Everyone who knows me knows I abhor all political partisanship. The sad truth is that there is corruption, greed and sanctimonious doubletalk in all parties. I am a raging Independent — disillusioned, frustrated, yet hopeful, just like my Democrat, Republican, and *insert favorite beverage here* Party friends.

Politics is basically a discussion no-no here at RtB, simply because I subscribe to the belief that most often, partisan minds are rarely moved, so all discussing/arguing brings about is acrimony, anger and hurt feelings, while no minds are changed. (Anyone who says politics are not fiercely idealized and romanticized hasn’t been paying attention.) I’m not saying that civilized political discourse cannot take place; rather, I’m saying that doing so is not the general rule. So we will not go there, today or any day. But just for this morning, I will express my distinctly non-partisan incredulity at the Big Budget Powwow people’s inability to reach an agreement, as they are sharply divided across party lines.

Perhaps our politicians are just not skilled enough in the “art,” you know? They need to go somewhere and hone their craft first. In a thought-provoking article at Cato by Boudreaux and Lee (yes, I’ve no life and I’ve been up since 4:00), it’s apparent that being a politician requires definite savvy in several areas, and sometimes it’s a case of getting caught coming and going:

What’s a politician to do? On one hand, voters demand that their elected officials be men and women of principle. On the other hand, the reality of interest-group politics means that politicians must strike numerous unprincipled compromises–both directly with interest groups wielding political influence, as well as indirectly with other representatives beholden to different voters and different interest groups. Appearing to be an uncompromising champion of principle while simultaneously being virtuoso at the art of compromise is a daunting task.

Daunting indeed. But when does it become clear that we must choose between compromising our party principles and compromising our national solvency? I dunno. Maybe I’m looking at the issue with too simple a mind. But it does make me wonder if our elected officials are too vested in the reelection game. From the above article:

Politicians professing no ideology and unreservedly admitting that their highest skill and calling is to compromise with other politicians do not have long-lived political careers.

Ya think?? This “super committee” was likely doomed before it began. Compromise — the bane of every ideologue’s existence — was an option on paper, not in reality. Therefore, to the quotes by politicians on the Committee regarding their resolve to “hammer out a compromise,” I add: “…and by ‘hammer out a compromise,’ I mean ‘they will concede everything on my list or I’ll walk.'”

Cripes.

The more things change…

So I’m sure you immediately thought of my May 2008 yammerings when you read about Jesse Jackson, Jr. and his latest alleged unpleasantness. Notice the title of the NPR article series: It’s All Politics. Ain’t that the truth? For the past 30 years, it’s the same thing: while the world around us changes, some things are bedrock — like the press deep-diving their body cavity probes and not stopping until the sharp ends come out the other side. It wasn’t always that way, but the scandalous pictures weren’t so high in demand back then. Discretion ruled the day, whether the subject loved women (or men) too much, or tipped tee many martoonis for lunch. It was largely viewed as immaterial to the politician’s performance. Or at least the reporters didn’t want to get the guy in trouble with his wife.

The recent stupidity surrounding the inane “don’t ask, don’t tell” law drives home the point that society in general is after the supreme dirt-dish — or that one’s sexual preference is A) anyone’s business, or B) a factor in his/her job performance. I must tell you that I tire of it. And all political parties, divisions of the media, and most individuals stand accused today.

I told my high school choir yesterday that I admitted to feeling a bit of schadenfreude after reading about Braylon Edwards’s DUI arrest. I was bitter about him quitting on the Browns, then badmouthing them to anyone who would listen. Did Cleveland need anymore shame heaped on? Guilty as charged — I locked step with the fingerpointing masses.

Speaking of Cleveland shame…I’m listening to Jimmy Dimora’s yammering at the moment. I wish people wouldn’t say “interpet.” Here — I’ll give you an extra “R.” No charge.

Yikes, this post, um, meandered a bit. I apologize. I’ve been up since 1:50 and I’m already jonesin’ for a lil nappy. Not happening today, unfortunately. But hey, it’s Wemsday — week’s half over!

In what Variety calls an “eye-poking Three Stooges act,” Bill O’Reilly of FOX News and Keith Olbermann of MSNBC are still going at it.

Spraying down the decks with testosterone, and trading endless “Oh, yeah? Well, take THAT!” barbs, their bosses have now been forced into it. Ladies and gentlemen, phone calls have been made. <<insert dramatic chord>>

Puh-leez.

Now don’t get me wrong. I concede that both of these donkeys are passionate about their beliefs. In fact, I used to like O’Reilly, back in the beginning days of his show. I thought that, for whatever his beliefs, he brought an unapologetic toughness that other interview shows lacked. But then he boarded the loony train. “Absolute power” and all that…

Same thing with Olbermann. He’s passionate, and most times, makes sense. But lately, his rants have become so personal in nature, he sounds more like a wackjob; out of control. It’s like, sweety, we know you think Bush is Satan, Stalin, H**ler, Mussolini and Dracula all rolled into one. Can we move on?

Both sides have their points, and they’re hired to air them. But then they muck it all up by playing what I call the “humanity” card. The “you’re not fit to show your face in public” (O’Reilly) and the “Worst Person in the World” thing from Olbermann. Slingin’ the mud, throwin’ the rocks. “You don’t think like me, so you’re sub-human and I hate you.” It’s ridiculous, truly.

I say that the discussion of two topics — namely, religion and politics — cause more animosity between otherwise civil and intelligent human beings than any other. Don’t you agree? They can so quickly and easily turn personal. That’s what is happening to Bill and Keith. It’s not about the issues anymore; it’s become a slugfest. Ain’t nobody winning this one.

Bottom line: Guys, it’s news. Granted, it’s important news and you’re paid to blather on about it, but it’s television, fuh cripesake. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you’re both secretly enjoying this gargantuan elephant of a ratings grab…

But I know better, don’t I.

Fink out.