Several days ago, while watching coverage of the election, I began reminiscing about the days of Tabitha Soren. Remember when MTV’s coverage of Presidential elections was seen as innovative and important? When Soren asked probing questions of the candidates and the “Choose or Loose” bus cris-crossed the country talking about important issues with America’s youth? Yes, kids, there was a time when the network now best known for provoking nausea with shows such as “Parental Control” used to produce thought-provoking content.
So, I was absolutely delighted when I heard that MTV was hosting “A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE,” an event to mobilize support for the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (BRAVE), a petition organized by the network and several veterans’ organizations.

Of the more than 1.7 million veterans of combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan, most are between 20-29 years old, and this petition aims to help those young vets on five fronts: Properly treat veterans’ mental health issues; prevent homelessness among veterans; give disabled veterans the benefits they deserve; fully fund our veterans hospitals; and, compensate troops made to serve longer. (Read more and sign the petition.)
Now this is important television. Sure, it’s just a concert featuring some of today’s biggest musical acts–50 Cent, Ludacris and Saving Abel–but so was Live Aid. The special will also feature news packages from CNN and MTV News. I’m so happy that the network has taken up this mantle and I’m even happier that it’s sister channel VH-1 is returning with a second season of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr.Drew.”
As I said last January in a post about the first season, the show is “a deeply affecting look at the high-price of drug and alcohol addiction.”
Dr. Drew. of “Loveline” and “Sex with My Parents” fame, said on the premiere episode that the purpose was “to pull the curtain back on rehab, demystify the process and show you exactly how dramatic it can be.” Again, I say that you may be tempted to push the curtain back just a bit while watching the more graphic scenes of the show, but I’m glad that the good doctor and these celebs are brave enough to open it. It truly is must see TV.
“Celebrity Rehab with Dr.Drew” premieres tonight and airs Thursday nights at 10:00 p.m. on VH-1.
“A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” airs on Friday, October 24, at 8:00 p.m. on MTV.