Let me share some elemental truths.

1. Television is not important.

2. Most intelligent Americans have stopped watching it. They may have one favorite show a week, but that's about it.

3. The television industry (yes, it's merely another business) has boxed itself into producing ever-more stupid shows for ever-more stupid people.

4. When you get your own place, you don't have to buy a TV. When your set dies, you don't have to replace it. Then you can spend the money, electricity and time that a TV demands on something you really want to do.

5. Life without TV is more fun.