Some one should stop that man

Dr. Phil, TV's lovable shrink, may have stepped into ethical doo-doo this time, by visiting Britney Spears toward the end of her recent 36 hour stay at a mental health facility. I'd have no problem if Dr. Phil's visit was private, but what happened Sunday (Jan 6) seemed more like a "house call." Or maybe he was just lining up another guest for his talk show. According to one story, it was Britney's worried dad who invited the good doctor to visit Britney, but in what capacity? As a family friend? As a therapist? Dr. Phil certainly thought this pathetic tale was worthy of a TV show, having announced that he was going to focus on Britney's problems on Monday (Jan 7)

My problem with Dr. Phil and his show is that it masquerades as something other than entertainment--if watching people with real problems slug it out in public can be called entertainment. The only difference between Dr. Phil and Jerry Springer is that Dr. Phil has a PhD, well that and the fact that most of his guests have all of their teeth.

But when not judgmentally brow beating his guests, Phil dispenses dime-store psychology in front of his cheer audience. Further exposing Spears and her problems in television does not an intervention make, even if it is good for the ratings.

Phil has backed off with a face saving statement, which may not appease the psychiatric staff at Cedars Mount Sinai where Britney was admitted. Meanwhile, Britney is out and about. I smell death in the air.

And what does it say about us? Why do people eschew real help and comfort by  turning instead to a TV expert, whether it's Dr. Phil or Pat Robertson. Why do we place our trust in people whose major accomplishment is writing a best selling self-help book or dispensing one-size-fits all advice? Only in America, folks, only in the United States.