What's With The Dog?

Now it may just be me and my innate unfamiliarity with the post election intentions of president elects, but throughout the past week I have found myself increasingly enthralled with the amount of cold hard print, web space and airtime that have been so outlandishly devoted to the supposedly pressing question of naming the promised and long awaited presidential pooch. I have repeatedly found this topic making headlines all over the media, taking its place among articles discussing such pressing national controversies as the economic crisis, war in the Middle East, and the proposed Fairness Doctrine. As a proud dog owner I can certainly enthusiastically relate to the Obama family and their anticipation of their very first pawed pet. Indeed they should continue to joyously proclaim their search for that perfect puppy. However, I just can't help but wonder if the front page is the best place to do it.

In his prophetic book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, the late author and media expert Dr. Neil Postman addressed the pressing problem of a growing number of simply irrelevant and unnecessary news items that the media chooses flash before us day after day. His reason for this influx of "junk" information is the media's late shift toward an entertainment industry. They have made it their primary goal to provide a source of sensory stimulation, not productive discourse. In my opinion this entire discussion regarding Obama's dog search is just that. Sure, it may tug at the heartstrings of some Americans and impress those dog lovers in the crowd. However, I believe this topic is taking up space in the media that should be reserved for more pressing matters. The president is adopting a dog. Good for him! Moving on.....