Are we voyeurs?

Judging by the number of reality shows on TV, the gossip blogs, magazines and even the tenor of the Presidential campaign, I wonder if we have become a society of voyeurs. It would seem that we are obsessed with what someone wore, who they are dating, what they are eating, and who is cheating on whom.

I'd like to invoke the famous line from Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." I don't want someone to dictate what is good for me or bad for me or how I should live my life. When I vote for someone on "Dancing with the Stars," I vote on talent, not their political, religious or social affiliations.

When I vote for someone to represent me in Congress, I vote for who I believe will do best by my city, state, country. When I vote for President, I vote for who I believe will do the best for this country, based on their abilities, track record and pitch. I don't care who has endorsed them and I don't pay attention to negative ads from their rivals.

I just wish the media at large will be a bit more focused on the issues at hand, not on who cheated on whom, or how rich or poor someone is. It so happens that Jack Kennedy and Bill Clinton will be judged as two of the most successful Presidents of the 20th century. Only those who are obsessed with their personal lives will dwell on the fact that they were both unfaithful to their wives. It is not for us to judge them - it is between them, their spouses and God.

When I go to see a movie, I do so because of the storyline and the actors, regardless of their personal beliefs or political affiliations. Of course, I will admire those who are involved in some humanitarian efforts or some noble calling. But, that will not be the driving factor for me to drop a hard earned dollar on their commercial enterprises.

'Nuf said. I don't give a mouse's hiney about how someone else lives their lives as long as they don't try to force me to live their way. I do love America and those who have fought for our freedom of speech and our freedom of religion and I must confess, I cannot read enough about those valiant men and women who sacrifice much, expecting nothing in return.