News fast
Y’know, the war’s been bringing me down. Even worse, the justifications and apologists. Even worse, the polls saying that something like 60-70% of Americans believe Iraq was responsible for 9/11 — that the administration’s spin has been that effective, the so-called liberal media’s failure to call Bush on his bullshit has been so lame that that’s just eased into accepted fact.
And with that as accepted fact, I don’t see how Bush can possibly lose in 2004 to anyone at all critical of the war.
But dwelling on these things has contributed to a noticeable decline in my well-being. So for the short term, I’m laying off reading the news, or many of my favorite blogs. I in no way recommend sticking your head in the sand as the best general approach to unpleasantness in the world… but I do recommend taking a break when you need it.
And I am.
Sounds like a reasonable tactic to save your sanity. Whenever I read about a recent public opinion poll, or anything coming out of the mouths of the President or his Cabinet, I get an urge to punch someone.
I've found what I think is a good happy medium to stay informed without getting infuriated. I just read the factual accounts of the war, and avoid anything from the government. One fortunate lesson that this country learned from Vietnam was that we shouldn't let the politicians play soldier. Military men, by necessity, are a lot more honest and straightforward than professional politicians (which may explain why this country has historically elected so many generals to high office).
Yes, you do have to take into account the fog of war and security restrictions, but after applying the appropriate grains of salt, I trust the news coming out of Iraq more than that coming out of Washington.
Posted by Jimcat on April 9 2003 05:50