* We’ve all noticed the ongoing evolution of the Tampa Bay Times editorial page. It’s been trying to broaden its readership base for obvious reasons. We’ve seen the signs from letters-to-the-editor selection to cartoon choice to opinion pieces.
No, it’s not morphing its progressive take into a conservative rant, but it’s been outsourcing regular space to Washington Post editorials and columnists–and not just George Will and Charles Krauthammer–as well as reserving a regular spot for former Republican Florida Sen. George Lemieux. Paula Dockery, a feisty RINO, really doesn’t count.
But last Sunday’s “Why You Must Vote For Trump” op-ed piece by billionaire GOP donor Sheldon Adelson–also via the Post–was an embarrassment. It was also Trumpesque: as simplistic as it was specious. Ideological diversity is one thing; dithering blather quite another. (“He is a CEO success story that exemplifies the American spirit of determination, commitment to cause and business stewardship.”)
Who’s up next? Sarah Palin? Hulk Hogan? Ted Nugent?
* It’s probably too late to meaningfully change now, but what enablers the non-Fox media have been with their continued knee-jerk references to “Obamacare.” Yes, the Affordable Care Act wasn’t a room-service headline meme, and the ACA sounds too much like a college athletic conference. But it wasn’t–and still isn’t–fair to convert a Republican congressional pejorative into standard journalistic shorthand.
* I love puns. And I’m always drawn to advertising that traffics in word play. I was reminded when I noted a recent newspaper ad for The Sod Father landscaping services. That prompted the recollection of some of my favorites: Plant Parenthood, Edifice Wrecks, Dew Drop Inn and Remains To Be Seen (antiques). Yes, there are a lot more, but, no, I’ll quit while I’m behind and give the last word to the late comedian Fred Allen. “Hanging is too good for a man who makes puns,” noted Allen. “He ought to be drawn and quoted.”