Agree to Disagree

I told you it would not be long before I had another post.

I just had to share my thoughts after a discussion with a co-worker this week.  He was sharing with me his political views from a Tea Party perspective.  We discussed the Eric Snowden saga and had differing opinions.  This co-worker is definitely more informed on worldly events than I am, and I am okay with that.

Basically what I took from the conversation is that I am pleased that I do not spend time trying to keep up with every move that our government and others around the globe are making.  Do I feel like it is important to be informed? Yes - to an extent.  My reasoning - LIFE IS TOO SHORT.  If we spend all of our waking moments and mental energy worrying about government interference and playing watchdog, what time are we using to spend with our families? 

I do agree that there can be a happy medium.  I could probably take more time to study events around the world.  I used to do it as part of a job.  Some of my closest friends might say, "You used to work in the media.  You should follow current events more closely."  Here is a news flash for you.  Almost every person I know who worked (past tense) in the media have gotten away from actually following the news.  Most of them were in the business a lot longer than me.  After getting out of the media industry, it helps to disconnect by doing something you no longer HAVE to do.  It would be like a longtime In & Out employee not wanting to eat a burger for a while.

Again, I am all for informing ourselves, doing everything you can to make a difference, and standing up for what you feel is right.  However, sometimes we have to step back and think about if it is worth the time and energy that we could be spending on something closer to home.

My co-worker has my utmost respect for taking individual actions to not only be informed, but for taking steps by contacting those at higher decision levels to make sure his voice is heard.  We did agree, though, that we see things differently in regards to what might be worth our time.  I jokingly said that he might be better off moving to a smaller town like me, where his voice is bigger and has a higher likelihood of making change.  He said he would stay where he is and keep doing what he can.  I respect the passion and persistence.