Dear editor:
Now that both political conventions with mindnumbing rhetoric are over, we are now subjected to a barrage of infallible predictions from the T.V. talking heads, most of the denigrating Mr. Romney.
The best and fairest observations I've read come from John Kass, an erudite, respected columnist for the Chicago Tribune. "What's a bit more unsettling - - and now I'm just talking about the theatricality of politics - - is the importance the T.V. people attach to the speeches, making them life-or-death affairs."
(On Romney) "He must define himself tonight," said one. "This is the most important speech of his life," said another. "He'll have to connect on a deeply emotional level with the American people," said a third.
"Emoting? Connecting? How do these have anything to do with making executive decisions? THEY DON'T!
"Since T.V. has hijacked our politics, the demands of entertainment seem to foist Oprah moments upon us. Some of our best presidents have been our least entertaining and vice versa."
"Speeches are good for laying out a candidate's policies and priorities, but they only go so far."
"Fancy words in large arenas don't keep this country great. Quiet decisions in closed rooms often do."
Kudos to Mr. Kass for presenting the big picture so intelligently and succinctly.
Sincerely,
Kass Judson
Youngsville