Monday, August 8, 2016

Great Advice!

One of the smartest things my father ever taught me was the importance of being informed, especially about international affairs.  Of course, he had no way of knowing the burden of being over-informed would ever become so great, especially about politics.

The smartest thing I've done this year is to put myself on a news-diet by declaring Saturdays a news-free zone.  That means no network news, plus no Fox News, no CNN, and no MSNBC.  (Is there really anything more you need to know about the "truthiness" of either Clinton or Trump?)  The initial withdrawal pangs of being news-free will be quickly replaced by an improved ability to both breath and think.

I must confess to making an exception for local news, primarily for weather and sports.  Another murder down the street is no more depressing than another joke about the size of Trump's hands.

Banal, repetitive news is only going to get worse over the next three months, between now and election.  Do yourself a favor -- find a news-free zone!  Do your spouse a favor -- create a news-free time to be together!  Do the world a favor -- cut off the television!

Besides, a tormented mind is not a useful tool for decision-making, especially about your portfolio!