Air America Radio launched to what became great disappointment, for my part, today.

The radio network, started as the challenge to conservative radio talk shows that seem to dominate the so-called "liberal" media by self-declared liberals. And indeed, Air America's biggest fault is that is so liberal and too proud of it. As proud as a neo-con is of his or her label and unwilling to think outside the bounds of it.

The hosts adopted the tone and tactics of conservative pundits like Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh. With the exception of Al Franken and Janine Garafalo, unfortunately they were not artificially pumped-up personas for parody's sake.

They yelled over guests that they disagreed with; Ralph Nader made an appearance, for what he thought was an interview, but he was told it was only so he could be yelled at because the host was made at him. They flung assertions around without citing the source or allowing callers or guests that challenged the assertions to explain why they didn't believe the assertions were true and they cut off callers who disagreed.

A friend the author of this article called in to the network and was immediately shuttled-through -- no wait, no screening (that's good) so apparently not many were inspired to try their hand at congratulating or debating the hosts.

With the Pacifica network struggling to stay afloat and reclaim its audience and funding to stay on the increasingly hostile airwaves, one hoped that Air America would either be a solid competitor to carry forward the torch or even an ally.

Air America is unfit for both. By adopting the same form and the same attitudes, these so-called liberals have allowed themselves to be co-opted by the very fascism they are so angry about.

No room for debate or discussion, plenty of room for corporate ads and mealy-mouthed mediocrity and snide, but intellectually dishonest, commentary.

"Hot-Air America" indeed.

A curious side-note: they managed to launch live, on the AM dial, in several major U.S. cities but not Washington, D.C. -- where else but Washington do we need to speak truth to power? Many places, but not neccessarily the liberal bastions Air America has started in. Like Pacifica, they may be limiting themselves to preaching to the choir in the 'liberated zones' of America. At least Pacifica makes its programming more available to community stations. Air America, driven by advertisements, will be muted or alienating where it might be needed most.