It all started for me with George Stephanopoulus in the early 90’s.
You know Mr. Stephanopoulus as the charming co-host of Good Morning America. You may also know him as the host of This Week. I completely get that people love this guy. If they didn’t, he wouldn’t be hosting multiple television shows.
Prior to becoming a media rock star, Mr. Stephanopoulus burst onto the scene as White House Communication Director for President Bill Clinton. He frequented the Sunday morning news shows as a guest. He rarely answered a question, choosing instead to simply say what he wanted to say.
Rob Hudson
Remarkably, Mr. Stephanopoulus didn’t just seem to always get away with it; he was lauded as a clever, effective political operative. Countless imitators followed, turning political discourse into a new level of “spin.” I played along for a couple of decades, tried to make sense of it, and even joined the circus as an amateur political columnist.
I’m grateful for the Northern Kentucky Tribune’s focus on our community. In most other publications, good citizenship rarely makes the headlines. Negativity, usually associated with crime, politics, race, nationality, gender or sex, apparently captures our interest the most. Yes, I’m willing to concede that “We the People” may have become “We the Divided People.” But I’m not sure it helps to be reminded hourly that we live in a wildly imperfect, conflict-ridden world.
The turning point came as I wondered about the effects of this media madness on people. It seems to consume some of these misguided souls. I looked in the mirror, muttered something about the pot calling the kettle black, and prepared this five-point plan to restore a more balanced outlook.
George Stephanopoulus
I won’t write snarky replies to political Facebook posts. The world is not coming to an end.
Go old school. Except for the evening news, turn off CNN and FNC. The resulting silence in our home isn’t deafening. It’s beautiful.
I will focus on the human beings in my life. On most days I learn more from listening to kind-hearted family and friends than by reading the Forum section.
Counterbalance popular culture by feeding our better nature. Choose a church service, any church service, rather than Sunday morning talk shows.
If I must discuss politics, and it’s pretty much unavoidable these days, I’ll offer an encouraging word. Most of us want the same things in life. We just have different ideas about how to get there.
What have I learned? Ignoring a few political news cycles can be uplifting, and it’s much easier than weight loss or exercise. Plus, dialing it down a few notches can lead to some bliss, without sinking down into blissful ignorance.
I’m not saying I won’t relapse and sound off from time-to-time. After all, we children of the 60’s were told from birth we should change the world and we still believe we can. But I’ve tried it both ways. It’s a lot more fun to encourage a family member or friend than it is to spew as an angry news junkie.
Rob Hudson, a lawyer and resident of Villa Hills, has authored several award-winning books addressing politics and business. His next book, entitled It’s Your Turn Now – Students Leading an Exceptional America, will be released later this year.
