The “dissolved” marriage of Jon and Kate Gosselin is an American tragedy.

Okay, that’s a bit much – just like everyone involved on The Learning Channel’s show “Jon and Kate Plus Eight,” a program which revolves around the life of a family, including the challenges and adventures that come attached to raising eight children.

On June 23, a highly publicized episode aired in which Jon and Kate announced the “life-changing decision” that gripped America for days, through tabloid covers and speculations: their (expected) separation.

Kate explained on camera that she and Jon decided to separate in order to “keep peace for the kids.” Unfortunately, this announcement will only prevent peace from happening.

Parents who are in their right minds should realize that what’s private is private. Even if you do have your own television show, why make a big to-do about separating, touting it in a one-hour special?

Oh, that’s right: cash.

Jon and Kate have shaken things up for TLC with this episode, which aired just in time to keep ratings high. The hubbub surrounding the Gosselin family only affirmed that any press was good press, because 10 million viewers tuned in to watch what signaled the end of a 10-year marriage.

Did anyone forget that divorces happen every day? Never mind Anywhere, USA’s Janes and Joes splitting up – the ones that really matter have cameras to capture everything. For some reason, we like to obsess with failure. But, what makes Jon and Kate so gripping is the fact that they are the most like us, compared to celebrities like Brad Pitt or Megan Fox; they pay bills, they make breakfast, they have doctor’s visits.

The only difference is, their lives are recorded on DVRs by millions of people.

For this reason I can’t help but wonder if the separation was held out in order for Jon and Kate to profit from it. "Money makes the world go ‘round."