't really his point. His point was rather to suggest, with a wink, meaningful conversation (and even sex--yikes!) for married couples as an alternative to watching crappy, lurid prime time TV. "Proclivities"? Please! Chill!
Posted by: Andy | November 11, 2007 11:45 PM
Andy, my comment on sex behaviors was directed to GC. I just showed Jim where his teachings have led the Church. No one asked GC, and no one needed to know his proclivities (used well within context) on the subject of his sexual tastes. Not Wallis's appropriate mentioning of what married Christian couples do (or don't do) with each other in the privacy of their own home. NOTE: Marriage as explained by Christ Jesus was immutably a man and a woman. With all of the progressive altering, rewriting, and revision of Christian culture (inside and outside of Hollywood), that fact seems to get lost far too often within Christian circles. In context pal. In context.
D
Posted by: The same guy | November 12, 2007 7:04 AM
Donny,
I was responding specifically to an earlier poster who raised the issue with respect to Jim's comments on committed marital sex. Sorry if I was off-topic - it's not something I would ordinarily volunteer out of context.
FYI you are correct in that my identity comes from being Christian, nothing else.
So let me take this opportunity to refocus the issue on the topic at hand. I wish the writers well. They should be compensated if their work is on the internet or other venues.
I'm not a huge TV watcher but do like it to relax. I probably spend more time listening to NPR or seeking out news online.
Posted by: GC | November 12, 2007 12:19 PM
Donny,
FYI I'm a gal not a guy.
I'm so sick of being caught up in the volatility about this, everywhere I turn. People have different views on this issue, sometimes emotional ones. I respect your right to have yours as well.
Please everyone let's stick to the topic of the writers and not get into debates about this issue. There are ample places in cyberspace where people can debate this stuff to their hearts content.
It was never my intention to steer the conversation off-topic. This is not the appropriate place to debate this.
Posted by: GC | November 12, 2007 12:53 PM
I have yet to view even one episode of DESPARATE HOUSEWIVES,
Nor do I tune into any other program besides The DAILY SHOW, COLBERT REPORT.
I am no desparate housewife, but i am an agitator of church, state and limp MSM and am using my extra hour a day interviewing survivors of the USS LIBERTY and researching and writing about that day in infamy of June 8, 1967.
I persist with hope and prayer to seek JUSTICE for those Vets who were ordered to SHUT UP 40 yrs. ago by our government.
Since this is VETERAN'S DAY, my hope is that any who will read this will want to learn more on that topic;
Instead of watching reruns-
But never would I want to interfere with sex between committed couples!
But, perhaps, after climax, you will desire to heed the power of persistence that The Widow Tuned us onto?
Once upon a time, there was an old crone, who lived in a certain municipality with a particularly unjust Judge who cared nothing about people or God; only his own point of view mattered to him. But that old crone kept harping at him with her plea, "Grant me justice against my adversary!"
That old crone became such a royal PIA [pain in the ass] the unjust Judge finally muttered, "Even though I don't care about God or give a hoot about that old crone, she has become such a royal PIA, I will give into her, just to get her to leave me alone!" [Paraphrased from a parable Jesus told in Luke 18 1-5]
e
http://www.wearewideawake.org/
Posted by: eileen fleming | November 12, 2007 4:32 PM
The day our flight landed in San Salvador last year, the pastor of the evangelical church took us to a fast food restaurant for a snack. After sitting down with my black beans and rice, I looked up to see a TV. I thought, what a good way to get acquainted with Salvadoran culture, right? So on comes an ad for the TV series Esposas desperadas!
So much for learning about Salvadoran culture. And so much for satisfying me that only the very best in US culture is being exported.
Is there an emoticon for tongue-in-cheek?
Peace!
Posted by: Don | November 12, 2007 4:54 PM
Jim, I really appreciate what you've said, tho' sensitive to anyone who is out of a job, if only temporary; however, it's the young people for whom I'm concerned, as the many programs either allude to sex or are extremely sexual, and that's not a good thing for young adults, especially when older age groups go along with that theme. The clothing, acting, and more contribute to a sexual culture, which affects us all. Thanks for speaking out, Jim. Betty
Posted by: Betty Bazur | November 12, 2007 4:58 PM
Donny,
I apologize for the misunderstanding. And GC, the blame is at least partly mine for sidetracking the discussion.
Mea Culpa!
Andy
Posted by: Andy | November 12, 2007 5:02 PM
No prob Andy,
I'm largely to blame for picking up the line of discussion in the first place.
I agree a lot of TV is trash. I've watch DH once or twice and laughed - but normally wouldn't fill my mind with such stuff. And I find infidelity really offensive.
There is a larger issue at stake and that is the issue of proper compensation for artistic work, whether everyone likes that work or not.
I think artists should be compensated, but will admit to being a hypocrite since I have been known to, well, file share a song or two in my time. I'm getting better now though and download off of itunes instead.
Posted by: GC | November 12, 2007 8:34 PM
Yes, the larger issue is "a piece of the pie" for more of those who are part of the creative process. That's always been an issue in the entertainment industry, especially in music as well as in visual media. For example, Aerosmith have talked about how they came to realize, awhile back, that the record execs get 50%--half--of the proceeds whenever one of their songs is played on the radio or whenever someone buys one of their records. They are one of the few popular bands to go on record as saying "hey--that ain't right". And African-American musicians "back in the day" really got the shaft. Perhaps the writers' strike will bring a little more justice, or at least a few more bucks in their pockets, for the people without whom the popular, pretty, but grossly overpaid actors would have to actually be creative artists!
Posted by: Andy | November 13, 2007 9:42 AM
Imagine how great it would be if people could actualy make a living with their creative gifts.
Looks like everyone's left and gone on to another blog!
=)
Posted by: GC | November 13, 2007 1:00 PM
Linda Lovelace definitely should have gotten a bigger share of the profits for her work in Deep Throat!
God rest her soul.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 13, 2007 1:12 PM
If the junk on TV is what the writers (and studios) produce they deserve to be out of work. Get someone else in there who can produce something of quality. (Yes, there are a few shows that have redeeming value, but most of it is trash.)
Posted by: Eric | November 13, 2007 1:32 PM
now this is a post that fits jim altogether.
i wonder how many of us get "residuals" for the work we do for our employers. oh yes, as long as we continue to call this t v stuff art we will get the whining union strikes and more of the stuff jim is complaining about. i hope the strike goes on forever. it's time for a change.
Posted by: jerry | November 13, 2007 5:09 PM
I've never watched Desperate Housewives & neither do I intend to... however I do & will miss the incredibly pithy & on-point commentary by Jon Stewart! Some people might be missing their tripe, but some of us are missing our pith!
Posted by: cathy cunningham | November 13, 2007 7:02 PM
TV is a business - and the product is the viewers, their attention (their minds as it were) sold to the highest bidder and whatever's produced and written designed to get YOU to spend money for who you've been bought by.
Posted by: N.M. Rod | November 13, 2007 7:59 PM
Wow. One more and it's The Moderate One's vaunted hat trick.
National Right to Life has endorsed Fred Thompson, who's never been completely anti-abortion and even was a lobbyist for Planned Parenthood, an abortion provider and promoter.
So much for Huckabee and his principled stand.
The problem with Huckabee, it seems, was his willingness to call corporate America to accountability to its workers. No such problem with Thompson, whose views are indistinguishable from country club CEO perspectives of privilege.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 13, 2007 8:06 PM
Yes I"m jonesing for my Jon Stewart too!
Posted by: GC | November 13, 2007 10:22 PM
Content does matter, and it is a major concern...
I'm sorry for the writers who are unemployed, but I agree with Jim regarding the content of some of today's TV programming...occasionaly, it does us good to reflect on what we are filling our minds with...
Posted by: CAC | November 15, 2007 9:09 AM
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