When Television and Politics Collide

I have a confession to make: I watch a lot of TV, and I’m not going to pretend that all or even most of it is educational. This would hardly be considered unusual except that I’m a serious political person who does serious political work and people like us aren’t supposed to admit that we watch a good amount of—let’s face it—trashy TV. The way I look at it, we all need a little fluff in our lives, especially after a day spent reading and writing about the decline of Western civilization. And as the cliché goes: if you can’t beat them, join them.

Also, I’ve found that there are political aspects to even the most seemingly superficial of television shows . . .

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AMC's Addictive "Mob Week"

I've gotten sucked in by AMC's "Mob Week" and so far, have watched all or parts of The Godfather I, II, and even III, The Untouchables, Goodfellas, Donnie Brasco, and Scarface---all for the umpteenth time. The series is hosted by foodie tough guy Anthony Bourdain and the films are interspersed with interviews with real life mobsters, authors, and more.

There's something about gangsters--not to mention the fact that some of these films are amongst the best ever made--that keeps us coming back for more. And the madness continues through August.