• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, June 11, 2007

It must be the heat and the lack of fresh network programming: This time of year, anger abounds on TV.

Isaiah Washington, now an ex-cast-member of "Grey's Anatomy," says he is "mad as hell and not going to take it anymore."

Mad about what?

I'm guessing he is mad because, after doing what he was told to mend his ways regarding his disparaging remarks about gays, he got fired anyway.

First there was his official press release apology. Then another apology at an award show in which he -- somewhat bone-headedly -- used that disparaging remark again. Then he told the world he was seeking psychological "treatment."  Then he talked about his public service announcement urging respect and tolerance.

But now he is "not going to take it anymore."  Well, we all know whom he should really be mad at, don't we? It's himself.

In the there-is-no-bad-news vein of TV publicity, it doesn't matter. We'll all be watching "Grey's Anatomy" -- even more closely -- next fall.

There was more anger recently.  Kevin Martin, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, is fuming that the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York overruled an FCC decision about off-the-cuff obscenities. The court said it was okay when those words are fleeting.

"The court even says the Commission is 'divorced from reality,'" responded Martin. "It is the New York court, not the Commission, that is divorced from reality in concluding that the word 'fuck' does not invoke a sexual connotation. These words were used in prime time, when children were watching."

Hmm... Seems like he was pissed off at those traditionally liberal New Yorkers.

Finally, some attorneys are angry -- those of TV reality show star Paris Hilton. Her counselors are upset at not being able to do their job and try to give Paris what she really deserves -- a proper "mansion arrest." Those attorneys must feel the court has some sort of bias against rich people.

Gays, New Yorkers, and rich people -- people in show business and other related businesses make a living doing all sorts of things. Then there is collateral damage everywhere.

A few episodes ago Tony Soprano, visiting Phil Leotardo in the hospital after his massive heart attack, whispered into his ear to take it easy -- there is plenty of money for everyone. But Phil didn't listen. 

There's a simpler way -- and it'll bring everyone's rage down a notch:  Don't be greedy. Life is good.