So true. ;-) It's just a big marketing exercise...with some propaganda thrown in. Guess why I watched stopping TV back in the late 80's...

I get my information from the Internet, the newspapers, and books.

*******

Amos, you said that my cocepts, insights, etc are "pretty well useless in application".

Well, yeah... ;-) But how would I be applying them anyway? What I choose to apply myself to in life is:

1. earning a living
2. playing music with friends of mine
3. exercising
4. taking care of my property (house, lawn, etc)
5. reading some books I enjoy
6. talking to friends on the internet
7. engaging in other personal hobbies and interests

My lofty concepts and insights, Amos, are not mechanisms even intended to be applied to, let's say, changing this society or altering the political system. They are simply part of who and what I am in an inner sense, therefore I find some satisfaction in expressing them, and that's all there is to it.

Now, someone like Obama...his particular work in life puts him in a position where he actually can apply his beliefs toward changing society, the political system, etc...if he chooses to.

Great. I hope he gives it a good shot. I, however, am not in such a position nor am I wishing to be. I am simply expressing my own thoughts here because it keeps my mind active and it pleases me to do so.

I am applying myself in completely different areas of life than politics and social action.