A couple of things I don't understand...

For today's post I was going to write about the changes in America since the 80's but that changed while I was flipping through channels during halftime of the BcS championship game  last night (more on that later).

I knew that the Arizona  shooting's  would be turned into some political debate. I expected rhetoric from the left and right about gun control and  about  mental health care. And I was somewhat hopeful that since a death of a young girl was involved that something positive could occur.

I was literally shocked that MSNBC was using this incident as a way to attack Sarah Palin.  Now, maybe I missed something, but from what I saw Keith Olbermann was essentially saying that because a website (I didn't not see which one) that is affiliated with Palin had target sights covering different congressional districts; that Sarah Palin was responsible for the shooting.   HUH???

Like I wrote, maybe I missed something (I tried to watch the repeat but it was to much); but there is way too much assuming in that logic.  First of all, even if for some reason the mentally unstable kid saw that website the odds don't seem favorable that would cause him to kill. Secondly, even if he did see the sight how does that make Sarah Palin responsible for his action. Just because there is, in my opinion, an unhealthy hate for Sarah Palin does not make her responsible for everything that goes wrong in this country.

 But part of what is important to me in this situation is that it shows a real problem that I think exists. To me there is no real way to hold the media accountable for their actions.  Yes I know that ratings are supposed to help with that. And I have seen the shows read unfavorable email on the air.

But where is the real checks and balance system or the media?  I know about the FCC; but my understanding is that the FCC can only fine objectionable material.

What I think we need is a "media commissioner". Someone who can fine a reporter or anchor or commentator when they give wrong facts, act inappropriately or are just to over  the line of common sense or decency. Do I think it will happen? No. But I do think something is needed.