CT Blue

Yesterday’s debate is over, and I think it’s only fair to pay tribute to the true heroes.

The internet has done some wonderful things, but perhaps for none can we be more grateful than the ability it affords the millions to avoid actually watching the likes of Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney bloviate for two hours, while still giving us the ability to get the highlights, from a number of perspectives, in real time.

I consider myself a person of at least an average ability to maintain my self control and, despite my advancing years, my heart is strong and my blood pressure low. But I know my limits. In my younger days I was fully capable of watching Republican presidential candidates debate, but that was in a different era, when some of them were certifiably sane. Those days are gone, and I know that I risk permanent harm should I expose myself to a concentrated dose of high pressure right wing posturing, particularly by the loathsome creatures remaining in this year’s contest. I don’t need a brain aneurysm, thank you very much, and my wife gets upset when I start screaming at the television. But thanks to the magic of the twittersphere, I can avoid any need to risk my health or marriage while still keeping fully apprised of the debate as it progresses, for there are numerous brave souls who willingly- in fact, in some cases, one suspects eagerly – expose themselves to the mind altering experience of a Republican debate. They sacrifice their health and their fingers, as they tap away throughout, sending instant and –in the case of those I follow-informed and funny reactions to the doings on stage, allowing the faint of heart such as I to stay informed yet sane.

So let us observe a moment of silence for these brave if foolish souls. They watch, so we don’t have to. We cannot know what permanent damage might result from this masochistic behavior. We can only hope for their sakes, that Obama’s Healthcare plan remains in effect, as they will need treatment of some sort, sooner or later.