The Lowest Common Denominator

For decades we have encountered delusional talent on one type of talent show or the other. My earliest recollection was the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, which I have learned was a successor to Major Bowes. Arthur Godfrey had a run with “scouting” for talent. We had Chuck Baris on the “Gong Show.” There was “Star Search” and now Simon and Ellen on “American Idol.” As these shows often play out, sad folks who, either through encouragement, incorrect self-assessment, or a combination of both, arrive in front of an audience.

Back at the Bowling Alley in Centralia, they were thought to be better than the rest. They move up the rungs toward a dream. Then, they are given a spotlight in the big time. Some make it there because of talent. Others, because these venues need a “curiosity” to keep the ratings alive and well. Ratings depend upon angst. Frankly, there is so much angst on “Lost” that I have become immune – bored with it all.

But back to the amateur talent shows.

Eunice Harper Higgins of “Feelings” fame was convinced she was destined to greatness. She even warned Ed and Mama not to expect her back in Raytown. Yet, before she was able to get to her spoken monologue, she was “gonged” into oblivion. We all got a big laugh over it. Her delusion and eventual demise had no real impact on anything.

So why have Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, and Sarah Palin escaped the “gong?”

Coulter and Limbaugh eschew mean-spirited, often ill-informed opinions. Yet, they have an impressive following. And Palin is more popular than ever even though her message is essentially the same tired stuff from the failed campaign with John McCain. I had really thought that Ms. Palin’s gong happened the night of John McCain’s concession speech when she was told that her own concession was not to be heard.

She is still "going rogue."

Palin cannot get beyond the bit about the President being a community organizer while she was sitting on her porch becoming an expert on foreign affairs as she peered over into Russia. Wasn’t Jane Addams a type of “community organizer? How about Nelson Mandela? Didn’t Pope John II do similar stuff in Poland as a young cleric? It seems like really good company to me.

Sarah’s mantra for a better world: “don’t retreat, reload.” Along with Ann and Rush, there is nothing but negative ranting. What is their “better solution?” Do their followers and those who are billing themselves as the Tea Party have a plan or is merely enough to rail at those who do?

Has hatred become a common denominator for this country of hope?