This week's lessons from the cultural conduit...

[misanthrope]

Our latest media mega-blitz on the runaway bride is filled with things we should take to heart and discuss from sea to shining sea, but doubtfully will.

One, the news media are lazy sensationalistic whores. Well, of course, we're not going to see any heed given this thought. Not anytime soon and certainly not on television.

Two, that we still have intense problems with prejudice and bigotry in this country. This is far too complex, embarassing, brutal and relevant to make its way into the fore of our cultural consciousness.

Three, our nation's views and treatment of marriage are completely whacked. The entire cult that has been built around marriage feeds too much industry for Americans to question what drives it.

Another chance to really progress falls by the wayside.