How about Olbermann in exchange for Beck?

Reader Supported News | Perspective

By Leslie Griffith
Reader Supported News

Now that the "all about Keith" show is over and the hysteria died down, it's time to say "goodbye." It's also time to thank him and acknowledge that, sometimes in life, it's simply time to go. To move on.

America needed bravery exactly when Keith found his voice. America needed righteous anger and Keith struck just the right tone with his nightly comments. He said out loud and on television what many Americans (including reporters), were afraid to say even in hushed murmurs. He confirmed our worst fears. We were a country duped by a president who felt "misunderestimated." Keith often pointed out that our public education system is in ruins and for evidence of such, we need look no further than the previous leader of the "Free World," or to the Tea Party candidate who first heard about the Separation of Church and State while campaigning for Congress. It has been a crazy time, but times are changing.

Perhaps Keith knew this.

Truth is, during Keith Olbermann's final year at MSNBC, we watched the life get sucked right out of him. He became more extreme about most everything and employed the same angry tone all the time. Treason is not the same thing as stupidity. The difference is clear. But, lately, it felt like Keith wasn't seeing the difference and, rather, just putting on a show ... stirring the pot while turning up the heat on the trash talk and waiting for it all to reach a boil.

After 25 years in television news, I know it's not his fault. Not really. Television quickly turns bravery into arrogance, and there's no doubt Keith Olbermann got a bit snarky and arrogant. But I will miss the Olbermann of old, and I already miss the one of late ... the talking head who read Thurber out loud on the air. Anyone who reads Thurber gets the joke.

At the risk of sounding as if I am not grateful, let me say it plain: Thanks, Keith, for helping the nation find its voice. In honor of last night's State of the Union, I'd like to honor you. Now, as the President strikes a conciliatory note and tries desperately to get political opponents to sit together, many Americans no longer want or need "affirmation" television. We need insight from all points of view. If not, we will end up as divided and tribal as the Taliban.

The late, great Molly Ivins used to say about campaign finance reform, "We have to get the pigs out of the water to clear up the stream." Keith would have liked that. Let's focus on it.

Then, after "We the People" get campaign finance reform, so those in power won't have to (as Molly would say) "Dance with them what brung 'em," next, let's focus on nuclear disarmament.

If words are as powerful as bombs ... how about a trade for a trade?

Keith is gone.

Mr. Murdoch, it is your move.

Leslie Griffith has been a television anchor, foreign correspondent and an investigative reporter in newspaper, radio and television for over 25 years. Among her many achievements are two Edward R Murrow Awards, nine Emmies, 37 Emmy Nominations, a National Emmy nomination for writing, and more than a dozen other awards for journalism. She is currently working on a documentary, giving speeches on "Reforming the Media," and writing for many on-line publications, as well as writing a book called "Shut Up and Read." She hopes the book, her speeches, and her articles on the media will help remind the nation that journalism was once about public service ... not profit. To contact Leslie, go to lesliegriffith.org.


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