Time to step down...

While ringing in the New Year with some friends, the consensus was that Dick Clark needs to stop hosting the New Year's Eve countdown show. I thought that after the pitiful performances the last two years, the TV execs would realize that it was time for Dick to retire. After his stroke in 2004, Dick hasn't been the same. He has returned to TV for a couple appearances, none of which have been good. He doesn't look or sound the same, once known as "America's Oldest Teenager," Clark is now barely able to put together a sentence, read from a teleprompter, or keep from slurring his words. This video confirms that he actually said "Happy Dew Year!" which may in fact be Mountain Dew's new promotional slogan... It is really sad, depressing, and painful to watch him struggle and ultimately fail to coherently host his popular (still?) New Year's show.

I am really sad that he suffered a stroke, but as he was recovering, everyone should have been able to see that he was no longer fit to be on television. That is a fact. That isn't being inconsiderate or discriminatory or anything like that. It is a fact. There must be some publicity agent or fit-for-film filter to put a stop to this. Just let the man retire and let us keep the memories of the eternally youthful Dick Clark who hosted a cultural tradition every year with incredible energy. As much as I hate Seacrest, if he is going to be the heir to the throne, let him take it now. Dick, it really is time to sign off.