Americans & priorities!

Zut ! Actually the timing may be perfect... I couldn't have afforded it when I was there, and it may be just the ticket for a return visit.


And I agree with you, the people who really care about voting are going to vote regardless... but I do feel that (along with general disinterest, which seems to be common) people often don't feel that their voice counts, which is sad. Right now it's the only system we've got, and we need to use it. But pop culture is fast-paced, sexy, and fun, so it probably seems a lot more attractive to many people than plain old politics and why it's probably easier to find more office water cooler discussions about who's being voted off on TV than who's being voted for in the White House.

While I don't endorse the electoral college system that we have I hardly think that those who didn't vote did so in protest against the system. Or even knew such a system existed. Like begging the question.I'm sure that those who were concious of the system were those who did indeed vote.

In 2000 there was no question that one vote did count in Florida and in 2004 the same situation existed in Ohio.

And Stacy, I know it's too late but the bathtub you were looking for was in our deluxe room at the hotel Au Manoir St.Germain.

Stacy: that's the saddest indictment of all!

Actually, a lot of the US ones are taken from European shows, especially British. If I'm not mistaken, the Eurovision song contest preceded American Idol. Dancing with the Stars originated in Europe. There are others as well (I don't watch a lot of TV so can't name many!!).

On the other hand, I can't imagine any variation on Chiffres et Lettres being shown in the US! Definitely not mindless entertainment, that, and amazing to see how good some of those contestants are.

It's disheartening to see how much US television there is in France and even more discouraging to see which shows they're airing (Jerry Springer, anyone? Now there's an export to be proud of )

As far as people being more inclined to vote for American Idol than for president, I'm guessing that may have to do partly with disinterest in politics and also partly due to frustration or the feeling that (especially given the Electoral College) one's vote simply doesn't count... whereas text-messaging a vote for the next young "star" gives near-immediate results and gratification and the feeling that one's vote may have made a difference.

so nice, to have differnt tastes. I dislike strongly Rapp, the most boring music of all.It's sad to see it main stream. IMHO.

I have looked at some of my all time,all time.,all time favorite re-runs....and have been oh so disappointed with some of them.

I've never watched the program and I've never been in a Mac Do's.
Early TV was great at the time of Sid Caesar, Broadway open house, person to Person, Lux theatre, Monty Python, good jazz, inner sanctum, Oh, "Where have all the flowers gone??"

Al: I failed to say that contrasted to the US, the majority of French programing is targeted to rocket scientists. There are so many historical, nature, political and philosophically oriented programs broadcast on the "regular" channels. The French aren't forced to subscribe to a cable provider in order to see some culture.

Yes, there is a yearly TV tax. But, I'm delighted to pay it. And people over 65 are exempted from paying the tax.

You would think they would show more discrimination. Zat what you're saying??? Since the whole world is doing it it would seem that most in this world are on the low end of the cultural totem pole despite nationality.

I have been watching a lot of American TV recently. Have many people become so vacuous that the industry has been forced to "dumb down" what it broadcasts?

Regarding the American Idol, what does it say that the last show for the season attracted so many viewers?

I'm not implying that France doesn't have its fair share of stupid programs. But I am sad to say that many of them are patterned after US/TV game shows.

You're right...But if the Yankees were in the '44 world series I wouldn't have bet on it.

Actually, what he said was that the 64+ million votes were more than any president has won in an election. Still to your point, Karen, it makes a statement.

Right on BPJEAN...
And don't forget sport.
I have even seen some WW 2 newspapers where the headlines were more about sport than what was happening to our troops...
Take a look at the 1944 World Series...
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ws/yr1944ws.shtml
I bet our Friend BPAL had other things in his mind than baseball as he was dodging bullets...
Mike

Louise - thank you for clarifying that figure. I had a hard time believing. But -- that's what the producers of the show kept saying.


Jean -- how soon do you think it will be before we will be able to vote online? I can't imagine it isn't doable.

What is wrong? Many Americans are more interested in entertainment than in politics. Also, on-line voting is just easier.

Karen

There were over 121 million votes cast in the 2004 presidential
election- 62+ million for Bush and 59+ million for Kerry.

Louise

My dear Lady...
It shows that the voting machines for the "American idol" were not rigged as were those in Florida - Ohio - etc. in the presidential elections, and that all votes were counted...
Seriously, you sure brought up a good point, because if WE in America paid as much attention in electing our political leaders as we do the entertainers, America would not be in the mess that it is in...
Mike

What does it tell you that in last night's final competition of the hit show "American Idol" that 64 million people cast their votes to establish the winner.

Those are more people than voted in the last US presidential election. What is wrong with this picture?