My strategy for dealing with September 11th was to focus on small, inconsequential details preferrably as far away from the "events" as possible. It's a scale with fireballs on one side and, say, "too much salt in this oatmeal" on the other. But of course, the scale is tipped, so things slide toward the fireball side, but I cling desperately, seeking purchase among the minutia. It didn't work for me then, and it won't work for me now.... BUT, here's my comment about your genuinely touching (and much appreciated) post, Mike:

Don't Blame Kelly Clarkson. Here's my point....

While I'm just about the last person to defend the Fox network (and I'm not*), this is kind of a case in which the crass commercialization has defeated itself (or at least undermined; it always wins in the end). Despite the hoopla, the fact is that millions of people (of all ages and walks of life) took the American Idol "competition" to heart, adopting different contenders, voting repeatedly**, and -- you have to admit -- coming together and talking about something. Millions of people saw that old cliche, the American Dream, come true (albeit with all its dangers) for a sweet, humble girl from Texas -- and a broke cocktail waitress, no less.

And the winner, Kelly Clarkson, is -- just at this moment -- about the least commercialized pop star we have ever had in this country. She was CHOSEN by America. She's one of us, and, presumably, she's the one we want singing our national anthem. She's not singing the soon-t0-be-hit single from the show. It's not like it's Christina Aguilera (who may be singing elsewhere, for all I know).

So, while it's true that every television station that exists will be pumping out 9/11 remembrances and many of us (especially here) are having intense reactions to those memories, it's worth noting that.... well, that's what TV stations do. We're a televised culture and this is the most important thing that's happened in a generation. Singers will sing, bloggers will blog; thank heavens for options and the "power off" button. I won't be watching, but I'm glad it's Kelly Clarkson who's singing.

Next year, she may be a tool of the evil empire, but this week she's the bridge between the small town and the wide world. And there's nothing wrong with that.

*Our resident American Idol expert Chris (who follows these things) points out that Fox was approached by the organizers of the event, not the other way around. It's still business, of course, but it may not be quite as craven as it appears.

**A note on AI voting. When it came down to it, America -- voting as often as they wished, via a toll free phone call -- picked the "right" contestant. A more effective model, it turns out, than the Electoral College (at least when you introduce James Baker and a Bourgeoise Riot into the equation.)

(See? Pretty silly, right? I know. I'm not trying to say my "small things" strategy is good or noble or effective; it's just something that happens. But it turns out the small things are often connected to the big things. As in: isn't there some small comfort to be found in the fact that we can still feel silly and happy about a talent show? Even if you didn't, a lot of other people did; every little bit of normal life counts and you're entitled to yours where you find it. I doubt anyone is going to feel too little sadness this week, but I can guarantee that some people won't feel enough joy.)

Well, I don't mean to dominate this whole thread (dominate, hell; I define it), but after all that drang (I'm cutting back on sturm), here's what Kelly Clarkson had to say about the 9/11 gig:

"'If anybody thinks I'm trying to market anything, well, that's awful,' she added. 'I am not going to do it.'"

Go Kelly! Go Kelly! Go! Go! Go Kelly!

I'll be indoors, trying not to get hassled till the whole thing is over. I also have a deadline the next day, but the way that the public mood can turn ugly so quickly is something I'm not going to forget.