Wow, some great responses here.
Tommie, I agree with what you have said, and my kids and their dad and I don't watch the shit, but the news thing... can't keep them away rom it, however we use that to have intelligent discussions with them, so that's a good thing. When the whole thing was going down about Terri Shiavo and then the pope died, I spoke with my kids and answered their questions ... they wanted to know why people could let the pope die, but fight for someone no-one knew. GREAT topic about the hypocracy of our country and why not to be that way....
But the kids aren't the problem, the parents are. So many parents of all ages will refuse to acknowledge their kids, and frankly I do believe that has been our downfall since the 60's.