Opinion

SNL appearance crossed the line

Posted October 31, 2008 11:00 pm

At the risk of sounding like an absolute curmudgeon, I would like to weigh in on the much anticipated and subsequent appearance of Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin on "Saturday Night Live." To state it succinctly: it crosses a line.

Not everything should be the "goods" for ratings. And that was what it boiled down to. Saturday Night Live becomes easy ink for newspapers and a quick drink for the ever-thirsty electronic media. As such, It reduces leadership to commonality when we, as a citizenry, so need the elevation, reserve and stature that a real sense of statesmanship offers for a nation.

Should we be able to laugh at our leaders? Yes. Should our leaders be able to laugh at themselves? Of course. Recall: the role of the jester at court. He guarded against the absurdities of power. And yet, the king did not join in the jester's antics. And neither should the pretender to the throne.

Judith C. Heikes

Glen Ellyn

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