A group of liberals have dedicated themselves to "taking back the air waves" , their primary strategy being the creation of a left-wing radio network, called Air America. Featuring such heavy hitters as Al Franken and Janeane Garofalo the network is going to attempt to provide a liberal voice that is altogether lacking on AM radio. The question that many people are asking is, of course, are they insane?

Not that liberals don't deserve a voice, but there are serious questions about the commercial viability of the Air America network. Are there enough liberals out there to support a left wing media conglomerate?

They certainly think so. Air America seems very positive that they'll be able to attract listeners, but the people who they've chosen to feature in their press releases and advertisements provides an interesting glimpse into the perceptions of the folks running this particular show.

The most prominent of this liberal dream team is Al Franken a former writer for Saturday Night Live, and the author of several bestselling books. In fact, it's possible that the idea for Air America never would have gotten off the ground if it hadn't been for the fact that Mr. Franken was able to sell a hell of a lot of books even though he's an out of the closet liberal. Those sales have galvanized the hard-core left, and Franken is widely perceived as being the first person with the guts to actually stand toe to toe with the right wing attack machine. The overwhelming sales of Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Lies, and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them illustrated the fact that there is a vastly undeserved clientele of angry liberals in this country. Best of all, he's a comedian and a writer who sharpened his teeth in the (mostly) politically neutral world of Saturday Night Live.

Does that mean that he'll attract centrists and moderates to the Air America network? Oh, hell no. The fans of SNL might break down into several camps -- some of whom are politically conscious -- but let's face it: the vast majority tune in for the bad impressions, the musical guests, and Drunk Girl. These people aren't just politically un-conscious, they're barely literate.

While it's tempting to think that the people behind Air America are completely out of touch (they are liberals after all), it's actually pretty likely that they realize their superstar line-up means nothing to most Americans. The inclusion of Al Franken and Janeane Garofalo -- two reasonably famous people – might lead one to the assumption that they were chosen solely because they are the biggest names that could be cajoled into joining this fledgling operation. But, the third most frequently mentioned person is almost completely unheard of. Lizz Winstead co-created the Daily Show, but she left shortly after Craig Kilborn, the animatronic smug-droid.

Her inclusion into the big three is a vital part of understanding the purpose of Air America – and is also an indication of just how serious the network is about that purpose. Al, Janeane, and Lizz share a very important trait: they are fighters. They're not above making incredibly provocative statements, ad hominem attacks, and shouting profanities. Given the sorts of attacks that certain people have been hitting them with, it's about time that liberals grow a pair and put up a fight for a change. And that's partly what Air America is all about. You don't come out and call liberals traitors and terrorists unless you really believe all that bunk about liberals being pussies.

One must admit though, it must be pretty fun to be a conservative: You get to bash your opponents with the most outrageous things you can think of without fear of being taken to task for it. Perhaps, if Air America succeeds, that will change. It's certainly a start. If liberals ditch their over-blown, intellectual stances and sling some mud for a change, maybe the conservatives will gear down on a few of their most ridiculous pieces of agitprop (yeah, right).

Finally, and above all else, Air America is a public admission that political discourse in this country has at last sunk below the fetid mud of the Potomac. Starting a liberal media network isn't crazy after all – it's a sign of returning sanity. High handed liberal rhetoric is no longer a winning strategy and now, after 30 years of taking a beating, they seem to be realizing it. Conservatives brought us to this age of childish name calling – it's time to meet them at the bottom.

-B. C. Silvia
-3/17/2004