Yet another reason to hate conservatives: The have no sense of camp

This morning, I'm waiting in line at "my" coffee shop in the Westin (which used to be a fabulous bar called "Fitzgerald's on Fifth" , but I digress). Every morning they have the televisions tuned into the cable news channel, with the sound off - the theory being that we can't be away from TV for even a second, at least when we're not working.

Anywhoozle, they were flogging the London terror story (cable channels love anything to do with airports) and this logo came up on the screen: TERROR IN THE SKIES! TARGET: AMERICA (complete with an airplane superimposed over the United States, with a target around the whole thing)

I couldn't help snickering. Not about terrorism (although I do have my theories on that) but about the campy, simple-minded graphic. It was just so typical of how dumb cable news is. It was a private snicker, just to myself. But it attracted the attention of the guy standing in line next to me - who was straight out of some central casting call for repressed businessman: About my age, but fatter and balding, in the regulation khakis and sports shirt with some company logo.

"You think that's funny?" he asked, scowling at me.

"No, I don't think terrorism is funny. But I think that graphic is pretty melodramatic, and the coverage is kind of over-the-top" I replied.

He rolled his eyes and said "I knew this town was full of liberal kooks, but I never thought I'd meet one here" (evidentially I hadn't gotten the memo about Westin being liberal free)

"Oh, you'd be suprised" I told him "This is a strong union hotel. Very liberal. The place is crawling with them"

"Great" he replied "Thanks for really making my trip. God, I hate this town"

"Sorry to hear that" I replied, in my best hospitality manner "Hope you have a safe trip home. Remember to check your liquids" and walked off with my coffee.

I mean really. What an asshole. Have I told you how much I hate conservatives?