Reply #45: "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable" ...

[Lisa]

Isn't that what comedy is supposed to do? And let's face it, many of the politicians who support the status quo (Republicans and Democrats) are in the "comfortable" group. It's not Jon Stewart's fault that they have chosen this ... nor is it his fault that so many media people, who are supposed to help make the powerful accountable, are turning a blind eye.

I have watched the work of Stewart (and Colbert too) long enough to suspect that these people are NOT amoral cynics who are out to enrich themselves by scoffing at democratic principles. I believe that they are more idealistic and earnest than some of the pundits who are criticizing them. And they are certainly more so than the political strategists (and politicians themselves) who are trying to manipulate the population through phony "folksy solemnity".

After all -- I think it takes a lot of idealism to believe that you can make the world a better place, not through force of arms or angry ranting, but by poking fun at powerful people on TV!

I wonder how much of the shows Kalin watches? Both Stewart and Colbert give quite a bit of respect to politicians and commentators who are sincerely working hard to help their constituents. Far more than those one-sided shouting matches on FOX do.