NOT UNDERSTANDING . . .

There are lots of things I don't understand about popular opinion, the things that the public is interested in, the things that elicit conversation and attention, the things that attract adoration and hatred, the things that generate controversy.

I don't understand self-proclaimed liberals who pride themselves on being open-minded, but are close-minded about Christianity and against Christians, lumping all of us and our lives into one itty-bitty boat of stereotypes inaccurately fueled by the religious right.

I don't understand the hoopla about "The Da Vinci Code." It's fiction, and like any book, should be read thoughtfully. It's a movie, and like any movie, should be watched carefully.

I don't understand the attention given to Britney Spears and her baby, and the questioning conducted about her parenting skills. Unbuckled (and therefore patently unsafe) car rides notwithstanding, the girl tripped and almost fell, and she happened to be holding her kid. Does this not happen to many parents? Do not people trip and almost fall all the time? Do not worse things happen? Do we not have better things to do than discuss -- or care about -- what kind of mother Britney Spears is?

I don't understand why it matters that Susan Sarandon came out in support of Hillary Clinton's opponent in the senatorial race. I don't understand why it matters that any celebrity supports any political candidate. What has happened to us that we need someone else -- rich 'n famous, or not -- to influence our thinking, sway our opinion, or affirm our convictions?

I don't understand why 80's fashions are making a comeback. My hair wouldn't feather then, and it ain't gonna feather now.