Kathyann
(Gene, I think I understand how peaceful people get cranky)
Cranky people have no doubt always been on the scene. Bah, humbug! If
crankiness seems more common today it may simply be that in the
instant information age all things scary appear more prevalent.
Choose your favorite disaster and read all about it. Seems to me that
crankiness is a sign of our times. Each generation has perceived
unique challenges. Each new era, decade, day, it seems now, finds
more to fuss about.
Leaders show the way. Politicians, hired by we taxpayers to take care
of our heaviest business and, while supposedly gifted in the art of
compromise, take belligerent, unyielding positions and speak in
uncivil tones. Talk show hosts speak in language unacceptable
yesterday. Bloggers, today's phenomenon, rant and incite; some are
simple space wasters, some are serious journalists who research,
ponder, and report useful information. All are trying to feel important.
Americans and citizens of other advanced nations have been living
high on the hog for at least two generations now. We are loathe to
give up our easy, fun lives. Each perceived threat to our decadence
makes us a bit more cranky. War, famine, droughts, energy shortages,
social injustice, tyrannical rulers, and now, now, sweeping
apocalyptic predictions. None of this is new.
We are drawn to disaster as moths to flame. Nostradamus in the 16th
century made a good living publishing prophecies, some of which are
still believed today. Here are some journal notes: 1-1-2000: Widely
predicted disruptions of great magnitude because of computers’
inability to handle the new date. It did not happen. 5-5-2003: Title
of a book. Author-predicted planetary alignment catastrophes. It did
not happen. 12-21-2012: Mayan predicted apocalypse. Some space
experts predict a 50% chance of an asteroid hitting Earth in 2012 and
disrupting climate for several years. The European Space Agency
predicts 55%. Woo, woo, let's get scared!
Life is uncertain. Those who sense that they are unprepared for
change are usually correct. Whether we live with angst or serenity is
largely determined by focus. Focus is self-determined. It's a choice.