We Get It; Now Please Do Your Jobs

Slate's Jack Shafer has a contrary view to the 24/7 cable (mostly) media homage being paid to Tim Russert. There's no disputing that Russert was a model husband, father and son, and was known for his work ethic, fairness, generosity, and loyalty. Spending some time in tributes is the right thing to do, but we have to agree with Shafer that at some point you have to get on with your job of reporting the news. What did MSNBC say this weekend about the horrible flooding and human tragedy in Iowa and the midwest? Growing problems in Afghanistan? Our struggling middle class? Nada.