Do you ever worry that politics distorts your reality?

[rumguy]

The world of politics has turned into a hot house. And sometimes it just seems like I'm reading and hearing the same shit over and over again.

We take it so seriously. We agonize over and analyze every bit of spin. Sometimes I think it's just all becoming to much, that this stuff is distracting me from the really important things in life.

What do you think?

[Fenris]

1. They're two seperate worlds for me.

I try not to take politics too seriously. If one does that, their head will eventually explode.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

2. Absolutely.

I've reached the point where my political obsessions (reading the paper, surfing the net, reading blogs, blogging, running my website, watching political shows, watching the news) are wreaking havoc upon what little life I ever did possess.

[physioex]

3. Not until the past three years...

When we have looked into the abyss. It's hard to look and come back to reality...

[candy331]

4. Been thinking the same thing, I think my small business is suffering

because I put too much emphasis on it all and my thoughts seem to be scattered all over the map..

[Mad As Hell]

5. Yes but

we have never faced such evil and corruption that will destroy the country if left unchecked. Thus, politics has suddenly become really important.

[physioex]

6. What evil and corrupution are you referring to?

[Hoping4Change]

7. Amen to that.

Welcome to d Underground Mad AS Hell. Glad your here. :hi:

[Karenina]

10. Not just the "country..."

the planet! Welcome to DU!!! :toast:

[THUNDER HANDS]

8. sort of

When I was a kid I was really into sports - like REALLY into sports. I knew every stat there was. I read four newspapers a day - just the sports sections - and I made becomming a sports writer my main goal in life.

I did that, then got bored and tired of sports just a few years later.

I switched to politics, almost like it was flipping on a lightswitch.

Five years later, I'm still as into it as ever - but sometimes it can be overwhelming.

Now I read five newspapers a day (Newsday, NY Times, Daily News, NY Post, Washington Post) - all sections - and its getting to the point at which I just want a break.

I wish I could just go back to the point in my life where I was just interested in sports. But it's like that scene in The Matrix where Morpheus gives neo the pill. Once you go down the rabbit hole you can't go back.

[UrbScotty]

9. Sometimes I fear it may cloud my mind too much.

Perhaps it distorts my mind a little.

[amjsjc]

11. That's the crazy thing about politics...

It's its own little world, no question, but it controls and dominates the "real" world. Actually I think that this is the reason I'm into politics in the first place-- this is the really important stuff.

[Misunderestimator]

12. Yes... but....

There are times that require an obsession like no other time. And the past four years are just that. Without people being aware and caring about what's going on, we would just go on with our complacence thinking we were utterly content, until the rug is pulled out from under us. Thank god... for the times that people come together and obsess about a common good.

And, really, what more important thing in life could there be right now than doing something about the infection that has spread through our government?

I'm able to stay somewhat balanced in my life, but yes, my interest in politics has increased ten-fold in the past few years... and a hundred-fold since last year. I have no regrets about it.

[Just Me]

13. Naw,....I have a "REAL" life, too!!!

I breath. Birds are flying and singing before me every morning. I give/get a hug from my son every single day. My neighbor says, "hello" and smiles back at me. The mailman delivers mail and we chat. I get to listen to others' worlds, everyday.

"I love you" is stated each and every day,...by me or someone around me. There is always something that I don't know,...and can find.

Life is very, very full. Regardless of the "information" we collect/obtain/usurp, we always, ALWAYS,...get to choose the direction of our lives.

Doncha' think? O8)

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

14. with the internet I find myself getting sucked in more.

..more into the extreme opinions and arguments on both sides.

[muffin_man]

15. Yes! I hate it!

It is such a horrible enviroment.In a way I envy the unaware masses,in a "ignorance is bliss" kinda way.I mean if you really examine both sides equally you can see some of the most twisted vile people. What makes it worse is I have to belive the truly horrible politicos know they are wrong! They just desire power,validation or whatever. The more I think about the less important it seems to me and the more like a song and dance it all becomes. I truly wish, as horrible in it's own way it would be, there was some all knowing answer machine that was always correct so we could just get on with life! We should all be on ships to other galaxies by now! The lack of progress that humanity requires annoys me to no end!