Friday, August 10, 2012

Shut Up and Listen!

I listen regularly to Laura Ingraham's radio program.  Lately, however, I'm becoming more and more annoyed with her and I've reached a point where I have to blow off some steam.  

I understand and respect her passion and her increasingly frequent anger, as I share those feelings.  It has become almost a cliche, but it also happens to be true:  this is the most important election of my lifetime.  It will determine whether the United States continues as the "land of the free" or becomes a more repressive country with less individual liberty.  

Laura Ingraham often lets her passion get the better of her. She has developed the maddening habit of interrupting and talking over her guests and callers, even those with whom she agrees.  For example, this morning, a man called and mentioned how the Republicans won in 2010; Laura interrupted him in mid-sentence and the poor man never got another word in.  

I have a message for you, Laura:  your callers just might have something of value to contribute if you'll let them finish a sentence.  They might even bring up a point which you haven't thought of yet.  

Just as you titled your book "Shut Up and Sing", I'd like to say to you "Shut up and listen".  Otherwise, I don't think I can tolerate listening to you anymore.  

1 comment:

  1. I agree with you. And it is not just Laura Ingraham. Most of the talk show hosts, on TV or radio seem to reach a point where they believe their own publicity.

    Rarely do I watch Bill O'Reilly anymore for the very same reason. He constantly interrups and talks over his guests. Sean Hannity on the other hand, has 2, 3, or 4 or more of his guests talking over one another, arguing and none of them can be heard.

    From a listener and viewer's perspective, this is most annoying. I thought the whole purpose of 'talk radio' and guest commentators on TV was to offer a forum for audience expression.

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