Need for a Televised National Oratory Contest

The current over-emphasis on singing ability as a means of exhibiting "heroism" or "talent" in the United States is tragic.

That over-emphasis is epitomized by the "Sing Well or Perish" television series entitled "American Idol"----a television series in which the contestants perform songs written by others.

It is a television series that defines "winners" as those who sing on key and with convincing zeal and charisma. The series defines "losers" as those who sing off-key and do not appear to be confident or charismatic or photogenic enough for the television audience.

Much more impressive, it seems to me, would be a nationally televised "American Orator" television series, open to persons of all ages.

Each contestant in that proposed "American Orator" TV series would be expected to write his own oratorical speech, then deliver that original and intriguing speech with convincing sincerity of idealism before a national television audience.