Which came first? Couch potatoes who actively seek out “breaking news” of Anna Nicole Smith – or networks force-feeding voyeuristic drivel to America?

Whose fault is it that the breaking news America evidently wants to hear is about rich, stupid, youthful, train-wreck lives, like those led by Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Anna Nicole, etc.? Why does the first five weeks of “American Idol” give us only the painful sideshows of performers with a severe lack of talent? Is it because that’s what America wants? Or that’s what the advertisers know America wants? Or that’s what the networks want to give us?

Follow the money. Advertisers are looking for ways to stay in front of viewers and networks try to give advertisers vehicles to reach those people by serving viewers the equivalent of television junk food.

What started out as an effort to give viewers a little light news as a break from the serious nature of the world has turned around 180 degrees. It appears that giving viewers a concoction of 90 percent brain-numbing fluff sprinkled with an occasional story of importance now is the norm.

It makes you want to stick your head out the window and shout “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.”

When will we realize how television is dumbing down America? Programming that used to be targeted toward society’s lowest common denominator now has infected the American mainstream. Imagine what this will turn into 20 years down the road. The “idiot box” will turn into a visual lobotomy.

Many things are addictive; most addictions can be beat with hard work. Pray, wish and hope that America kicks this habit before it’s too late.

Besides we have two years of political advertisements to endure/look forward to.