I swear, I blame Jerry Springer

Dear Mr. Springer,

I have not researched this very carefully, but my guess is you are smart.  Way smarter than average.  You were the mayor of Cleveland, or Cincinnati, or one of those almost big cities.  And you crafted this TV show where you intentionally put people in conflict, and made money while these people demonstrated how to deal with conflict – hair-pulling, name-calling, and just generally embarrassing themselves (would that they be embarrassable!) in front of an encouraging live audience and a TV audience of millions.

You – because you’re so smart – would say, and maybe did say, you were just reflecting society, not informing it.  But I say (I, who am less smart, less rich, but I would hope less selfish) you informed society – you taught a generation of US citizens that this is appropriate behavior.

And so tonight’s debate is just the most recent result of your machinations, the denouement of your clever artistry.  You are (gracias a Wikipedia) 76, probably living in The Villages or in some cool-ass condo on the upper east side, and your family will no longer have to work, for at least two generations.

How’d you enjoy the debate tonight?  Proud to be an American?

You’re smart.  But you’re also selfish.  I hope you own the role you had in United States social interactions in 2020.  J’accuse.

Love.

Randolph.

_{The Jerry Springer Show taken by Molly Marshall on March 9, 2009 is licensed under CC by-NC 2.0}