I didn't watch the Miss America Pageant this year. It was on some obscure network (TLC), and I simply missed it. I've always watched it--with my parents and my three daughters. It's a tradition and I love it.

I suppose TV ratings of the pageant have plummeted over the years, so the big 3 or 4 don't show it anymore. I think, too, the protests of many "women's lib" organizations had something to do with it's TV end-of-bench relegation. Young, voluptuous ladies parading around in bathing suits degrades our standards of morality, or something like that.

With all the other "reality" shows on the telly, I just don't understand why this once-a-year icon of America can't be shown on national television. I mean think of all the other crap that's on. I reckon Miss America isn't red-neck enough--it's actually too wholesome. Ironic, isn't it?

Sadly to say, I missed the crowning of the first Miss America to come from my home state of Indiana, Katie Stam. We don't have a whole lot to be proud of, but we can now boast of our beauty queen from Seymour, Indiana! Bow down America.