Good point. Archie Bunker was a very effective straw-man. In part I would agree that the right romanticizes the past too much. But if they're guilty of romanticizing the past, the left is guilty of romanticizing "progress". For example, no one denies that pre-marital sex has always been around. However, in past generations, an out-of-wedlock pregnancy was stigmatized. Now it's almost applauded. Back then you had two choices - get married to the father or give up the child for adoption. I think that was better for the child. Now women opt for abortion or making the government the breadwinner.

The question that begs to be asked is "where are the parents/guardians" of Jones? Child actors are exploited and usually don't turn out too well as adults though Kirk Cameron is a notable exception. As for those who trivialize the filth on television, I have to believe that the advertisers don't spend billions on ads without some expectation that they influence the public. And if ads influence the public why wouldn't the shows themselves? I don't know whether the entertainment industry leads the culture or reflects the culture. It may be a combination of both. But clearly there are cultural indicators that point to trouble. I think Bozell makes some good points.

It would be very interesting to compare states with death penalties vs states without them and see if those with capital punishment have higher rates of confessions. For example, does a state like Massachusetts, which doesn't have capital punishment, have a tougher time getting a murder to divulge the location of the body than Texas? There should be some way to do a comparison.

When I think of people voting to re-elect Obama I'm reminded of the saying "Fool me once - shame on you. Fool me twice - shame on me!"

Chic-Fil-A is great! Their workers are very friendly and their food is quite healthy. I also admire them for closing on Sundays. Notice to Mayor Menino: I will be eating more than ever at Chil-Fil-A and urging my friends and family to do the same. Thanks for giving Chic-Fil-A more publicity. I love Boston, but sometimes their politicians take the cake.