You know the problem with tonight's debate? It was GDP on TV.

[Pale Blue Dot]

Almost an hour spent on trivial non-issues, and by the time the moderators got around to talking about a real issue (Iraq), my son changed the channel to American Idol. It was everything that's wrong with our country, our media, our electorate, and this forum all wrapped up with a bow.

At least my son has an excuse. He's 13.

[Fredda Weinberg]

1. The power of the airwaves should be not overlooked. That's why it was not DU

And more pernicious. Sad, but we are part of the syndrome.

[Pale Blue Dot]

2. I'm sorry, Fredda, but we created these issues.

The questions from the moderators were almost word-for-word from DU posts. For months now myself and many other DUers have been trying to bring the debate back to the issues, only to see our threads sink like a stone. It's disgraceful.

Please read this thread. A follow-up should be posted tomorrow:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5513668&mesg_id=5513668

[Fredda Weinberg]

5. Agreed. We are part of the problem and the solution. Such is

adaptation.

Honestly, worse stuff was slinging a decade ago ... I've seen enough to continue to participate despite the personal cost. It's a pleasure to share the front lines w/you this interesting evening.

[patrick t. cakes]

3. yep.

[patrick t. cakes]

4. dup

.

[AZBlue]

6. Except no one used the words "sexist" or "racist"

[Pale Blue Dot]

7. Just like GDP. Debate the minutia.

:eyes:

[Pale Blue Dot]

8. REALITY KICK!!! Look, damn you, LOOK!! nt

[Pale Blue Dot]

9. Kick again. Look in the mirror, DU.

Goodnight.

[Pale Blue Dot]

10. Kick for the irony. nt

[crispini]

11. Yeah, but we're meant to be an echo chamber.

The debate is not.

[Vinca]

12. Good analogy. nt