So torn...

So, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are back, without writers and without a deal. Since I'm not a Nielson family, and don't have a TiVo (our DVR is through our cable company, and doesn't seem to report viewing patterns as far as I can tell), I probably will be following them at least to some extent, but feeling guilty about it on general principle.

On the other hand, I kind of like that this will make it more apparent to more people that something's up. Plenty of folks don't even know about the WGA strike, and I very much appreciated that Stewart and Colbert both used their first show back to talk extensively about it; part of what I've missed about The Daily Show is that it was providing info about the negotiations before the strike began; I sure don't think the crap "reality" shows being brought out as replacements were doing a better job of making clear to people what's going on and why. So, if a show's going to come back without a deal, I'd prefer it's one where the strike is likely to stay front and center in their coverage.

(for those who're interested, wga_supporters and thedailyshow both have more info)

For those of you who support the writers, though, I would suggest absolutely avoiding purchasing episodes through iTunes or viewing clips on the Comedy Central website; internet residuals are at the heart of the issue, and right now the writers aren't getting any.

Election articles, yet again

Ohio to offer paper ballots in March

Voter ID Court Challenges Expected to Have Big Impact on 2008 Elections

This blog seems interesting, so I've created a feed: rsselectionlaw


Edit: Bonus Article -- The ten worst appointees for reproductive freedom