"So, why are common words and phases allowed to be trademarked?"

Because then every product would to use osbscure words and phrases which would hardly be efficient. Is it really so wrong that a major computer company has a trademark on "apple" for the computer space?

"With every editorial expression of outrage, FOX News signals its mission statement to the masses. Conservative-leaning news consumers don't give a whit about whether you can trademark "fair and balanced" -- that's not the point of the message. By building up Franken as an enemy (and the more books he sells the better), FOX can sell a battle, a crusade. It's politics as entertainment. And FOX knows a lot about entertainment."

I'm pretty conservative and I generally enjoy Fox News, but I thought conservatives were supposed to be against frivolous lawsuits.