November 10, 2012

• STOP Already!

  So in the news today are articles speculating who would be running for president in 2016.  My reaction?

  

  We had a discussion yesterday about why so many people chose not to vote in this election.  I told my husband I thought that election fatigue caused a good part of it.  You know how when you have a friend that has a "pet topic" and they talk and talk and talk about their favorite subject.   At first you are interested, you care.  Then that interest begins to wane and and start thinking..... come on, let's find something new to talk about.  We had non-stop campaigning for 18 months, maybe even two years.  That followed right on the heels of campaigning for the mid-term elections.  I think that many people, me included, got really tired of it.  It caused voter/election fatigue and so by the time the election came around there were some folks who just didn't care.  They'd heard it all and decided you couldn't believe 90% of it so why bother.  Just finish it and be done with it so we can move on.  I think the election cycle is much too long.  First we have six months of the contenders beating each other up in the primaries giving the opponents fodder for the cannon later on.  Then 18 - 24 months of the two major parties doing the whole British broadside method of warfare.... just pull up and fire all cannons.  Something is bound to hit and do damage.  Our political process seems to be nothing but a war of attrition.  My high and vaulted opinion is we need to shorten the process.  Of course that might only work if the media did their job and did true investigation of all candidates.  So having stated that..... maybe we need a longer process in order for truth to actually come out......  In any case right now.  I.  Don't.  Care.

  Last year several times I undertook a "media fast".  I stopped reading any news sites, listening to any news programs, didn't turn on the radio to any news sites.  I read my little hometown paper that never has any politics in it and learned about the Germanfest celebration and St. Anne's Charity Auction instead.  I avoided clicking on any links on facebook that took me to news items.  I have to say my time without the news was a lot more peaceful.  I may have to undertake a new one.  I wonder how long a fast I could do?  Right now I'm thinking a four year news blackout might be advantageous to my mental health. 

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  One site I go to at least three times a week is a blog by Gavin and Carrie Jones.  Gavin and Carrie are missionaries in Papua New Guinea.  They recently were blessed by Quintuplets.  The babies were born at 26 weeks gestation in Dallas and all five have survived.  Four are doing very well and one little boy is struggling with lung problems.  One is home right now, two more might be headed that direction and two are still looking at more hospital time.  With all the trauma of the election etc it has been nice to go and see pictures of the babies growing and developing, hear the joys of their taking a bottle, rejoicing with a 5 gram weight gain overnight.  It also has been a nice way to bring into perspective the important things of life.

  • 10:19 am
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