Opaque Lucidity

Rest Period

I go through a phase about once every 18 months or so during which I almost completely stop listening to talk radio, reading political blogs and/or engaging in debates with people. I am entering just such a phase right now. We face so many monumentally important issues in this country that it's a little more than I can stay on top of. So I do what most Americans do: I hide behind my everyday existence and act like getting home from work on time is the most important thing that could possibly happen.

The truth is, I despise people like that. After a few weeks (or maybe sooner) I will return to reality and catch up with the world. But it seems as if I am surrounded by people who are completely oblivious to anything that does not involve them directly. You know these people; they are your co-workers and neighbors. They can tell you who won on 'American Idol' last year but can't tell you the names of anyone on the Supreme Court.

I'm not trying to sound elitist, and I do know people who are incredibly well-read and keep up with current events not covered in 'People'. I guess I get this from my parents, but I have always believed that all of us, as Americans (or whichever country you call home), have a responsibility to know what's going on. What is Congress debating? Who's running for President? What's the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan? What's going to happen with immigration and the borders?

Remember, we pay for pretty much everything that happens in this country with regard to government action. You should know where your money's going.