A Closer Look

Since AmericanCurrents.com debuted last Fall, we've written about various topics – such as Tiger Woods, Sarah Palin, health care reform, Sarah Palin's visor, Barack Obama's presidency, Sarah Palin's opinion of the Family Guy animated television series, the Toyota recalls, Sarah Palin's possible 2012 presidential bid, global warming, and then there was something else about Sarah Palin.

Judging from the comments and emails we receive, some of you agree with us, some of you really disagree with us, and some of you have read things here that have enlightened you and allowed you to look at an issue with a different approach.

Today, we've asked the members of our panel to take a look at the issues they have written about, along with what their co-contributors have written on the same topics, to see if anything they've read here has allowed them to look an issue with a new angle. And yes, one of them is about Sarah Palin.

ROSEANNE FRANGIONE:
It has been well over a year since the inauguration of Barack Obama and I would guess that more has been written about his presidency than any other before him, at least at this stage of the game. I've been a critic of the Obama administration and some of you may go as far as to say that I've been a harsh critic. All I can tell you is that I write from my heart and my heart guides my mind. Upon reflecting upon the past year and two months, I'm willing to say that I may have been a bit too hard on Barack Obama.

Here are a few things that I can honestly say that I like about Barack Obama. First, he looks great with more gray in his hair. It makes him look mature, and more “presidential.” His resume may say “I don't have a lot of experience,” but his hair says, “I look like a president!” Next, he kept his Blackberry. Other presidents before him had to turn in their cellphones and PDA's, but not Barack Obama. He's a busy man on the go with an active wife and two kids. Good for him for being able to text an “lol” or two to Michelle from Air Force One. For as much as it pains me to say this, he can pronounce the word “nuclear,” and that is all I'm going to say on that topic. Even the strongest Republican has to respect a man who can earn a Nobel Prize for an hour's worth of work. Also, as a fan of Bravo's “Real Housewives” series, he and his administration gave the upcoming “Real Housewives of Washington, D.C.” the best storyline ever when they allowed Michaele Salahi, a soon-to-be “Housewife” cast member, along with her hubby Tariq, to crash a state dinner party! Let Bethenny Frankel and her wedding, her baby, and her Skinny Girl Margaritas try to compete with that! Best of all is Obama's Vice President, Joe Biden, who is always there to drop an “F” bomb or to say something totally inappropriate in front of an open microphone or a large group of reporters. He's funny and he makes me laugh, which is something I just can't say about Dick Cheney.

All in all, while I didn't vote for Barack Obama in 2008, I have to admit that while I don't agree with everything he does, he's making his presidency very enjoyable. The Bush administration, safe and stoic as it was, lacked the sense of humor found within the Obama presidency. For that alone, Barack Obama has earned my vote in 2012!


JEFF WEISS:
We at American Currents have spent many hours writing about Sarah Palin. She's consistently remained visible in the news media even though it's been more than a year since John McCain lost his bid for the White House. For the most part, I haven't portrayed Mrs. Palin in a very favorable light. To me, she seemed to be a bit of a dim bulb who was pushed into the spotlight because she fit an image that the GOP needed in the 2008 presidential campaign. I believed that the fact she continued to remain in the public eye was because of own hunger for attention.

However, I've taken a closer look at Sarah Palin and her views, and I was surprised at what I found. For example, she said at a fundraiser back in 2008, “We believe that the best of America is not all in Washington, D.C. ... We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation.” Can anyone not agree that the best of America is actually in America? Think about it. The best of America is not in Canada. It's not in Australia. It is, as Palin stated, right here in the US of A. And who better to be Pro-America than American citizens? When is the last time you saw a North Korean singing the praises of America? That is something you will only see in America, as Sarah Palin wisely stated.

In 2009, when asked if she would be subjected to the same ethics inquiries as president that she faced as the governor of Alaska, Palin responded, “I think on a national level your Department of Law there in the White House would look at some of the things that we've been charged with and automatically throw them out.” Now think about that. People mocked Palin because there is no “Department of Law,” but if you really, really think about it, you can clearly see that Palin was using the example of a non-existent department to say the ethics charges against her were the same as that department – non existent. An answer like that is simply brilliance at work.

Thank you, Sarah Palin. Thank you for enlightening me and bringing this soon to be former Democrat into the loving arms of the GOP. I cannot wait to vote “R” in November. After all, like one Palin supporter posted Facebook recently, “its Rong not to vote for Republicans.”


SASHA SMITH:
The fact that that free health care passed is absolutely ridiculous. Why would our country want to improve the status of all citizens? Our country has always been established by privilege and with everyone getting the opportunity to have health care it puts everyone on the same playing field. It will give over 40 million Americans the opportunity to receive care that they have not been able to receive anymore. I feel as though if all Americans want affordable health care then they need to go out and get it on their own. Of course we all know how expensive health care is so not everyone will be able to get it and that makes sense.

I also want to talk about how this health care bill will affect the drug companies and lobbyist. I mean they no longer will be able to regulate the market with their own prices. What are the drug companies suppose to do now? It will be much harder for them to increase the prices since the government is the one who will be regulating the new health care policy. The health care policy will be taking money away from the rich. How are they going to get richer? I understand that some might find it a human right to have health care but I think it's a benefit and government does not need to get involved. The private citizens of the United States were handling the situation on their own.

In any case, we need to figure out what will happen now and how this is going to affect our tax dollars.

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On behalf of Roseanne, Sasha, and all of the AmericanCurrents.com editors and contributors, I'd like to wish everyone a very happy APRIL FOOLS DAY! 
- Jeff Weiss

Philadelphia Flash Mobs

Over the past year, “flash mobs” have popped up as a way for large groups to meet up via social networks They have taken to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and texting to organize everything from mass snowball fights to a giant dance tribute after the death of Michael Jackson. In Philadelphia, however, the flash mob phenomenon has taken a decidedly violent turn.



Today we asked our panel what they think causes groups of teenagers to turn violent. After reading their opinions, share your thoughts by leaving a comment.


RYAN JOHN:
For the un-evolved mind, beating someone up is the same as getting an A on a paper to the intellectual mind.  Although it doesn't take much  to beat someone up with the help of four or five other people, there is still that feeling of dominance and superiority an ignorant person gets.  Now, when professional fighters fight other professional fighters one on one, like boxing or MMA, its a science that involves skill, mental and physical dedication and I admire the guys who can do this.  The physical jousting of two trained fighter is just as impressive to me to watch as two minds debating the meaning of life.

However, when you see the sometimes violent result of these flash mobs and other vicious beating as showcased on the internet, it's human behavior at it's worst.  I haven't encountered these flash mobs in Philadelphia, but It infuriates me to think about the victimization of innocent people and business owners from some kids who have nothing better to do.

So, here we go again with the never ending question any social ill prompts. Who do we blame?  Is it the public schools, social networking sites, or the rec centers for not having enough weekend programs?  Consumers should suffer from the jacked up prices of business owners so we can tax them more to create more social programs so these kids will have something to do. I kid, of course. It's the kids faults for participating in this and the parents who don't care enough to stop it.  Pay attention!  If your son or daughter shows signs of being involved in this type of stuff, don't let them out of the house.

If these kids want to congregate all throughout the city wreaking havoc on who or whatever they want, they should be prepared to suffer the consequences.  The mayor of Philly and police commissioner have taken a pretty tough stance on this, but if the problem persists, bring in the national guard and start using violence on these kids if you have to. I can see it now.  Somebody is going to get in trouble for using excessive force on one of these kids and  that will create another issue on top of the one at hand. However it's dealt with, it needs to stop.  Innocent people shouldn't have to suffer if they want to enjoy the city streets on a nice spring weekend they look forward to all week.


SCOTT HINKLEY:
It is difficult for me to say what drives teens to violence, as I was never much for violence when I was a teenager, but I can certainly look to the usual culprits: a desire to have impact on your own life, boredom, revenge, angst. The first thing people seem to say when they hear of youth violence is "where were their parents?" I would guess that in many cases the answer is working, or caring for other younger children. I think the important aspect of this story is to look at the ways young people are using technology to leave their parents out of their decisions. I am reminded of the poor girl in Massachusetts who hung herself recently in response to bullying, much of which took place on social sites. I think the double importance here is that parents are pretty much absent from their children's on-line activities, and that the results of these activities have very real, physical, consequences.

I think it is important for parents to step up and guide their child's life on-line as well as off, but I am doubtful that there is much guidance to be had. It seem unlikely that there is much wisdom in how to conduct yourself with respect, especially with adults using on-line persona to live out all the devious and deceitful things they are too ashamed to be associated with directly. Social networks are here to say, and trying to control behavior through restrictions to these sites seems about as misguided as closing the mall to stop truancy. We need to begin to accept that communication is power, and we better respect that power, or our voices will quickly be drowned out by those looking to have their say for the first time.

ROSEANNE FRANGIONE:
While reading about the flash mobs in Philadelphia as well as the television news coverage, my first question is, “Where are the parents?” As the mother of two young boys, I am always aware of where they are and what they are doing. Of course, my children aren't teenages, however I have no plans to stop parenting when my boys become older. It may not be easy to handle children as they grow into teens, but it is still the job of a parent to guard and to guide, to love and to teach, and to lead by example. However, even with all the love and guidance a parent can give, there must be social outlets for teenagers.
Ryan and Nikki are both contributors for American Currents who are from Philadelphia. I'd like to ask them both if they are aware of any programs in Philadelphia for teens. What kind of resourceful recreation is available for the kids in the city? Fortunately for the teens my area, Tampa Bay is a year round tourist spot which enables many of them to have part time jobs after school and in the summer. There are also many youth groups and teen clubs around Tampa Bay to keep kids active and off the streets. To me, it seems as though the youth of Philadelphia have become bored and reckless, which sadly is leading to violence.
May I suggest to Philadelphia's Mayor Nutter that he look into expanding teen-related activities before being so quick to condemn and persecute his city's next generation.

DAVID LOFTUS:
“Flash mobs” are expressions of a confluence of basic human needs: for getting together with others, for escape from solitariness and boredom, for power and its expression. There’s nothing inherently dangerous in them, but when they’re not particularly well organized -- when they’re largely spontaneous -- they can bring together a volatile combination of a few people with dangerous ideas and many other followers who feel safely anonymous while committing unlawful or unethical acts.

I don’t think it’s the youth of the participants that makes a mob inherently unstable. Though there is undeniably such a thing as testosterone-overdosed teenage males (which also finds expression in extreme sports, fights organized and unplanned, gang violence, and speeding tickets), on the other hand the mobs of Nazi Germany were mostly composed of grownups.

I haven’t seen a close examination of the kids who participate in the rowdier, more violent mobs, but I have to suspect many of them are no longer under the control of adults in any case. They’re either out of high school by virtue of their age, or they’ve dropped out and/or left home anyway. God knows there are plenty of families where there hasn’t been sufficient or proper adult supervision of the children, but somehow I suspect that’s not the problem here. There’s really not much society can do except make sure law enforcement responds quickly and firmly when these things start to gather steam.

Health Care Reform Becomes Law: Roseanne Frangione

The atrocity known as health care “reform” is just another example of Barack Obama's concerted effort to strip Americans of our right to freedom. A more appropriate description of said atrocity is “health spending law.” It is ludicrous that in the midst of a sweeping recession, liberal Democrats (led by the ever-spending Obama administration) could even consider spending nearly one trillion dollars on “reforming” the health care system while so many Americans are unemployed and facing home foreclosures.

This health spending law needs to be repealed and replaced as soon as possible. Fourteen states, including Florida, have filed lawsuits based upon the fact that this law is in violation of the Constitution. I firmly believe that it is my right as a tax paying American citizen to pick and chose the health care options that I prefer for myself and for my children without government intervention. It is truly a sad day when Barack Obama, with just a sweep of his pen, can take my personal freedoms away.

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Rielle Hunter in GQ: Roseanne Frangione

Dear Rielle Hunter,

Where shall I start with you? First of all, your name isn't even “Reille Hunter.” You were born “Lisa Jo Druck” but I guess that wasn't glamorous enough. After calling yourself “Lisa Hunter” and “Lisa Jo Hunter” followed by “Rielle Jaya James Druck” (my personal favorite!), you finally settled on “Rielle Hunter,” which has a nice “scandal ring” to it, not unlike Fawn Hall or Jessica Hahn. But, enough about your name. So, you've already ruined a marriage, a political career, and given the ladies of “The View” enough hot topic material to last an entire sweeps week. What's next? An exclusive interview of course! Tell your side of the story! Make “Johnny” Edwards sound like even more of a loser than he's already perceived! And, just for giggles, throw some dagger's at his cancer stricken wife.

Let's not stop there. Surely you can get more mileage out of this! Why not pose provocatively clad only in a shirt (and pearls, don't forget the pearls to remind everyone how ladylike you are) and then state that you are outraged by the photos! Congratulations Rielle, you are not officially a Tabloid Queen! I hope you enjoy your title because you have truly earned it!

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Letterman's Blackmailer Pleads Guilty: Roseanne Frangione

Halderman deserves exactly what he got. While it might seem as though he is getting off easily, the fact remains that by plea bargaining not only does it prevent David Letterman having to testify (which would most likely bring up his infidelities again) but it also saves the cost of an expensive trial. Prisons are already over crowded and I believe there are many murderers, rapists, and drug dealers who need to be locked away from society before a television news reporter who got greedy.

In the long run, Halderman has already been given a harsh sentence. He's lost his job and I doubt that any reputable news organization will rush to hire him at the end of his sentence. His career, his reputation, and for the most part his life, have all been crushed. How pathetic that he lost so much just for the chance to get two million dollars.

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Senator Bunning Stops Unemployment Extension: Roseanne Frangione

It's often been said that Americans are lazy. Is the reason so many people are collecting unemployment checks because there are truly not jobs to be found or is it because they are simply waiting for the government to “save them? A quick click on the St. Petersburg Times website found over two hundred jobs available, and that was just for the first category listed. History tells us that employment was higher in the early 1980's and unemployment benefits were extended to a maximum of fifty-five weeks. Unemployed people now can get up to ninety-nine weeks of extended benefits!

I applaud the Senator from Kentucky who stood up to the free pass that Senate was about to hand out and bravely asked how it would be paid for enormous bill it would incur. I firmly believe that if unemployment checks were cut off after fifty five weeks, a lot more people would be job hunting instead of sitting home watching “Oprah.”

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"Family Guy" & Palin: Roseanne Frangione

Once again the left wing media is sending subliminal messages against honest America-loving family values by mocking Sarah Palin. This time they went a bit too far by Palin's own mentally challenged baby as the target of their smear campaign. It disgusts me that someone could actually find humor in the challenges faced by others. It disgusts me further to think that network executives would see fit to green-light a disgusting show such as Family Guy.

Sarah Palin had every right to condemn the sick low-brow humor that mocked her own child's developmental disability. In fact, anyone who doesn't condemn this kind of attack on the morality of America needs to take a long look in the mirror. I realize that former Governor Palin has had her share of public gaffes, and I know that many television series such as Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, and most late night talk shows will always find humor in public servants, but to use an innocent child as the butt of a joke has taken “bad taste” to a new level.

There are often calls to end partisanship in our country. May I suggest that we all come together: the Red States and Blue States, the Republicans and the Democrats, and unite in boycotting the trash known as Family Guy.

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When Kids Kill: Roseanne Frangione

Taking a human life is the most horrible crime known to mankind. In a society where children grow up learning to kill by playing video games and watching hours upon hours of violence on television and films, the value of a person's life becomes less and less valuable. The questions remains: is this the fault of the society's impact on children, parents' lack of responsible upbringing, or does the blame lie within the children themselves?

I believe that every child deserves the right to grow up with respect and dignity. Teaching the next generation the importance of values and respect is key not only for their well being, but for our own as they will eventually be making decisions when we are senior citizens. Jordan Brown didn't find a gun and accidentally shoot his father's girlfriend. He learned to kill by hunting with his father, who gave his son a 20-gauge shotgun as a gift for Easter. Two lives could have been spared had Jordan Brown never learned to shoot a gun, and certainly if he had not had a shotgun given to him as a gift.

Eventually, this case will be decided and a sentence will be given, but no true justice will take place. A mother has lost her daughter and unborn grandson. Two daughters have lost their mother. A man has lost his fiancee and unborn son, and while his other son is still alive, he has basically lost him as well. Even if Jordan Brown is sentenced to serve his time in a juvenile facility and receives therapy (which is what I would recommend), he will forever carry with him the knowledge of his actions.

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Palin 2012: Roseanne Frangione

I believe very strongly that Sarah Palin will run for President in 2012. I also believe just as strongly that the left-leaning media will do everything within their power to undermine her candidacy just as they did when she was John McCain's running mate in 2008. However, that doesn't change the overwhelming message that the same people who wanted change in 2008 are ready for another change in 2010, and unless Barack Obama pulls a rabbit out of a hat and gets the economy back on track, those people will be hoping for change again in 2012.

There are people who say that Sarah Palin doesn't have the experience to be President. They point to the fact that at times she has stumbled in interviews, and that she didn't finish her term as Governor of Alaska. Perhaps all of that is true, but we have a Nobel winner in the White House who is a gifted orator and we have the highest unemployment rates in decades and the economy is a mess. Could Palin really be any worse than what we have now?

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Super Bowl: Roseanne Frangione

I have already begun to prepare for the Super Bowl. There will be about ten people watching the game at my house on Sunday. The menu includes chicken wings, spare ribs, meatballs, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, dips, salsa, nachos, and deviled eggs. On Saturday I will move the furniture around so that the television will be the focus my den. I've also planned ahead and taken a vacation on Monday so I can put my house back together.

Growing up in a sports loving family, the Super Bowl was almost as big as a family event as Christmas and Thanksgiving. The entire family gathered to watch the game together. Years later, most of us live in different states, but all of us have our own parties each year to carry on the tradition.

As far as the game itself goes, I will be cheering on the Saints as they win their first Super Bowl. Am I optimistic? No, I am certain they will win! In the event that I am wrong I am fully prepared to do the right thing: start planning next year's Super Bowl party!

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Tebow Super Bowl Commericial Controversy: Roseanne Frangione

I see nothing wrong with CBS airing a pro-life commercial during Super Bowl. Why wouldn't they? I do not find anything particularly controversial about a mother relaying the story of how her difficult pregnancy produced a star athlete. It seems appropriate to air the ad during the Super Bowl since Tim Tebow is certainly bound for the NFL.

If pro-choice groups aren't happy about it, they should make their own commercial and fork over the cash that CBS charges to air ads during the Super Bowl. CBS has no obligation to show both sides of the issue, and neither does Focus on The Family. Just as I have yet to see a commercial for Coca Cola that ended with “but Pepsi is just as good,” Focus on The Family has no reason, nor should they, offer a different point of view than what they are paying to air.

Just exactly what would a pro-choice commercial look like? Images of happy women saying, “I'm so glad I got rid of that fetus before I had to support it” or perhaps a clinical look at how safe and uncomplicated it is to destroy a human life? However, if such an ad were to be made, CBS would probably air it just as long they get paid.

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Betty Broderick Denied Parole: Roseanne Frangione

Betty Broderick has served many years in prison, even longer than the amount of years she was married to the man she murdered. However, murder is a heinous act, and Mrs. Broderick committed that act not only once, but twice when she broke into her ex-husband's home and murdered him and his new wife in their bed. Of course, most women would be livid at the thought of being tossed aside for another woman, after years of being a faithful wife, but again, murder is a heinous act.

Betty Broderick has been the focus of books and movies, but the bottom line is that she committed a horrible crime that ended the lives of two people. She is serving her punishment and I personally see no reason for her to be paroled at this time. Let her be an example for anyone who thinks they take matters into their own hands.

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Edwards Comes Clean: Roseanne Frangione

Poor John Edwards. In (finally) admitting that the daughter of his ex-mistress is his own flesh and blood, he has gone on record in saying that he hopes “when she understands, she will forgive me.” Sadly for little baby Quinn, there is a lot to understand about her daddy before any forgiving can take place.

For starters, Quinn will have to understand that her father was a married man who cheated on his wife. Then she's going to have to understand that when her mother became pregnant, daddy-to-be John Edwards lied and said he wasn't involved with Rielle Hunter, Quinn's mother. Let's not forget that many have speculated that Edwards paid off campaign aide Andrew Young to claim to be the father of little Quinn, even though Young himself was a married man. Probably the hardest thing Quinn will have to understand is that during all of these shenanigans, Daddy was running for President of the United States. That's a whopper to deal with.

John Edwards is a poor example of a man. I firmly believe the only reason he came forward to admit what most of us have suspected for quite some time is because Andrew Young's book will most likely spill the beans on all of Edwards' dirty little secrets. My heart goes out to Edwards' wife, Elizabeth, and I sincerely hope she can move forward with her life and find happiness after the mess her husband has made.

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MTV's Jersey Shore Controvery: Roseanne Frangione

It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to be on television. If you flip though the channels, you will find an endless array of “reality” programs that offer nothing that resembles the reality of my life or the lives of anyone I've ever encountered. MTV has struck ratings gold with The Jersey Shore, and managed to hit the lowest levels of television I have ever seen.

Week after week, the rag-tag cast of characters manage to insult, belittle, and offend each other and any one that comes into their orbit. They constantly refer to each other as “guidos” and “guidettes” and other demeaning terms. I find it hard to believe that MTV could assemble that many like-minded individuals for one television show. I image there has to be some “scripting” involved to spur the “cast” into making offensive comments in the desperate hope that the show would become a hot topic at the water cooler. Unfortunately, they have succeeded.

I would hope that no one who watches this program would ever find anything redeeming about any of the cast members and would never attempt to emulate any of them in any way. I don't agree that New Jersey politicians should be able to force the cancellation of television program, but I also think this show should never have made it to the airwaves.

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KFC in Australia Accused of Racism: Roseanne Frangione

Perhaps Australians do not racially stereotype the types of foods that are associated with people of color as is unfortunately done in America, however, any commercial that focuses on a single white man surrounded by people of another race is going to trigger thoughts of racial segregation.

This incident reminds me of another situation that happened a few months ago when American singer Harry Connick, Jr. judged an Australian talent show and a group of white contestants performed in black-face. Connick graded the group with a zero and was voiced his disgust, while another judge found it amusing and gave their “performance” a high score. Based on that, I am skeptical of KFC Australia's shock that people would find their commercial to be racist in nature.

Racism rears it's ugly head in many ways and in many locations. It's not only an American problem. It's not only an Australian problem. The only way to make it go way is to set an example for the next generation. I am actually more disappointed in the black actors and actresses who agreed to be in the commercial than the people who produced it. While it is possible to assume that the producers were ignorant enough to think it was acceptable to make such a stereotypical advertisement, the actors who appeared in it should have known better. It is time for everyone to set an example that everyone is created equal.

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Full Body Screening: Roseanne Frangione

To scan or not to scan? I am a firm believer that the United States must be vigilant in the war on terror. If losing a bit of privacy means saving hundreds or thousands of lives, count me in! Only someone who has something to hide would not want to pass through a full body scanner for a minute or two at most, knowing they will only be seen by a complete stranger who is in an area away from passengers. This isn't about feeling awkward because you have a fat rear end or cellulite, this is about national security and the lives of innocent people.

The TSA cannot afford to cater to the body-image insecurities of the general public while people like Abdulmutallab seek to inflict harm upon innocent citizens. In fact, Abdulmutallab himself has told authorities that there are others like him who have been trained to conduct similar attacks. We cannot afford to worry about privacy issues while terrorists are plotting against us.

My fear is that the TSA will become lax as time goes on. That is what led to the security failures that allowed Abdulmutallab to board Flight 253. In the meantime the TSA can feel free to scan me, pat me down, and do whatever they see fit to ensure our skies are safe. Atfer all, I (unlike terrorists) have nothing to hide!

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Fallout Over Senator Reid's Comments: Roseanne Frangione

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's situation is particularly uncomfortable for the Democrats because, unlike Senators Dodd and Dorgan, he is the majority leader and cannot quietly slip into retirement. Regardless of how the story is spun, the fact remains that Reid's comments are racist. He judged Barack Obama based on the color of his skin and his dialect. Yes he supported Obama's candidacy, but it appears he did so because he felt Obama could look and sound a certain way that would be pleasing to the average American voters.

If the Democrats stand by him, they will alienate many African American voters who know first hand what it is like to be judged in a manner similar to how Reid judged Obama during the primaries. If they call for him to resign, they lose the sitting Senate Majority leader and will have to deal with the possibility of losing yet another senate seat in what is already going to be a rough election year.

A year ago people wondered if the GOP could reorganize and find it's way. Now, it appears as if the Democrats are in need a major overhaul.

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NBC Late Night Battle: Roseanne Frangione

I was a fan of Jay Leno as the host of The Tonight Show for many years and I was sorry to see him leave the program. I don't particularly enjoy Conan O'Brien's sophomoric humor as it often is low-brow and sexual in nature. The few times I saw his previous NBC show, I was appalled to see sketches about bear who pleasures itself and a sexually provocative manatee. Since I refuse to watch David Letterman's show after his disgustingly futile attempt at humor by saying Sarah Palin's fourteen year old daughter was impregnated by a thirty four year old baseball player, most nights I find myself watching Nightline before falling asleep.

I am aware of the effect the recession has had on the television industry and how it forced NBC to make some rather startling choices when it came to filling airtime on the network schedule this year. The average prime time drama costs about $2.1 million dollars per week to produce. A talk show costs about $400,00 per episode. When NBC cut five prime time dramas in favor of one talk show, the network saved an incredible amount of money in production costs, but lost viewers which in turn led to a loss in advertising revenue.

We live in a society of immediacy, where decisions are made quickly and their effects are judged even quicker. I'm not surprised NBC is moving around their schedule as they would continue to lose key advertising dollars if they did not. However, with Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien they have two highly paid performers with iron-clad contracts. It will very interesting to see how this plays out, and to see if viewers will tune in or tune out.

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Departing Dem Senators & The Midterm Elections: Roseanne Frangione

The news that Senators Dodd and Dorgan will retire instead of facing an uphill bid for re-election comes as no surprise to me. It would have taken nothing short of a miracle for Dodd to have been re-elected after news broke he received two sweetheart loans through a VIP program with subprime lender Countrywide, along with the fact he added language in the economic stimulus bill that allowed AIG bosses to keep their fat bonuses. Polls showed Dorgan would lose if popular North Dakota Governor John Hoeven decided to run against him. Lets not forget that a year has passed since the media coronation of Barack Obama and voters are still nervous about an incredibly high unemployment rate and an unpopular health care bill.

The GOP is poised to do well in November, but they need to win 40 House and 11 Senate seats to regain control of Congress. Is that possible? The 2006 and 2008 elections spoke volumes about the general public's dissatisfaction with the Bush administration. Unless the economic situation greatly improves in the next six months, I am confident that the voters will seek a change, and that is not good news for the Democrats.

Guest blogger Roseanne Frangione resides in the Tampa Bay area where she is raising two sons, ages three and six, and works as a media consultant.

The Dallas Prostitution Program: Roseanne Frangione

I do not want my tax dollars spent on reforming hookers with hearts of gold. It is amazing how much of our tax dollars are burned up by frivolous programs that are destined to fail. I am a divorced mother raising two beautiful sons while I work a full time job. I would appreciate help furthering my higher education, for child care and for help with my housing expenses. However I have chosen to work for a living in order to pay for those things myself, and I have chosen an honest profession in which to do so. If I lived in Dallas I could quit my job, slip on a pair of hot pants and stilettos and: voila! I could have all of that paid for, and probably much, much more.

America was founded as the land of opportunity. It was designed to be a country where everyone could be whatever they aspire to as long as they work hard. It is becoming a nationwide slum of filth where whores and drug addicts are rewarded for their actions and given special privileges for choosing to help contribute to the moral decline of our nation.

I researched the program that is in place in Dallas and I discovered that several cities across the country are watching it closely to see if they would like to implement similar programs. Why they would want to emulate a program with such a poor “success” rate is beyond me. I can only hope my city doesn't decide to try anything like it. The only thing worse than having a prostitute move in next to me and my innocent children is to have my tax dollars pay for her to move in next to me and my innocent children.

Guest blogger Roseanne Frangione resides in the Tampa Bay area where she is raising two sons, ages three and six, and works as a media consultant.