Constant distractions are harmful

To the editor:
    Bloggers, media reporters, politicians, and individuals bored with or scared of real meaningful discussions of vital and necessary issues have found ways of distracting Americans from hearing or reading about crucial issues. There are several regular and special radio and TV programs and many print sources designed to inform us about issues that we desperately need to know about; however, there are numerous ubiquitous distracters who insert their venomous poison and lazy and indiscriminately accepting media outlets that just cannot resist being enticed to accept their seductive nonsense to replace serious discussion. Some few examples follow.     Major newspapers, radio talk shows, TV programs galore, and even weekly news magazines just could not resist commenting about Mrs. Clinton’s “cleavage” shown while she was on the Senate floor over C-SPAN, a channel less than 4 percent of the people watch. Her outfit, in fact, did not justify even the slightest commentary but was a titillating sexist way to distract from meaningful discussion of national affairs.
    In one of the pseudo-debates, Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton differed on whether they were “willing” to meet with distasteful, hated, U.S. enemy leaders in their first term, if elected. Both ignored the question and answered one they wished had been asked and one they had prepared for. The debate moderator did not correct their sloughing the original question and allowed a “debate” over the issue to occupy a week’s worth of horrendous volume of press print space and broadcast time in meaningless quibbling over an artificial issue. John Edwards commented on Hilary Clinton’s jacket and this got major coverage in some quarters; more distraction from meaningful matters. Again, distract reporting of issues and allow distractions over a non issue.
    Members of Congress are suggesting initiating censure or impeachment procedures against President Bush; beginning impeachment or contempt of Congress citations against the Attorney General or going through court proceedings to force White House aides to testify when the President claims executive privilege. Any of these proceeding would not culminate until the next President is in office. Why burden our next leader with these matters? More ways to avoid discussing issues we need to deal with now.
    Lately, we have been fed an almost endless stream of Hollywood type and sports figures who have driven while intoxicated, entered rehab facilities, divorced, and/or have child custody problems. Others in these categories seem to be involved in a revolving door battle with drugs, guns, and blatant miscreant behavior all chosen by the media for blaring and endless headline coverage. This coverage has been given greater coverage than our nation’s major real problems, a situation that ought to alarm citizens.
    There are many more such ways we are distracted from vital issues. We need to demand getting distractions weeded out and more real worthy discussion and analyses of issues be provided so Americans citizens have a chance to be properly informed, not amused, titillated, and distracted.
Ken Petress
Presque Isle