In my years of studying philosophy, the most salient piece of wisdom I have encountered comes from (of all people) Rene Descartes.

The Father of modern philosophy once opined: Common sense is what is most widespread and least used.

Joan Vennochi of the Boston Globe distinguishes herself in my eyes by her uncommon common sense.

In today's Globe she comments upon the refusal of many of the Democratic presidential candidates to participate in a debate on Fox News Channel.

Edwards, the first to back out of the debate, is the only candidateto give an official reason. His campaign said Fox programming tilts toomuch to the right.

So now, he and the other presidential candidates aren't just tilting to the left. They are genuflecting.

Assuminga down-on-their-knees position may feel good for the moment. But in thelong run, it only gives the right wing fodder to use against theDemocrats' quest to regain the White House.

And she concludes:

The presidential race is too long, and it is overrun by too manyphoto ops and press releases. But from the people's perspective, therecan't be too many debates. The debate forum is where the candidatefinally steps away from the consultant, opens his or her mouth, andspeaks sense or gibberish. A friendly or hostile audience can tell thedifference.

Besides, where does this all lead? If Democrats sayno to Fox, does that mean Republicans will say no to CNN? Maybe theycan all agree to go on "American Idol." Then again, when it comes tobad boys, Idol judge Simon Cowell beats out Fox's Bill O'Reilly.

However, in this age of relative religious illiteracy, Vennochi's Catholic background may have led her to presume too much. She provides no definition of "genuflect." Judging from random observations at Sunday Mass, even Catholics may need a refresher course. Was that left knee or right?

Robert P. Imbelli, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, is a longtime Commonweal contributor.

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