We're fascinated by freaks.

America has become a freak show. Freaks abound. And they get all kinds of publicity. Because they are freaks. Like that preacher in Florida. The one that wants to burn copies of the Koran. We know about him because TV and radio and newspapers focus attention on him. He's got a congregation of 50 members. He's a nothing. A lunatic. An asshole. But he's getting national and international attention. We're making him a celebrity. Solely because he's a freak. A good case could be made that he's insane. Just as insane as Michele Bachmann, my congresswoman. She got elected because she's a freak. She's become known nationally because she's irrational. A blubbering idiot. But that catches attention. Because she walks in the halls of Congress. We Americans like freaks. Unusual people. Escapees from an asylum. Because they're entertaining. We go to circuses to see the fat lady. Or the lady with the long beard. Or excessive tatoos. Freaks. We're fascinated by freaks. --Jim Broede