Thank Goodness For C-SPAN -- Even Up in Nova Scotia
 
I've been watching the Democratic Convention this week, not on CNN, which we get up here on satellite, but on the Canadian CPAC, the Canadian Public Affairs Channel.  Not that I didn't try to give Turner a chance; but if listening to the ceaseless and empty commentary from Blitzer et al wasn't bad enough, imagine my horror when they cut from the speeches on floor during Monday's coverage to start an on-location Larry King Show -- right in the middle of the convention.  It was jarring and inappropriate, and I immediately began frantically surfing around to try to find some pure uninterrupted coverage, like I used to get on C-SPAN.

Boy, was I thrilled to find that CPAC was carrying the C-SPAN feed live!  No jabbering hosts, no missed speeches, just the convention as it should be covered.  Sure, CNN probably shut up during Bill Clinton's terrific turn at the podium, but I wasn't going to take the chance.  So, thanks CPAC, for picking up the best U.S. coverage out there.  I can't imagine anybody watching anywhere else, and if you've made the mistake of turning to CNN -- or if you're in the U.S., made the even bigger and more partisan mistake of watching Fox News, too -- dare to think for yourself and watch C-SPAN instead. 

When I have caught some of the post-convention analysis, I'm sure sick of hearing news personalities complaining that nothing's happening, it's boring, it's only interesting to political junkies, blah blah blah.  Well, it's not boring at all, plenty is happening, and if you think that pondering the future political course of the United States isn't worth a few hours away from Paris Hilton or the like, then you don't deserve to watch amazing speakers like Clinton, Ted Kennedy, or the thrilling Barak Obama.  Since when did everything have to be "entertaining" in order to be watchable?  Grow up, people.  Give the public some credit (hopefully deserved) for knowing when to pay attention to what counts.   

Sure, some of it is a bit awkward, some of it a little mawkish, some perhaps a trifle simplistic, but there's also plenty of inspiration, dedication, good-heartedness, hope and everything else those of us who can't bear anymore of the current administration have been waiting for.  Of course if you're a Republican, the whole thing is going to taste worst than the fish guts on Fear Factor.  Serves you right, too....   

 
Here's the website for my choice for the 2004 Presidential Election:  John Kerry.

And for heaven's sake, if you're not registered, get out and do it!  The League of Women Voters can tell you how.