I'm watching David Simon, creator of The Wire, talking to Charlie Rose, and I'm struck by how deep his sadness, and anger, and frustration about America's future run.
First, I have to say I never watched The Wire during its very distinguished run, because I don't get HBO. I might not have watched it, even if HBO were in my cable package, although I have no doubt it was as good as everyone said, because I am a bear of very little emotional backbone. The real world breaks my heart enough, thank you very much. For much the same reason, this middle-brow female will probably not watch Simon's new seven-episode show about soldiers in Iraq, Generation Kill.
But that doesn't change the fact that I was impressed with Simon. His intensity, his humor, and his righteous ire and heartbreak struck me as a reflection of his deep patriotism. Only people who love their country intensely, and believe in it deeply, can get that sad and angry over what they see as its mistakes.