Must See TV

Lately, I have had the pleasure of being able to watch The View almost every day (one positive side-effect of being unemployed). Now, when I was working...I would catch clips of the more memorable moments on my lunch hour via the Internet. That was my only exposure to this show other than the occasional sick day, clip on the news, celebrity news shows or hearing my mom tell me about it.

Now, I see what all the fuss is about! There is something so very refreshing about a show that brings together all viewpoints and allows them to debate such important issues such as politics, religion, current affairs, news and of course the bad behavior of certain celebrities! And to have smart and entertaining women being the ones that open this dialouge...priceless! It's like sitting around with your closest friends and discussing current affairs over a good cup of coffee.

Growing up, we all heard at one time or another the old adage "There are 2 things you never discuss in mixed company...politics and religion". I have learned over the years that as long as you can express such opinions and share ideas with another (especially with someone of different viewpoint as yours) with respect and candor that this practice is out of date. I have spent many hours having such discussions...even though I am hard-headed and have strong opinions...I usually learn a thing or two from these discussions. I have learned things I didn't know before and have become a more informed adult for it! I have an ex-colleague (he got the boot the same day I did) that fits this bill. We went at it and at it leading up to the last election...he didn't change my mind, but he challenged me to see things another way, as I did for him.

Anyhow, that is what The View is all about. The Hot Topics section is my fave! They go at it every morning for about 15 minutes on various subjects. They make me laugh and they help me learn something new and see things from another viewpoint.

Last week, the women of The View (as a whole) were voted to Time's 100 Most Influential list for this year. I think this is a well deserved honor for a show that has opened up a dialogue within many Americans that they never would have had!