TIME TO MUSE

I have always been one who stays up-to-date on current events, when I miss the news I for a day I feel deprived. Lately, however, I have been giving the news of the day no more than a cursory glance. I don't know if I am burning out or if I am just taking a break. It seems that so many people who immerse themselves in news make grumbling about the state of affairs in/on/for whatever topic have forgotten how to smile and enjoy life. Of course I am generalizing.

As a news hound who spent a year as a major part of a successful campaign for U.S. Congress (Press Secretary) in 1994 I was well-versed on all the issues and I loved it. It seems though, a break to the sports page is a perfect diversion. I see on the news that protesters are again out in force at the site of the G-8 summit. Even a news junkie like me has little idea of what it is that makes them so angry. Perhaps I missed it while I was watching the NBA finals or while I was wondering if Scott Rolen of the Cards would come back strong after his injury.

I'm not sure if I should envy the multitudes who make every news story a part of their very being day after day and week after week or if I should pity them because they never experience the joy of grabbing the morning paper, pulling out the sports page and turning to the box scores while they are still "crackling fresh" and unspoiled by having to lay in wait while the "important" front page stuff is digested.

Today is a good day to revel in the fact that we live in a country where the issues are not so pressing that they cannot be ignored. We should, however, be cognizant of the fact that we are lucky and priviledged to be a part of the greatest country on God's green earth and proudly fly the flag in appreciation of our circumstance. We also need to honor those who gave so much and to those who continue to give so that we may enjoy our freedom.