[violet lightning]

Even though I love politics and lively discussion, I usually shy away on this forum because of people like tj and hhl.
There is no real discussion or give and take. They have their opinion, and its the correct one.
Everyone else is wrong-a Nazi, Bush loving Bozo or a religious nut.
(watch for the counter attack)

It backs up my theory of why liberal-based talk radio never has done well.
Conservatives, moderates, centrists and even open-minded Liberals like discussing politics, like being informed, like to challenge and be challenged and like to think.
Most are generally open to other opinions. Most love America and want to see it do well.

Why has Air America consistently done so poorly? Obviously, liberals (in general) just aren't very interested in talking/discussing/learning the issues.
(thats a fact of ratings-either that or else Liberals just don't listen to radio)) Whereas conservative talk radio has blossomed and grown exponetially, Air America has teetered on the brink of bankruptcy.
Radical Libs love to talk the talk, but the reality is they don't walk the walk. Thats why instead of learning the facts and becoming truly informed, they can become rigidly opinionated, emotional and resort to personal insults and Bush bashing.

To a large degree, I blame the media for polarizing us. We're probably 80% in agreement on most issues, and they make it seem like we're from different planets. They focus on the few things that divide us, not the many things that should unite us.This last election the media went nuts on both sides. Completely biased and unprofessional. Never seen anything like it.
And don't get me wrong--I think Right Wingers like Shawn Hannity on the right can be just as bad. Since the moment BO took office, its been a constant daily drumbeat of what he feels he is doing wrong. I can't see how that kind of negativity can be good for America. Constructive criticism is OK. Destructive criticism is just bad.

:D As for the Nobel Peace Prize - It took me by suprise. (my first thought was: "Was it for the "Cash for Clunkers" Program?!")
And , did you read about the guy the oddsmakers favored 20:1 to win the award?
Amazing accomplishments.