BS: why is the news so wearying right now?

Subject: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 05:05 PM

Some of you may ask, the news about what, exactly?
Sorry. Can't help you with anything specific.

It's just, I guess for me,
I've hit some sort of critical mass. Or, the final straw. The limit. I dunno exactly.

A South African tavern full of youths, some of them positively minors,
drinking or smoking something toxic, and by the time they unlock the tavern door,
the floor has -- how many dead bodies strewn over it?
And just enough survivors to describe how things went wrong,
and even they don't know precisely the what or the why of it.

Talking of strewn dead bodies, San Antonio, Texas, and the truck.

The state where I spent roughly fifteen years of my adult life, New Mexico,
bracing itself for all the out-of-staters who will come there to get legal abortions.
And, sad to say, their infrastructure and health providers could be better as it is.

New York's state law about concealed carry gets overturned, in spite of the present governor.

Somebody looked at a photo of Her Majesty in a yellow dress
and panicked, wondering if she would make it to the Prince Philip commemoration,
because she looked so unwell.

Well, if you want to say sarcastic or humorous things about the sudden limit
of my tolerance for sensational/touching/depressing news reports,
I can't stop you.
But I don't like how numbing and desensitizing it is for me today. That's all.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 05:29 PM

keberoxu, it seems to me, here in Australia, that the grim news has been going on and on for years so I can totally empathise with how you are feeling.

We've had years of drought, then bushfires, then the drought was broken bringing floods, and meanwhile we have had the whole COVID pandemic, and then for some ungodly reason Putin decided to invade Ukraine, as if the world doesn't have enough sadness already.

And we read about the troubles in the U.S., like the mass shootings, and the prolonged aftermath of the Trump era, and the Roe v. Wade fiasco, and it can all become overwhelming.

But then, there are beautiful moments in life which can lift us above that, like the group of people I play music with. We used to meet twice a month, but during the COVID period we started playing weekly, except during lockdowns. We get together, play music, have afternoon tea, have a chat, and walk away with a lightness in our step. Or sometimes we go out and busk on the street to share our music with other people and bring a smile to their faces.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:22 PM

The news is this way every day for hundreds of years.
You've just become more aware which is Good 4 you.
Go back to sleep or shed tears if you need to
Careful, Learning way too much too quickly
Is never very healthy or easy
News make you queasy & old
if you try to swallow
it whole.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:26 PM

Thanks.
It's just good not to feel all alone with the feeling.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:35 PM

No, you are definitely not alone.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: gillymor
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 06:48 PM

Having dealt with depression most my life there are times when I have to shut myself off from the news or risk going into a downward spiral. Right now I'm following the Jan. 6 committee hearings closely and it's giving me hope that we might be able save our democracy but it's certainly not guaranteed.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Neil D
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 07:31 PM

I'm up and I'm dressed, I'm having some coffee
I sit down and turn on some news
I watch for a minute to see how they spin it
And turn it off now I'm crying the blues

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 07:32 PM

My depression was migraine driven. It was tough having them weekly.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 08:14 PM

Yes, gillymor, the Jan. 6 committee hearings are definitely looking hopeful.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: JennieG
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 10:27 PM

The news is indeed depressing, so much so that we hardly watch it any more, and I am careful about which links I click on. We watch a short local bulletin each weekday evening (not shown at the weekend - because nothing local happens at the weekend? who knew?) then the TV is either turned off or tuned to something other than more news.

Like Helen I take pleasure in music, in books, in sewing/quilting/knitting and creating, and in time spent with my husband and friends, and sometimes just in my own company.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Jun 22 - 10:59 PM

... oh, and then there is a fellow who is over one hundred years of age,
and the courts are just now figuring out that
he was on the rolls of the Russian Army in the second War,
and engaged in the genocide of European Jews.
He managed to hide all this time??

My avoidance, in fact, has historical precedent in my life.
My childhood years included the Vietnam War,
and in the house where my extended family raised us children,
my mother firmly put her foot down
and refused to have the television on during network news broadcasts
so as not to bring the Vietnam War into her living room.

But then, I have this thing about the Weather Channel as well.
I like their boring updates about current weather.
But in recent years, the Weather Channel has filled out their broadcast schedule
with shows that document past stories of catastrophic weather.
This is SO not for me.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Senoufou
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 01:30 AM

You're not alone keberoxu, I feel just like you do about all these horrible things happening around the world. It makes me despair.
I try to cultivate kindness and consideration in my own insignificant little life as a gesture against the evil which seems to be on the increase everywhere.
Thinking of you and sending you love and support.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 01:35 AM

The harsh reality that comes to me out of the blue is the knowledge that we're all on edge. An unexpected loud noise, a flight overhead of an unprecedented number of jets, sirens screaming past, voices raised in alarm- all of these make me realize anew that I'm holding my breath.

On the other hand, there is this thought:

"If in the midst of the twilight, dim be the regions afar
Does not the deepening darkness brighten the glimmering star?
Then, when the night is upon us, why should the heart sink away?
When the midnight is over, look for the breaking of day."
from an old song, Whispering Hope.

And that makes me think:

There is always hope. Where there is hope, there is love. Where there is love, there is peace.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Senoufou
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:07 AM

That's a lovely thought Ebbie.
I think that all human beings in the midst of these catastrophes should draw closer together in mutual support and care. People should hold back from sniping, being nasty, finding fault etc, and instead 'be kind' and try to cheer others up. We're all in the same boat, so lets toast some crumpets, spread them thickly with butter and offer them round.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:40 AM

Well - there have been droughts and poor harvest. I have seen a reasoned analysis that showed a drought caused a lack of grain, which caused certain Mediteranean countries to not export. The drought was general in the Eastern Med. Then Syria happened. Ergo, people short of food and almost nothing to loose.

Added to it all there has been a rise in dictatorships. Think Putin, fomenting division everywhere. Think Assad. Think Erdogan. Trumplestiltskin (and he hasn't gone away). Venezuela?

Also there was a report of statistical research that came to the conclusion that a recession pre-empts a shift towards the right, politically. And, well, er, um ........ 2008? And it gets worse because I predict a recession in 2023. We are overdue one, and there are plenty of pundits warning it is on the way, citing food, inflation, wars. Well?

Have a nice day, y'all

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:52 AM

Aah, thank you Ebbie.

My sister and I used to play this on flute and lever harp, and it was one of the songs at my Mother's funeral. It's a beautiful, uplifting song:

Whispering Hope - duet by Gordon MacRae and Jo Stafford, 1949

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 07:23 AM

Again, for those committed to violence, Trump worship will last as long as Hitler worship but for those who are not violent, they will simply not speak of Trump and their fervor will fade in eight years just like George Bush fanatics.

The lure of fascism for most people is getting a piece of the theft of civilization. Hitler's global art theft epitomizes the promise of treasure. The lure of killing the boogyman can and did get out of control. For Hitler it was the Jews. For Trump it was Antifa scists and BLM. Do not forget Trump would have been delighted to see Mike Pense publicly hanged. Trump supporters forget that Trump has no friends no matter how loyal they are.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: JennieG
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 07:59 AM

Back when we lived in the Big Smoke my choir sang "Whispering Hope".....and just a few years ago my choir here in the Small Smoke, at my suggestion, also added it to the repertoire.

Something for those who, like me, enjoy trivia: it was written back in 1868 by Alice Hawthorne - who didn't really exist; Alice Hawthorne was one of the pseudonyms used by Septimus Winner. Septimus also wrote the words to that great classic "Where, oh where has my little dog gone" (set to a German tune).....talk about going from the sublime to the gor blimey.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 09:15 AM

Too long a sacrifice
Can make a stone of the heart.   
O when may it suffice?
That is Heaven's part, our part   
To murmur name upon name,   
As a mother names her child   
When sleep at last has come   
On limbs that had run wild.   
What is it but nightfall?
No, no, not night but death;   
Was it needless death after all?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 09:48 AM

All the bad news from around the world engenders a sort of guilt. We have a drop of midweek wine on Wednesday evenings with some nice cheese and agreeable nibbly bits. We'll talk again about earthquake victims in Afghanistan, the distress of millions of American women, the mass wreckage of lives in Ukraine, all while we sit in the early evening summer sunshine watching the butterflies and bees enjoying the flowers. We might even gently complain and tut about the price of pasta. It almost seems that we lucky sods deserve a bit of bad living, just to even things up. It's a bit irrational but that doesn't stop it from seeping into your soul.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: meself
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 12:03 PM

I don't know - but I've learned more about the American political system in the last few years than I ever wanted to know .... Primaries, Electoral College, Electors, Super Majorities, filibusters, Executive Orders, Congressional Committees, Congressional Districts, recalls, gerrymandering ... and on and on ... talk about 'wearying' ... !

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 12:24 PM

I try to take a news holiday at least once a week, put on the classical music station instead of NPR, stay off of the news pushed forward on my phone apps. It does help.

I am once again making a list of organizations to support, like I did when Trump was first elected. Some of those groups are still on the list, and others like NARAL will be listed now. Small donations, but everything helps. I also think it's time to bite the bullet and sign up to be an election worker. Tough job, but people with sound judgement need to step up.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 02:29 PM

I heard about 200,000 US troops to Poland.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/biden-announce-extension-us-troop-presence-poland-rcna35587

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 04:07 PM

Quite.

Maggie has a good point. Find something worthwhile to support. Something that needs you to DO something, not just give money, etc. I've found something to do to help elderly people to get more out of life. It takes up a bit of my time and a bit of my money but I enjoy it hugely and it doesn't feel like a burden. I'm amazed at myself. I won't dwell!

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 29 Jun 22 - 10:17 PM

Look up your own research Ebbie, its good for ya.

Kelly's defense lawyer promises an appeal
"Obviously he's devastated," Kelly's lawyer Jennifer Bonjean said outside the courthouse. "Thirty years in prison is like a life sentence for him, but at the same time we knew the government was asking for 25 years. We were prepared for what the judge might impose and we are now prepared to fight this appeal."

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 01:19 AM

Do you mind if we keep this interpersonal negativity out of this thread, please?

The topic says it all, so sniping at each other is dragging the mood down even further, whereas I think the aim of the thread was to help us all to feel a bit more positive - spiralling upward rather than downward would be nice.

When You Wish Upon A Star

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Senoufou
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 01:40 AM

I agree Helen. Let's all be kind and supportive if possible.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 03:25 AM

Sorry. I agree.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 08:03 AM

Potatoes in a leisure suit!?

I would never have thought of that, and I can be quite vulgar.

Look here, now.
The whole point of the thread is that word "wearying",
and there is a hint in that word.

The hint means that blunt humor is wasted, thoroughly wasted,
on people who are, as Ebbie rightly says, "on edge".
If people "on edge" respond to blunt sarcastic humor
with something that reads as hostility when
printed out in black and white,
it is down to the "weariness" and it is protective.

Perhaps, self-appointed Court Jester,
this is not the place, and now is not the time,
to be provocative. Yes, provocative.
Sorry, but I find that I feel as protective of my fellow Mudcatters posting to this thread
as They Who Must Not Be Named feel about the forum as a whole.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 08:11 AM

On a bright note, my son’s partner is bringing my three-month-old grandson (my only grand-child) over for a visit this afternoon. They live forty miles away so we don’t get enough time with him, but we do as much as we can.

Cuddles on the sofa with Jack, and tea, cake, and a long natter with his mum are good for my mental and emotional health. I’m a happy bunny today!

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 09:06 AM

Wearying presents in many ways. I see I'm weary too in contrast to the beautiful weather being wasted. I think most people see themselves as the best character in their own story and present their best selves which is fine. People on Facebook who mega brag about their vacays be damned.

The news is speaking of July 4th getaways in terms of a nightmare.
Dear news, you are not helping.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 09:48 AM

BWM, how do your grandson and Baxter get on?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 10:13 AM

A young news-maker's name is BongBong Marcos.
You cannot make this stuff up.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 12:02 PM

A portion of the thread has been trimmed for squabble-removal.

It was good news, I think, when Cassidy Hutchinson testified earlier this week. It let a fresh perspective into the process, and some of the talking heads I listen to were remarking how it takes a 25-year-old to come forward and testify because so many of the older and seasoned veterans are unwilling to. I suspect we haven't heard the last of her (I look forward to Saturday Night Live's rendering at some point.)

Texas had a horrible event this week with the deaths of so many migrants being smuggled in the semi-truck trailer. I was a ranger out in Organ Pipe Cactus the year after one of the local border patrol agents discovered a similar grisly scene in the Sonoran desert near the park. The circumstances are so similar that I'm not able to bring up that earlier event, all search results point to this tractor trailer in Texas. It seems like every migrant trying to get into the US that way needs a well-equipped Swiss army knife to unscrew door hinges should the need arise.

There is better news out there. On Instagram there are a couple of pages I follow that shift to good news on the weekend, and one that always plays positive items. COVID-19 gave rise to that one and it continues strong even though COVID has been knocked off the the front page most days now.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 12:54 PM

”BWM, how do your grandson and Baxter get on?”

Pretty good, Keb, although Jack’s only three months old, so not crawling yet. However, Baxter doesn’t react to him if he’s crying, grizzling, or making other baby noises - he usually has a sniff of him when they arrive, and then he pretty much ignores him from that point onwards. We reward Baxter with a treat and tell him he’s a good boy, just to reinforce that the human puppy is a Good Thing! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 04:41 PM

The good news in Australia last night was a two hour TV show celebrating 90 years of the ABC broadcasting network, which is more than just a network. It covers the whole of Australia, the news is factual and fair, the TV shows are excellent and over the decades there have been hundreds of shows, not just broadcast but also developed by ABC. Then there is the radio network, and the support for musical and artistic creators and performers. The list of achievements goes on and on, but a key achievement is connecting everyone scattered over our very large and diverse country.

The song which the ABC network has embraced over the years is I Am Australian and a special reworking of the song opened last night's TV show celebrating ABC's 90 years. That song brings tears to my eyes every time because it celebrates everyone living in Australia.

ABC 90 years

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 04:51 PM

Celebrating 90 Years of the ABC in 2022

For me, in these wearying times, the ABC is the antidote to fake news.

A prime example is that their factual coverage of COVID has literally been a life saver for many people.

I could go on and on, waxing lyrical about how important the ABC network is but....I don't want to bore you all. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Jun 22 - 04:56 PM

Seasons of Peace

Just hopeful thoughts.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: gillymor
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 06:34 AM

A historic news item worth celebrating in an otherwise disastrous SCOTUS session-

Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in to high court

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 07:26 AM

Thanks gillymor. That is good news!

Bill D, thanks for the link to Seasons of Peace. I have never heard of that song and it seems so appropriate at this time in the world.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 07:35 AM

Local ABC stations are unwatchable over here due to the hard core pro trump take over by the Sinclair group.
https://www.vox.com/2018/4/3/17180020/sinclair-broadcast-group-conservative-trump-david-smith-local-news-tv-affiliate

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Donuel
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 07:58 AM

why so wearying

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Jul 22 - 04:01 PM

RE: the south africa tavern and all those youths:

somebody is alleged to have locked them all inside
and released tear gas and/or pepper spray?!
not to speak of whatever they were given to drink?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 04:43 PM

On a similar bright note to Backwoodsman's post, we finally had a family gathering which has been postponed from Easter, due to various delays, including some of the family finally being able to go away on holidays now that COVID restrictions are eased.

It was a lovely day, with a lovely lunch and we were able to give each other a big hug and a kiss - aah, the things we used to take for granted. The two boys, my great-nephews were boisterous and loud, except when they weren't sitting together reading a book I gave them showing lots of amazing Lego creations, and I had trouble hearing the conversations around me, but it was a lovely day. We also shared a great big Easter egg, I mean it was huge, 1 kilogram (2.2lb) that we had saved since April.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: keberoxu
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 06:00 PM

what was the Easter egg made of?

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 06:09 PM

Well it wasn't egg! We thought it might have been second-grade chocolate - the type that a lot of Easter eggs tend to be - but we were pleasantly surprised. It was nice chocolate. Just plain milk chocolate.

Subject: RE: BS: why the news is innately wearying
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 08:11 PM

I know people are posting pollyana antidotes but here is an answer to the topic's question
It will challenge attention spans but that is the nature of worthwhile things.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 08:55 PM

What we don't need in this thread is arrogant and patronising attitudes. Some of us are not as inferior to you as you appear to think.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 22 - 11:59 PM

A young black man in Akron, Ohio was shot at least 60 times by police.
Akron Police Officers Placed on Leave After Fatal Shooting of Black Man
A lawyer for the family of the victim, Jayland Walker, said he was struck dozens of times. The Ohio city braced for protests as footage of the shooting is expected to be released Sunday.

Lots of versions of the early story here, but eight officers all shot at this guy and are on paid leave. Traffic stops often times happen because of racial profiling. And traffic stops should never result in the defacto death penalty.

Subject: RE: BS: why is the news so wearying right now?
From: Helen
Date: 05 Jul 22 - 08:22 PM

keberoxu, I just went grocery shopping and this beautiful music came on my stereo. (I have a USB connected with lots of my favourite music.)

The first time I ever heard this music I sat and cried, in my car, parked outside a shop. I couldn't turn it off. I had to wait to hear it all of the way through.

It is tragic, and beautiful and then uplifting towards the end. To me it says, there are dark moments or dark days or even years, but there is hope and beauty. Light at the end of the tunnel.

Bruch: Adagio appassionato, Op. 57