Why Is Beck?

photo "Roswell Main Street" (c) Bill Hicks

Brief note today. 

Limbaugh spent a lot of time yesterday talking about President Obama's religious views.  Of course he accused Mr. Obama of changing them to suit the moment.  In Limbaugh's universe, absolutely nothing Obama says is as it seems.  Yet--at least to me--Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, the rest of these ranters--seem fundamentally to be a mystery.  Why are they ubiquitous.  Why and how are they convincing anyone at all.  Where did this reality come from--a world where right-wing commentators dominate the radio and one whole TV network, where you have a choice of pretty bad music or Limbaugh, et al.  It's no wonder they've gotten some traction--repetition is an effective tactic, and repetitious they certainly are.  Still.  Why are they there?

http://seaton-newslinks.blogspot.com/2010/09/kochs-paying-to-keep-america-dumb.html

Give a listen to Mr. Seaton.  This particular link is a good starting place.  More recent posts of his develop the theme.  We all should try to get a handle on what's going on.  It's a useful thing to have.  And a hat tip to James Wolcott, who put me on to Mr. Seaton this morning.  Wolcott writes for Vanity Fair.