PBS 39's "Town Hall" a Biased Charade

PBS 39 is conducting a disgraceful political forum for state house and senate candidates, which will supposedly be climaxed by a showdown between U.S. congressional candidates Charles Dertinger and Charlie Dent. Although deceptively called a "town hall," it's nothing like that. The whole town consists of Amy Burkett, cheerfully exclaiming, "Where does the time go?"

On Monday evening, four state house candidates had less than thirty minutes total to explain property tax reform or midnight payraises.

Amy "Where does the time go?" Burkett gave Democrat Archie Follweiler just fifteen seconds to explain what he'd do about property taxes, an issue that has frustrated our state legislature for thirty years. Now Archie attempted an answer, but I've got an even better one. Cut public funding to stations that provide no public service.

Tuesday evening, things got even worse. Host Amy Burkett did replace "Where does the time go?" with "We must move along." But this time, in addition to rushing her guests, Burkett began to show bias. Julie Harhart and Russ Shade, candidates for state rep. in the 183rd legislative district, were the victims. Harhart was called either "Julie" or "Representative Harhart." Amy left me with the impression that she and "Julie" would be baking cookies as soon as the show was over. Reformer Russ Shade, on the other hand, was kept at a distance. He was almost always "Mr. Shade."

When I complained to Burkett, she responded "we need to limit the time." Translation? "These guys are too boring. Who gives a shit?" She also said, "I thank you for your time and passion for politics." Translation? "Drop dead, bozo."

I speak PBS. I learned that from the cookie monster. I think he could do a better job interviewing the candidates.