Tiger television: Story is interesting, but, really, every single day?

The best thing that ever happened to Congress is the worst thing that probably has likely happened to Tiger Woods.

The ongoing saga of the professional golfer's marital infidelity as well as continuing 911 calls involving members of his family seem to have taken over the news, displacing just about everything else in the lead news slots.

And it even displaced more important commentary here. Ironic isn't it?

The problem is that while Woods' story might be salacious and, therefore, irresistible, it is merely celebrity gossip.

So why does it occupy so many lead slots on the television news?

Perhaps it is an early Christmas present for those who are voting in the Senate this week on health care reform.

If the country is talking about Tiger, it is not paying attention to what votes are being cast and what amendments are being made at the last minute.

And that is why we have to be extra careful over the next few weeks.

We cannot get distracted by Swedish models and huge marital bribes. We cannot be lured into long analysis of Woods' future or the number of sponsors who have decided to go elsewhere. This can't become Tiger-gate.

Because if it does, we just might miss our chance to influence one of the most important votes of our generation.

And none of us can afford that.

Published in Editorials on December 9, 2009 12:07 PM