My Private Agenda: Saying Good Bye to 2008

As the end of the year approaches, I wanted to write a few pieces for my own personal reasons. 2008 has been a long strange year. Every day, I debate should I tune into the evening news? Or should I skip this depressing half an hour? Is it possible anything good actually happened today?

In this world, so much of the beauty is hidden behind the desperation, violence and hopelessness of society. It is a common known fact, we are in a recession. A war rages on and everyday thousands of people lose their jobs. There is so much to be unhappy about these days. It is a rare moment when an average, everyday person expresses feelings of happiness about where they stand in this world.

Let me indulge in a rare moment here. I have so much to be happy about and grateful for. I live in a lovely home, I have people to share my life and love with. I am healthy, as are my loved ones. I have clothing to wear, food to eat, and so many modern luxuries that I don't know where to begin in that department.

I live in a world where I am able to express my opinions and share my thoughts with anyone who cares to read what I have written. I am able to make my own choices, and stand firm on my own two feet. I am able to enjoy my freedom, the world is my oyster.

There are so many great articles here on AC but there are as many ridiculous comments floating around. I checked out my articles not long ago and I was quite disturbed with what I found on the same page as my articles. I found several from the same person who thinks I am someone else, who she apparently does not like or get along with. I have found vulgar comments, rude comments and flat out ignorant comments. This really annoys me. If you are going to take the time to comment, create an account, write your own article and if your opinion differs, share it with the world, and get paid for it! I appreciate that we live in a world where you can comment on other peoples work, but I also feel bad for all of those people who put an effort into sharing their work, only to find a bunch of vulgar comments as a response. I am not saying you shouldn't comment if your opinion differs, but I don't think being vulgar, or making references to the personal lives of others in the form of a comment is appropriate.