10 September

Flower Art: Ode To Georgia O’Keeffe And Beyond. I Wish You A Peaceful Night. I Hope The Flowers Help. I Won’t Be Watching

by Jon Katz

I’m surprised to say this, but I decided not to participate in a confrontation that seemed more like Burmese boxing than American politics.

Burmese boxing is a full-contact combat sport originating from Myanmar and is regarded as one of the most brutal martial arts in the world. Lethwei fighters are allowed to use stand-up striking techniques such as kicks, knees, elbows, and punches, and using headbutts is also permitted.

This debate has no boundaries, and it is not even a debate.

According to Wikipedia, a debate is a formal discussion in which people present different sides of an argument in a civil and structured manner with rules and boundaries.
Debates are supposed to inform and enlighten us not frighten or discourage us. Our media and politicians have turned them into just another WWW wrestling match.  they speak of them in just the same way.
The goal of a debate is to convince the people watching it of a subject or issue.
This is not a debate but a kind of American cultural hunting, something more brutal than informative.
Does that sound like this “debate?” I don’t want to see it. It makes me sad even to think how far we have fallen. Political debates are not supposed to be frightening. My only way to protect this media-fueled monster is not to watch it. The usual suspects will get even richer, and the voters will be in distant seats.
I’m sure I’m in a tiny minority in this, but I don’t care to sit at home and cheer on something as violent and charged as this debate has become. Our world is not riding on the outcome, at least not my world. Everyone else can speak for themselves. My favorite police procedural —Homicide—is gentle compared to the intensity and bloodlust of the debate. I don’t care to watch it; I can learn what I need to know tomorrow. I want to be true to my faith.

I just don’t find political violence  – one side determined to destroy the other – something I want to see. I’ll spend a quiet evening with Maria, reading, talking, perhaps even watching “Homicide,” a soap opera in comparison. I feel the pressure on the debaters up here; it’s an awful thing to put on anyone. I wish someone dared to refuse.

I have no stomach for the pundits and cable screamers, red or blue. They don’t seem to know anything or teach anything worth learning. I’ll make up my mind without their help.

Perhaps I’m just afraid of it. It doesn’t seem healthy; it feels more like a massive trigger for anyone with a heart. If you watch it, I wish you peace and meaning. I’d instead work on my flower photos, talk to someone I love, and read the new Anne Cleeves Vera mystery. I’ll let a barn cat sit in my lap when the sun goes down. Perhaps Maria will join me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 Comments

  1. I’m thinking similarly Jon. Many healthcare professionals say, “protect your peace”. I think this may be a part of our decision. I am someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life. For me, I want most choices in my day-to-day experience, to support rational thought, love for my fellow man and animals, and kindness. May we successfully navigate these interesting times.

  2. Me too. Very triggering. My blood pressure doesn’t need the stress. I’m going to stay in my home office, listen to deep house music with my Bose headphones, and organize something.

  3. gorgeous photos, Jon……and….. I don’t believe you are a tiny minority……I’m not watching the *debate* either…..as it is not a debate, a calm and thoughtful exchange of ideas……it’s a media spectacle (or….promoted thusly) and I have no interest AT ALL in watching it. I prefer to spend my evening preparing and cooking a healthy dinner…… and to commune here at home and enjoy a relaxing and peaceable evening.
    Susan M

  4. I did watch it. I’m one who likes to know what’s being said. It eases my anxiety. Although, I did mute one person at times bc
    Of repeated nonsense at high levels of noise and anger. So perhaps for you it was good you didn’t watch it. On a humorous note
    cats were once again brought up. Watch out the immigrants are eating your cats and ducks

  5. I did watch it only so I will know the truth about it when I see it reported. I hate that we have come to this but we cannot ignore the danger that man represents. He cannot be allowed back in the WH even if it comes to a fight. Otherwise it will be 1939 again.

  6. I did watch the debate. The moderators did a terrific job. The most important thing was Harris was excellent. And people need to know the difference between Trump and Harris. According to Trump, the migrants are stealing pets and eating them. WOW! He was a complete lunatic. It was exhausting, the falsehoods never ended. And in truth I didn’t sleep well. But I won’t be sleeping at all if my social security and medicare gets cut. I know all too well that if I had been able to afford proper medical care and medication through the years I would be in a better position health wise. So I watched the debate – got upset – but also had a feeling of joy listening to Harris. I think she can save our country.

  7. I watched the debate to stay informed on this critically important election. Harris wiped the floor with Trump. She is smart, articulate, likable, and very presidential. I came away singing “Put a Woman in Charge”.

  8. I watched, too, and we were on vacation in Quebec so I knew I was taking a chance on ruining it all. We both came away with a feeling of triumph as we watched Kamala take charge from the first stride across the stage, and kept it up throughout. Now to hope that her messages reach the undecided…though for the life of me, I can’t imagine how anyone could be on the fence.

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