The noise from the Right is like the static on the radio; annoying, numbing, and meaningless. I had hoped for a reprieve from such irritation after the election, hoped for a time of quiet as the defeated crept back to their corners and caves to reflect on the damage they had done, to regroup and maybe, just maybe work on a positive, new approach, instead of repackaging tired old catch phrases from long-dead men.
Oh, well.
I am in a perfect setting to get away from the noise. The Colorado mountain town that I now call home offers numerous distractions from the partisan bickering and the bad news; skiiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking are all available as escapes from the ugliness.. Many of my friends here don't even own a TV, and they seem to make it through the day just fine...actually, they are happier than most. I admit that I have a hard time staying away from the news of the day, alas...
The best teacher for this state of Buddha-like attitude seems to be President Obama himself, who deftly deflects the punches and blows like an Aikido master, while maintaining an unreal aura of calm and good humor. How does he do it?
I need a new approach to weathering these weasels before my head explodes.
I need an extra heap of detachment when I hear the governor of my old state, Mark Sanford, offer nothing but prayer to the unemployed man pleading for help. The man was from my home town, and Sanford's, Charleston, SC, and had lost his job because he had to stay home to take care of two sick relatives. He called in to the live CNBC show and politely gave his story, asked for compassion, embarrassed Sanford, and broke my heart.
Good morning. I am a 44 year old male trying to take care of my sister who has (brain disorder) and is blind now and in the Medical University. Her children live with me and my mother who has the beginnings of Alzheimers. We have not received any assistance out of all of the phone calls we have made. I lost my job because I am trying to take care of my family. Governor, I am not going to give you my whole life history, but think you are wrong. No disrespect to you and the office which you hold, I just think you are wrong. We pay taxes into the federal government for times like these.
A lot of people in South Carolina are hurting. and If this money can come and help us out, we need it..People need it here. I am not trying to say you are political but sounds like it to me. People in SC are hurting. We need help. I can't get no help.
Response from Gov. Sanford: " My prayers are going to be with he and his family, because he is in a tough spot".
I have to seriously practice my breathing while reading about Senator Shelby bringing up the old and debunked rumors about our sitting President's birth certificate, which would be ridiculous except for the license it gives to any unstable whack-job out there just waiting for the tiniest bit of encouragement to be pushed over the edge. http://www.politico.com/...
Meditation becomes necessary after listening to just a bit of the Fox show "War Games" featuring the truly messed-up imagination of Glenn Beck, who dreams up a Mad Max scenario of civil war, Bubbas versus the Guvment, brought on, of course, by the socialist policies of Obama. http://www.foxnews.com/...
If all else fails, I can drown out the noise and become hilarious at the same time with a martini or two.
For your amusement: funny video, skewering the Republican's temper tantrums...