By TOM SHANAHAN Mercifully, another year enduring Dick Vitale broadcasts has wrapped up. Why is he so popular? He reminds me the dumbing down of America is a cultural trend that similarly foisted the Kardashians upon us. Yes, he draws ratings, but does he say anything besides the obvious and then repeat it? There was a time when Vitale was a capable analyst, but that was before he pursued his financially rewarding TV persona. He has aged into…