Talking Loud - but Are They Saying Something?

I like to keep informed of what's happening in the world, especially in the United States. This allows me to better know how to pray for different situations and offer assistance when necessary.

The modern convenience of media has transformed us individually as well as globally. Today there is news available in several different formats. Let's see now. There's the newspaper and local news station. The major networks carry their own brand of news. And then there is the non-stop cable news of Fox, CNN and MSNBC. Of course the radio stations distribute news on a daily basis. And with the event of social media venues such as Facebook, along with the Internet, there is no lack of news shortage.

Several weeks ago I was lazily sitting down to just wind down and relax. I turned on the television. Because of the lateness of the hour, my only choices were the cable news stations. That ended up being a wrong decision for me that day.

Apparently there was a discussion going on where opposing views were being expressed. This listener couldn't make much sense of it because all that could be heard was the constant arguing, screaming and yelling back and forth. The moderator wasn't doing a good job bringing order to the discussion. Maybe he didn't want to. Perhaps it was good for their ratings. Finally listening to that for a few minutes I decided to turn to the two remaining cable news channels. It was déjà vu all over again. Click-I turned it off.

I couldn't help but wonder where respectful journalism has gone. Where are the days when you conversed without screaming at each other? What happened to the time when you could have a robust discussion and agree to disagree? I guess that's a long ago tradition that doesn't rear its head any more.

Oh yes, I still look at the news, but now I know when I've reached my limit of tolerance with almost childlike behavior that is so often exhibited. I simply turn it off. No need in getting worked up about it. There is always the Internet as another option. But of course you can't believe everything you read there.

Who knows? Maybe just maybe, calmer heads will prevail one day. I certainly hope so. Until such time I'll keep my remote handy when I've had enough of a good thing.

SOURCE:

Personal experience/opinion