Another edition of things that are silly and currently in the news

It is time for another edition of my random commentary on things that are silly and in the news.  Just as in this post, the dubious honor of being the first item on my list goes to Sarah Palin. 

1. Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin and her family seem to have a pathological affinity for the spotlight.  I am not sure what they are hoping to accomplish, but if it is a run for the presidency, items such as their reality show, Dancing with the Stars, and this book (which is a collection of media reports about Sarah Palin, where she contradicts herself), are certainly not going to help the cause.   Maybe they do things differently up in Alaska, and not that I would ever want this crazy lady to be president, but if so, I would hope that a person with lofty political aspirations would be a little more professional.  It honestly seems like Sarah Palin is trying to sabotage herself. 

2. TSA screenings
As we enter into the busiest travel time of the year, what a better way to celebrate the holidays than with a "Merry Christmas" grope from your friendly neighborhood TSA agent.  I should give these people a little credit because I am sure that they don't want to be conducting "enhanced pat downs" any more than we want to receive them, but seriously federal government, get a grip (not literally, please)!  I see these latest regulations as nothing but an overzealous terrorist witch hunt and I hope SOMEONE comes to their senses soon because the proletariat have had it! 

3. The War on Christmas
Alright, here is something that gets under my skin like no other.  The War On Christmas refers to the manufactured struggle between the Right and the Left and the "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" debate.  The Christian Right views the War On Christmas as an attack by the Left on their religious and moral values and the Left views the debate as an imposition of someone else's morality/religion upon them.  As for me, I could care less.  The heated discourse usually takes place with regards to holiday decorations in public places (which I find tacky anyway) and holiday retail displays (I hate shopping). 

4. Black Friday
Because I dislike shopping with a passion, it should come as no surprise that I find Black Friday to be ridiculous.  However, in a faltering economy with decreased purchasing power, retailers are bound and determined to extract every last penny from their customers.  "Holiday" sales started the day after Halloween, "door buster" sales (traditionally only a part of Black Friday) have been occuring already this month and some stores are even opening on Thanksgiving Day so that people can begin spending their money early.  All I have to say is that I hope everyone enjoys freezing their you-know-whats off while I sleep in on Friday morning.  There is not a sale big enough in the world to make me get up that early and fight crowds of people.