Belly Achin'

There sure is a lot of it today towards NBC for airing the video of the nutbar Virginia Tech killer.

I think it's a bunch of nonsense. The bellyachin'.

People in this country have voted with their clickers to be entranced by stories such as this one. Frankly I think they are local stories, but the likes of CNN, Fox and the networks have sought to make themselves the "national forum" when "major" events occur mainly because they're just on the air waaaay too much and have too much time to fill. Ok. So this was a major event and the ratings will show that everyone flocked to the news media for the latests on what was happening in our "national nightmare". So why should the media be lambasted when they continue giving viewers what they want by publishing the nutbars video? It's news (as least as judged by today's standards). It's relevant (at least as judged by today's standards). It certainly lent insight into the "why" of the event. And trust me, had they held it back they would be lambasted too. Who knows, maybe the starkness of this guy's psychosis will actually cause people to think seriously about mental health care? Maybe.

It offends my sensitivities that the story got trumpeted like some kind of new episode of "24", dominating the airwaves over, oh say, events in Iraq that are far more tragic for the world (ferchrissakes) and occur on a daily basis. It seems that there are many viewers who only want to be a part of the "national nightmare" as long as it appeals to their particular sensitivities. Well get over it gang. You want sensationalized news coverage, you got it. And if you don't want it, hit the off button.

OH. And a special note especially for Big Ed Schultz who gave this topic front-center coverage on his show today. Big Eddie reminded me of another local asshole Ron Owens (KGO Radio, S.F.) who is so arrogant and self-important that it makes you want to upchuck.

Big Eddie: I've turned you off. I listened to Paul Harvey rather than listening to your trying to be the voice of America and "our" sensitivities. You are a media whore (oh my) and will do anything to promote yourself and your program. I've gotten to the point where I have to wonder about accusations that you are a closet conservative who has opportunistically become a liberal so as to rake in cash by being the liberal Rush Limbaugh. Wouldn't surprise me in the least. Anyway, I'm using the "off" button on you. Seeya.

Ok. rant off