MMeM, Vol.12 Issue 3 – Come on, do better

One of the general rules here at Midwestern Meditations is that we don’t do Politics, Religion, or Sex. But, there are times when one of those topics get so ridiculous that they break out of their own borders and creep into everyday living. Example, I give you the 2016 Presidential Election which has been going on now for what seems like more than 4 years.

First, we had the National Lampoon field of 18 some Republicans throwing their hat or toupee into the ring. This brought a field so big that it birthed a first which was the secondary or lower tier debate in addition to the dozen or so podiums on the main debate stage.

What’s more is that in the middle of this 3 ring circus the television stations that broadcast these ridiculous organized chaos attempts at “debates” displayed something never before seen as well. They give us, Multiple-Day-Event-Ahead-COUNTDOWN-CLOCKS!

What? Have the networks all gone mad? When we all actually subject ourselves to these horrific events, do we in fact, need COUNTDOWN clocks reminding us of the impending insanity that is in fact counting down another episode of this madness? There have been GOOD apocalyptic movies that feature countdowns with less dramatic clocks counting down the END OF THE WORLD. These clocks are counting down an 11 person debate? What?!?

Why don’t we just lose the podiums, erect a WWE cage, and monetize it with a Pay-per-View for charity of choice by candidate Rock-Paper-Scissors battle Royale?

Granted, there would have to be a lengthy training session for all involved to explain the rules and strategy involved with Rock-Paper-Scissors, but they can all pay for it. That’s what all their donors are for anyway!

Otherwise, I say please stop with the countdown clocks. I’ve heard of news programs being accused of creating their own news and content, but this is ridiculous. Do better, CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc.