I settled into my “Comfy Chair” for a nice evening nap. Evening naps for me set up my nighttime sleep by getting rid of the day’s issues that might keep me awake while trying to sleep. I just completed watching the local and evening news. I thought back to the days of Walter Cronkite and how I felt after he closed the show with, “And that’s the way it is!” I remember feeling that all was good, even though, at times, there was a lot going on. The Bay of Pigs invasion, Khrushchev pounding the table with his shoe, and the 13 days surrounding the standoff with Russia about placing missiles in Cuba. There were also a lot of nail-biting issues at that time. As I attempted to fall asleep, today’s current events began to swirl around in my head. What is different about today? Why do many of us feel that the World is out of control today? Was it in control in the past?
We live in an age of information explosion and 24-hour news cycles on multiple television and streaming channels. Newspapers have been diminished due to the tsunami of news and opinion shows. During the Cronkite days, the news reported the news. Today, all the news shows and newspapers seem to have an agenda that they are promoting. News reporters are often treated like stars and have significant influence. News media has a set of talking points spoken word for word, no matter what major news channel you watch.
The challenge for most people is that when what is being told to us is opinion and talking points, what is the truth?
I began wishing for a return to sourced reporting of fact, but that’s old-fashioned thinking, like many things. I admit I’m old-fashioned. The crux of most issues is that we are moving very fast and not looking at history to see its impact on outcomes; in fact, we seem to be destroying and changing history books!! It’s like the “Titanic” speeding along the ocean, not looking at the past and the outcome of hitting an iceberg because it was thought to be unsinkable. Knocking down statues from our history, disregarding fundamental financial truths, military actions, mandates that may not be based in law, destroying our economy by printing Fiat Dollars not backed by gold or silver creating hyper-inflation. Paying illegal immigrants who have not worked and put money into the system more than citizens receive for social security……help! In my observations, it is causing a lot of anxiety, division, and worry and may result in panic or worse!
So how do I, sitting in my “Comfy Chair,” deal with the tornadic swirl of events that we are bombarded with seemingly minute by minute? An essential life truth is that worrying and anxiety does not help whatever issue one is dealing with. It generates stress and high blood pressure and may negatively affect your health. How can one take positive action on any of the issues that are creating sleepless nights? Get involved! Attend meetings with local, state, and federal legislatures. Let them know your concerns. Write your politicians a letter, thank them for their service, and discuss your issues and solutions if you have any. The silent majority can no longer be silent. Inaction is an action.
Catastrophes, wars, disease, and negative politics are going to happen. In today’s World, they are in front of us 24 hours a day. We can control how we handle these assaults. We can choose to deal with them, take appropriate action, or, at times, just shut off the television and enjoy peace and quiet. Many can pray, meditate, or just take their dog for a walk. I feel much better now. It’s time for my nap!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 5/10/2024 Author of: “The Guinea Pig In The Freezer.” joelmvernier@aol.com
