If you’re reading this column hoping for medical advice, you apparently don’t know me very well.
However, it doesn’t take a Ph.D. to figure out that if you’re ingesting what the media conglomerates are peddling these days, you probably have a greater risk of high blood pressure, acid reflux or a variety of other ailments.
If you disagree, then try this experiment. Take your pulse before you read any further and see what happens once you’re done!
Let’s take a look at a sampling of headlines from across media platforms (conservative and liberal) this week.
“Report: Mpls. failed to follow emergency protocols during protests, riots”. Really? What a shocking revelation! The story goes on to report that a Maryland based risk management firm conducted interviews with 90 individuals, plus reviewed many hours of body-camera footage and analyzed some 2,400 documents in order to come to this conclusion. How many thousands (or millions) of taxpayer dollars were spent on that study? I think every person who watched even two minutes of the carnage on television could have guessed that if there was a plan, it wasn’t followed.
Another sample: “Subway slasher freed without bail after similar attack.” The story goes on to report that this New York man has been arrested six times... since he was released without bail in October for, you guessed it, slashing a woman in the head in 2020.
How’s your pulse rate? Are your eyes ringing from high blood pressure yet?
Just in case you need one more example, try this on for size: “Top lawmakers reach deal on Ukraine aid, $1.5T spending.” Yes, the “T” stands for Trillion. Does anyone else out there wonder what will happen when all of this spending has to be paid back?
Check that pulse – maybe now you’re reaching for the Lisinopril!
It seems that nearly everyone I talk to recently, regardless of their political persuasion or beliefs, is either angry or dumbfounded about the current state of affairs. Worse yet, I’m seeing more and more people who have become apathetic because it seems like too many things are out of control and solutions are scarce.
I believe it was the ancient philosopher Tao who once spoke of the futility of trying to control things that are beyond one’s control. That’s exactly how I feel sometimes about the affairs in Washington D.C. and the way that big media corporations (on both sides of the political spectrum) control, manipulate and distort the message for their own personal gain.
Over the years, I have developed an intense distaste for the national media and to be honest, even most state-wide sources.
Instead, I focus on the great local stories that continue to show me a glimmer of hope for our future.
This week was a great lesson in that sphere of influence, as I was able to attend several township annual meetings. At these gatherings, faithful public servants debated and wrangled over “T” spending as well. But in this case, the “T” stood for thousands and not trillions. It’s my opinion that there are no greater stewards of public dollars than our local governments.
Heck, it’s the only place in America where once a year, citizens can gather and exercise their rights in a direct democracy, where individual votes can determine local tax levies and expenditures.
When one tends to focus on local affairs, I believe it leads to a happier life. Instead of donating to a national charity (where they probably take a huge cut as an “administrative fee”), find a friend or neighbor in need and give them the same amount of money. Don’t have a friend in need? Then try showing up at the next Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting and I bet those leaders can point you to a Veteran’s family who could use some assistance.
Even if it’s just for one day, try tuning out the headlines and focusing on local affairs. Chances are, it will make you feel a little better inside.
