How To Deal With Pundits
Tuesday, July 17th, 2007
Sometimes, if I’m having a really good day and need something to piss me off, I head over to Ann Coulter’s website. It’s impossible to be happy after reading that drivel. Of course, to cheer me up even more, I then head over to Michael Moore’s website, after which I promptly place my head in the oven.
I picked these two personalities for a reason: they represent two ends of the media darling political pundit spectrum. Both of them could use a trip to (and maybe even an extended stay on) the funny farm, but yet they continue to be popular. Ann Coulter is probably working on another book (with a title something along the lines of “All Liberals Burn In Hell and Other Stories for Small Children”), while Michael Moore is busy advocating anything, as long as it goes contrary to the ideology of the Bush administration.
Unfortunately, the whole “free speech” thing in the Constitution protects stupidity, so we can’t throw either of these brilliant political analysts in jail. But we have to do something, right? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle political pundits:
1) Laugh. It’s no secret they’re pandering to a specific group of people, and they’ll say anything that will get them publicity. There is no bad press for one of these people. It’s pathetic to watch them battle for attention, and there’s nothing wrong with taking pleasure in their pain.
2) Research. Do back research on their sources and figure out what is true and what is not. Or, you can just assume that everything they say is wrong. Then you won’t be so angry.
3) Remind yourself that these people are entertainers, not educated political analysts. They are selling books, magazines, and movies. They are not to be taken any more seriously than Tom Cruise or Robin Williams. Understand, also, that they’re marketing to the people who agree with them. If you realize they’re not trying to change your mind, you’ll feel a lot better.
These tips have kept me from having a stroke; I hope they do the same for you.
