I'd actually gotten to be quite a fan of The Thom Hartmann Show in recent months; he was, to me, everything a "radio-talk show host" ought to be, but almost never is-- intelligent, informed, civil with those of a differing perspective but passionate about those issues that should inspire righteous indignation and rage. I listened to him on WWRL in NY, and have just learned that they've pulled his show off the air to make room for someone named Ed Schultz. I don't want to be unfair to Schultz-- I haven't listened to him much, but he has a speaking style reminiscent of Rush Limbaugh, and anytime recently that I have listened to him, he seems to be talking more about his appearances on Larry King than about anything truly affecting the lives of his listeners. Bottom line is I can't imagine he's a better or more learned radio host than Hartmann. Hopefully, Hartmann will turn up again soon, if not on WWRL, then someplace else on the radio dial. WWRL also jettisoned its morning host Lionel in favor of...just what the world needs now...infomercials. I was more ambivalent about Lionel; occasionally he offered a incisive and bitingly sarcastic viewpoint on a particular issue, but he often seemed to get sidetracked by what seemed to be preparation for his comedy routine at the Bottom Line, as an opening act for the Gypsy Kings. Still...to be replaced by an INFOMERCIAL!!??!! I've also just learned that afternoon host Randi Rhodes...occasionally a bit too caustic for my taste, but often quite good...was suspended indefinitely because of "inappropriate" remarks about Hillary Clinton. Are these people mad!!??!! Next thing you know, Glenn Beck or Bob Grant will be handling drive-time for them.