As America's newspapers shrink and die, the New York Times only grows in importance. It is effectively America's last truly national newspaper. Its coverage decisions influence the coverage decisions of every other paper and all television news broadcasts, cable and network. Politicians and executives read it. What the Times says and does frames the allowable political conversation.Which is why it is so annoying that the Times has a terrible opinion section.Don't get me wrong, it is not as bad at the Washington Post's opinion section, but the Times -- specifically its slate of regular columnists -- is bad.