I'm hardly a staunch advocate for Media Matters for America, a far-left group which digs through all forms of media searching for controversy. It's trashy, partisan and harms the public dialogue.

But there's no defending Fox News' E.D. Hill for suggesting Sen. Barack Obama's fist-pound gesture could have been a "terrorist fist-jab." See the video; the words come without any explanation or provocation - never mind that the topic isn't news in the first place:


As my generation knows, the fist-pound is as common as a high-five or a handshake, and carries a very similar meaning. So where does Fox "News" get off suggesting a terrorist association to the motion?

This is exactly why I avoid FNC after years of defending it. The other 24-hour cable news stations carry junk commentary, too (see: Jack Cafferty), but at least it's not character assassination.

Still, E.D. Hill's classless comment is indicative of an increasingly irresponsible media culture which prizes sharp tongues and strong language from its anchors, and highlights non-issues like body language when there are real policy issues to debate and explain:

After decades of inaction, how will we finally address our energy crisis in a comprehensive, bipartisan manner?

Will we continue to ignore our environment while "Extreme Weather" news coverage becomes a daily concern?

What will Washington do about the extreme fiscal irresponsibility which has put us trillions of dollars in debt and hyper-dependent on federal subsidies?

Our Information Society needs to focus on finding answers instead of spreading distractions. Both presidential candidates, the media and the public have sufficient influence to make this happen.

ADDING TO THE DISCUSSION: Bright Hall colleague Andrew Scurria says it's too easy to turn the media into a whipping boy. He makes a worthy argument; share your views in the Comments section below.