They are having a program on America's Greatest American, and they have a list of 100 Nominees. So let's look at who's on the list and who is not on the list.
Laura Bush - Married to the current president, and clearly deserving of consideration for the Greatest American.
Louis Armstrong - Revolutionized American Music. Changed the way we listen to music, the way we sing, and was one of the most popular performers of all time. Not worthy of consideration. See also Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis.
Rush Limbaugh - Right wing radio host, listened to by millions. Once told a black caller to"Take that bone out of your nose and call me back." Clearly worthy of consideration for the Greatest American.
Emily Dickenson - Reclusive poet. Only had two poets printed during her lifetime, but since then her poems have been read and beloved by millions. Not worthy of consideration.
Pat Tillman - Football hero who served in the military in Afghanistan and was killed. Clearly worthy of consideration for the Greatest American.
Ulysses S. Grant - Union General during the Civil War, in which he waged a successful campaign to preserve the Union. Not worthy of consideration.
Martha Stewart - Delightful TV personality dedicated to making all of our lives a little nicer and selling us stuff at the same time. Clearly worthy of consideration for the Greatest American.
Groucho Marx - Brilliantly funny comedian who, with his brothers, helped create the language of film comedy. Not worthy of consideration. See also Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and W.C. Fields.
Bob Dylan did not make the list, neither did Lenny Bruce. On the other hand there was room for four Bushs (Laura, George W., George H.W. and Barbara). I could go on, but I've made my point. Should be the Greatest Founding Father or Person who's been in the news in the last 3 years.
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