The American Spectator

The Virginian

You almost have to wonder if videotaped child-whacker Madelyne Toogood had an agent before she got herself into trouble. Within moments of her arrest, there she was on Larry King, weeping on cue. By one count she was on three other shows the same day.

Not long ago, the idea that a child-pounder would get to plead her case and seek sympathy on national television would have been dismissed as a muscatel daydream. Or perhaps something worse -- a True Sign of national decline. Whatever the larger picture, there's no denying that nowadays hosts compete fiercely for the honor of interviewing petty criminals, gutter slime, sleazeballs, professional sluts, and other low-lifes whose rank cachet seems to have a narcotic effect.

While striving to be non-judgmental, it is worth pointing out that this phenomenon has not only grimed up television, but had a negative effect on those accused of low-life activities. Not too long ago, the accused hid when a camera drew near. The current custom is to powder the nose and demand prime time.

It is in fact something of a surprise when a low-life newsmaker does not show up on Larry's show, or a show like his. Back over pedestrians at a swank club, get some face time. Ditto for marrying your horse, staying stoned for six years, or for simply gobbling down wanker-enhancement pills. Profess yourself a cannibal and you might get a full hour.

p> Larry: So tell me, what does a human taste like? br> Guest: Fish. br> Larry: Well, there you have it folks. We taste like fish. I guess that's not surprising. We are believed to have come from the sea. So it all makes sense. Closing thoughts? br> Guest:

topics:
Television, Israel, Oil