Remember back before the hype and noise of the 2008 presidential campaign. The media, not yet consumed with "bittergate" or "Bosniagate," was gnashing its teeth about our society's seeming reckless and unreasoned adoration for celebrity, above all else. The unholy poster girl of our addled minds was supposed to be Paris Hilton. What shallow and dull-witted society would worship a pantyless, dull-eyed heiress with no discernible talent?