ALL REALITY SHOWS are frauds, to some extent. You don't think those folks on "Survivor" are really on deserted islands by themselves, do you?

But "Kid Nation" is, if not a bigger fraud, certainly a more obvious one.

These kids are not building a new town. They're getting by in what amounts to a sleep-away camp/TV studio.

These kids are not creating a real government — the town council was appointed by the producers.

These kids are not operating on their own — their routine is dictated by the challenges imposed upon them by the producers. Heck, last week the subject of a curfew only came up because it was in the fake "pioneer journal" producers had the kids read.

And, of course, there are dozens and dozens of adults standing by (in addition to those holding the cameras) at all times.

To pretend otherwise is insulting to the intelligence of viewers.

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com