On my local NPR affiliate (having said THAT, there are some here who are so self-appointedly "open-minded" that they will dismiss the following entirely), every Friday morning there is an in-studio discussion (KUOW-FM's studios in Seattle' University District) which includes several media reporters of varied political positions talking about events during the preceding week.

Interesting program. In addition to my own channel-surfing, dial-twisting, newspaper-reading, and internet-combing, I have a chance to listen to knowledgeable people with differing opinions and differing philosophies discuss and evaluated current events and attempt to defend their viewpoints.

It gives me a fairly broad and varied perspective from which to form my own views.

Also, last night I watch Charlie Rose's interview with Harry Belafonte, who, for those who don't know, is quietly politically very active. When asked about Obama, Bellafonte's comments were somewhat restrained, but it was obvious that he was deeply disappointed. But, he cautioned, "When you consider the alternatives . . . (shudder!!)."

Heard on another radio program:

Interviewer:   "What would you consider to be a good campaign song for the Republicans in this coming election?"

Interviewee:   "Send in the Clowns!"

Put it in circulation.

Don Firth