I recently had a friend ask me, "if not the news networks, where do you get your information?" I think the scariest issues is when people seem to not take news (or facts) away from these freaky, commercialized, resources, but rather form their actual opinions and perhaps, shamefully, reestablish their own values though such "sounds bite" / "get em hooked" rhetoric.
The fact is, and the simple answer I would have offered, had I not already touched several evident, defensive nerves, is this, "you already have an opinion because you are a part of the American experience." ...it is as simple as that, but I did feel my answer would require some explanation, which at the time I didn't have. ...but I do now! :-)
Where related to the insane editorialized prime time "news" programs, which are burdened with the previously implied goal of "hooking you" and establishing your repeat viewership; again, the simple fact is, who needs commentary when we each have testimony! We are Americans, we have the right to vote; and therefor, we typically have a life that has already provided all we need to know in relations to how our vote should be cast. One's vote is not meant after all to be formed through a concessional.
The only challenges folks should find themselves burdened with is that of examining the sides of the issues, currently at stake, each candidate tends to historically and through their own profession, fall under (i.e., new laws, expenditures, taxes, human rights, etc... It is certainly easy enough to do a few minute of reading on any candidate's own published websites, or look up voting histories on database sites like: http://www.votesmart.org/ ) prior to heading to the polls or contacting their own local representatives to voice an opinion on a current topic. And perhaps later holding those, whom they helped elect, accountable for the issues they claimed to be against or in support of. All of the rest of the crazy conjecture is just that.
There is truly a reason for the statement information is power! Put few people see any benefit in seeking the information which would empower them to make their own decision. If this is how lazy they are, then they will probably find themselves and their opinions and finally their values on a very controversial side of exploitation which they are not even willing to admit or aware of.
I personally would rather be entertained by the comedy channel, rather than try to act as if I was informed by "fact" disseminated through a so called cable "news" network. To even pretend any of these networks have any parties or persuasions back is just a fallacy; therefore, any movements that may have been endorsed, supported or encouraged by their rhetoric, are certainly activities one should be extremely cautious to join or support.
If you are wealthy you may feel one way about new tax proposals; if you have had a relatively healthy life and don't typically depend on insurance you may weigh in differently than many on health care; if your whole family is republican and you hate the idea of not going along with their respected views, then this too will likely be your persuasion and thereby loyalty; you may be a Dr. and quite nervous as to the outcome of your status if government sponsorship of your filed were to occur; you might be yet another patient loosing their home today because last years battle with cancer or diabetes amounted to bills, despite insurance coverage, that you and your family just couldn't bare; if you're just now learning that the federal spending habits and deficits where trending the direction they are currently going (and were unaware two wars had been "of the books"), then you may blame the current administration; if you have family in the military or are a veteran, then you may feel a certain reverence towards your Commander and Chief whom ever they may be and perhaps the Presidency itself; etc, etc...
Your own American experience will indeed cast your vote quite confidently. Folks just forget they have a testimony, and tune in as if life or opinions need color commentary to hold inspiration or direction. Folks most likely just need to "vote their own life", (versus the latest emotion some show worked them in to,) democracy will then have a better chance of thriving and providing to each of us what is intended and best for our survival.
I have even seen signs of these latest politically charged moments in our history (or as I like to think of it, pride swallowing, fear based, mob mentalities) causing some folks to seemingly abandon the very personal values they have indeed preached and grown up with their entire lives. Talk about a war on Terror! Roosevelt really was on to something! ...fear itself truly is the biggest issue we should fear! Since it can completely unravel a persons identity or at the very least their own ability to discern the usefulness of outside information or opinions.
When the financial and social burden of fighting a war we can not win, and the fear we have now come use to harboring, both for domestic and foreign reasons, in this country is weakening some of our most redeeming qualities as humans, we really do have a great deal to worry about.
(This can hit on a much deeper personal note were related to one's faith; given the fact I have recently come to realize even some family members and several long standing Christian friends of mine, no longer seeming to reflect positions or values remotely resembling that of love or grace, much less are seemingly influenced by the indescribable life they profess to believe Christ lived and gave for each of us.
It makes me wonder what they feel their future votes and desired leaders will be culpably influenced by? Which values did they previously look for, which of their new choices are perhaps even more likely to avoid accountability, humility and/or respect towards life and liberties. Not at all to say non-Christians don't possess such desires and values, just noticing a great deal of irony in the fact that some of the issues which seem to be polarizing them or causing them to defends some of the various positions and parties they are now finding identities through are not as passionate about some of the core principals I once thought were so crucial to their own professed faiths. Definitely a heated day and age when one's own political positions can potentially supercede their spirituality or faith.
Perhaps even more odd is how fervently many of these individuals try to act as if they are inspired by some contorted view they now have or our "founding father's" and their perceptions that their lock step, conservative thinking gave rise and created the most unique and innovative country in the modern world.
It is so odd what can become a person's new god, position or identity when they get so inspired or they are guided by fear and extreme prejudice! And by this last statement I am not talking about any race card, but rather certain party loyalties which enthrall an individual towards the establishment of a whole new identity and opinion set!)
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