It hardly seems like SoCal with the temperatures in the low 50’s and rain squalls passing through. But it is early December and this is what we are experiencing in Jojoba Hills. By Monday we will be back into the 70’s and clear and sunny.
I only wish our country could pass from the dark and stormy period we are in to clear and sunny as easily. I find myself reading New York Times far more selectively than in the past. I listen to NPR with only half an ear, waiting for stories that do not relate directly to politicians, even a nasty story about Bishop resigning is a relief from the drumbeat of politics – not that it isn’t political but it is different. On social media I immediately skip over any threads and people who insist on pushing whatever side of current politics they favor.
I am not indifferent, quite the opposite. I value balanced information. I really like facts. I welcome a healthy discussion of ideas with people who are open to considering alternative points of view. I can change my mind if presented with facts and ideas that suggest I consider alternatives. Too few people I talk with are willing to listen to open their minds. I fear I too must look like one of them because so much of what is presented to support the alternative is fact free, and even contrary to fact . Or it starts with statements about the past and about people that are built around conspiracy theories. I disengage in these circumstances.
Here in our park politics and religion are forbidden topics in our common spaces. It is helpful. When people who cannot seem to express a thought without bringing in current politics speak up, I remind them of our agreed upon restraints. This enables me to engage and work with people with whom I disagree.
Next morning, view of Palomar with our Jeep in foreground
Amen brother.
Good to hear from you, especially today. Shabbat shalom! I like your philosophy of how to continue to weather our politically fraught times. Unfortunately, I’ve been an obsessed political junkie all my life. Avoidance doesn’t come naturally in any case. So I work more and read mind candy to relax. We have been having an unusually snowy time, so I appreciate your view of the mountains. The gray skies should make you feel right at home.
Paul, it is jaw-dropping to listen to testimony in real-time then listen to the distortion offered as “the truth “ by Senators who were (in past years) able to discern truth from fiction . Sad, now – beyond angry. I hope that people consider the importance of the Constitution , of the goodness that still is part of America and her people, and push liars out of office.
Shabbat Shalom, sweetie! Hugs to Carol.
I can relate very well to what you’re saying. I get NYT and NPR and ProPublica in my mailbox and also check out BBC. But lately I skim the impeachment stuff and any other political articles and I don’t listen to any podcasts about what’s happening in Washington. Instead, I read as you do, selectively, to keep up in general with what’s happening politically. Otherwise, I choose to read and listen to podcasts with rich, thoughtful human interest, science, nature, or humorous content.
Ditto terrible news of other kinds.
I’m not being an ostrich. Just keeping sane.
Paul,
I share your aversion to political diatribe, but it seems to me that part of what troubles us is the difficulty we have in separating the fact that people coming from a different perspective often don’t agree with us politically. Obviously if they had the same “facts” as we would, they should draw similar conclusions. But, in fact their looking at the world with different objectives and points of view is what makes them select different data and interpret that data differently. How can we possibly converse with each other if we cannot agree on what is true data and the rules for interpreting that data?
Yet, we must at least try to understand how and why we differ, and get beyond the “that’s just plainly stupid!” HA! How hard can that be? It is surely more pleasant to discuss the merits of various sources of pizza. But I am not sure I have the necessary respect for opposing points of view nor the ability to listen patiently to “stupidity” to get beyond food reviews. We grow too soon old and too late smart.
Ah, my friend, this is not a simple knot to untie.
Larry
If it were simple, we would have resolved it years ago. I just work at it most of the time. In the privacy of my home with no one listening I will tell the TV commentators what I actually think of them in loud and vulgar terms. Then resume my placid ways.
Paul: I have the same problem. The percent of my attention which the current political situation is usurping is greater than I remember it ever being, and far more than I want. But we cannot become numbed–I think that indeed is the strategy of some of the combatants. Sure, it causes us to live a life with a high degree of angst, but it is warranted. As Elie Wiesel said, indifference is not only a sin, it is a punishment. So, keep paying attention, and act politically. We can’t afford not to.
Great timing. Last night our group held its monthly Shabbat dinner at our home. We are 9, split pretty evenly politically. The issue most important to all of us is the several decades long friendship. We see each other sometimes several times a week. Our rule is no politics though it does leak out once in a while and we wipe it up and put it aside.
We all agree this is very troubled times in our whole world. I read your beautiful writings and I read the thoughts of others who have posted. I agree with everything that was professed! If only we could look to our God (Creator) and see what our forefathers built this nation on, life would be so much better. Love must conquer all! We must return to truth, honesty, compassion, and love and treat each other as human beings whose blood runs red in all of us and look at each other as brothers and sisters so our world would be so much better. Love – Darlene
Love that shiny, red, 4-door Renegade! Hope you get to take it off road as intended, enjoy!
Wrangler – Rubicon – It has had some serious off road use.
Ooops the new Renegade is something different, the Wrangler is definitely where it’s at Paul !