2011 is gone, 2012 is upon us and I have come to the realization that I don't have the informational multi-tasking capabilities I once possessed in my younger days. For example, I watched the returns of the Iowa Caucus last night, flipping between news channels and found myself confused, befuddled and wondering how so many "professional pundits" could have such remarkably different takes. Unless of course, they are on the take, as it were.
Trying to keep up with the 24/7 news cycle is a daunting task to be certain. Change is everywhere and every other day, the news channels are fussing with their graphics, changing their lower thirds, their sweepers and now, even Mike McCarville has changed his website. What is this world coming to?
Last night at band practice, drummer Bob Griffiths made some comments to me about this blog, asking if I planned on getting after it more aggressively with the campaign season bearing down on us. He mentioned a few news stories that I had only glossed over and I kind of told him that I blog when the mood strikes me, not republishing every stinking press release I get but rather when I feel like talking, I do. He laughed and told me he appreciated it - probably because there is just so much to filter these days.
This is an election year and yes, there is a lot at stake, but there is a lot at stake every election. In 2006, every congressional candidate ran with an agenda, one with a sense of urgency because either the illegal immigrants or the Islamic terrorists would soon take over America. Of course, it didn't happen, but don't tell them that. In 2008, we realized that nothing promised in 2006 would come to fruition and we pretty much accepted it. In 2010, more of the same. In 2012, we're probably going to get exactly what we ask for - anyone but Obama. But at what cost?
It's hard to keep up these days because there are far too many information resources available. I make no bones about the fact that this blog is, always will be, little more than one man's opinions about issues and some commentary on life. I'm not trying to change the world through press release redistribution or hyperbole. I'm just running my mouth when I should probably just quietly go somewhere dark and damp to die.
But I'm not ready for that yet.