- Tina
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read

Welcome to Wednesday, dear reader. As I sit writing to you this morning, with the news broadcast playing in the background, I am thinking it is time for me to once again take a hiatus from watching the news. Periodically, I take a break from all things news-related, cocoon myself in my own little world of goats, chickens, geese, soap, farm-related activities, and my family, and exist in a world of my own creation. It is much more pleasant than the real world. In my world, there is no nonsense, nobody is putting a spin on important events, and things are pretty simple. I like it that way.
Allow me to share just how simple my world and my perspective on the world are in comparison to what is broadcast on the news. First, let us discuss rules. My dear friend, Tricia, whose mother was a kindergarten teacher, has a little rhyme she pulls out, primarily in discussions about the vendors at the market: Rules, rules they are no fun, but rules were made for everyone. When Tricia uses this rhyme, I always giggle. I also kind of wonder how we can be such good friends because I'm pretty sure I would have tripped her on the playground had she said this to me as a child. Tricia is a rule follower, and I love this about my friend. Her little rhyme is indeed accurate.
Rules are in place for a reason; usually because of someone's ass-hattery ( is that even a word?), and they do apply to everyone. Sometimes, I find this frustrating. For example: driving. I feel there are days when nobody should be permitted on the road but me. Nobody should pass me, drive too slowly in front of me, cut me off, pull out in front of me, follow me too closely, or annoy me in general. This would be part of my perfect world. However, there are traffic rules in place for safety purposes, and until the law goes into effect that only I am permitted to drive on the road, I will follow these rules to the best of my ability. If I break a traffic rule, I pay the consequences, literally. I don't make excuses, whine, or threaten law enforcement. I was driving like an ass hat, I got caught, I pay the price for poor decision making. That is how adults behave, correct?
According to the news, it is not how adults behave. I am tired of the news reports about adults behaving like entitled children, making excuses for bad behavior, thinking the laws are in place for everyone but them, or bending the rules to meet their agenda. I am not talking about anyone in particular. Just watch the news for five minutes, and you will see adults misbehaving, refusing to take responsibility for their actions, and believing that the rules should not apply to them. I find it incredibly annoying and frustrating. Just be an adult already. It's pretty simple, in my opinion. If you don't follow the rules of the land, you pay the consequences for your actions. Rules, rules, they are no fun, but rules were made for everyone. Childish? Yes. However, simplistically accurate.
Also, when did news reporting shift from strictly reporting the facts to news reporters interjecting their opinions about newsworthy stories? I still remember the days when Peter Jennings reported world events as if they were a weather report. I had no idea what his personal opinion of the story was or if he even had one. I don't want to be entertained, instructed how to feel or think, or influenced in any way. I just want the facts. Plain and simple. Give me the facts and I will form my own opinion without being influenced.
One last thing, why is it only the absolute worst of humanity that makes the news? Criminals, violence, destruction, ass-hattery, dip-shittery, and idiocy are the only behaviors deemed newsworthy. I have stated it before, and I will restate it: Hallmark needs a news channel that reports only good news. I would watch that while I drink my morning coffee and smile. Smiling while I drink my coffee would be much better than the knot that often forms in my stomach when I turn on the news. It's simple, tell me something good.
Am I naive? Probably. However, I believe that a bit of goodness and positivity would go a long way in this world. It would probably make it a better, less aggressive, and less scary place. Yes, I think it's time for me to take a break from watching the news once again. It's beneficial for my mental health, stress levels, and overall well-being. I believe it is essential to stay informed about global events. However, it all becomes a little too much for me sometimes. Until Hallmark creates a good news channel, I will retreat to my own little world, where everything that makes me happy resides.
On this overcast Wednesday, stay safe, be smart, follow the rules, don't behave like an ass hat, and keep washing your hands.