Year in Crazy: The Top 10

http://www.salon.com/life/this_week_in_crazy/index.html

Only TEN?!  I wondered.  I really enjoy Salon magazine for their journalism, their creativity and, for the most part , their accuracy. So, in the middle of a wonderful snowstorm which affords me more leisure time, I went with my requisite cup of  coffee, to the Salon  site.


The front page has an article, "Year in Crazy:  The Top Ten".  Before I clicked, I paused to think what my top ten crazees were this past year.  When I went to the slideshow, I confess Salon did a bang-up job!  I did not include any on their list.  Yet, were I to add another 10...easy, cheesy!


In short, I suppose we can all agree that the last year has ramped up in the number and nature of head-shaking events! There is certainly the clearer vision of who the "bad guys" are, in terms of preserving our earth and its people, and those who reflect integrity in their actions as well as in their rhetoric, and simply being "decent" human beings.  That vision, facilitated by information speed, has (thank heavens!) alerted us to some truly good folks and really decent impulses.


One problem is "sheople".  So many are, or choose to remain, sheople.  It is so clear when speaking with them, that their responses are parroted, emotional, shallow, and their facts are simply unchecked.  Their own assumtions are, "Make It Up AS You Go Along:  UNPLUGGED!" 


They are the ideal target of the yellow journalism media.  There is not even an attempt on their part to "balance", to use critical thinking skills......very frustrating.  But, what a wonderful event to speak with those who have done their homework....who simply "get it".  Truth be known, there are legitimate reasons for some.....those working triple jobs in this fragile economy which continues to support the elimination of the middle class; those who are the primary caretaker for several young children, etc. Their extra time, which for them is an oxymoron, is spent in simple survival mode. I do , however, wish at times that they, knowing this would be more ready to admit the fact that they don't know enough about an issue.


I know folks who watch only one of the partisan shows, rather than another contrary to their own opinion.  Thus their impoverished views. The U.S. is a knee-jerk reaction nation, for the most part.  Their entire view of policy, events, is driven by an isolated headline which is generally unrelated to the body of the article!  So, we are suckers of the highest rating!


The year 2011 is poised for things which will utterly astound us.  Perhaps we can be better with mentally filing some of this information, "For Future Reference", and acquiring a refined tolerance for ambiguity.

http://www.salon.com/