It’s not just you. I live in PA, and the political ads are virtually non stop and have been since long before Joe was sent packing. I just want it to be over. There needs to be a way to opt out of seeing political ads. I’d pay for that just so I don’t have to hurriedly grab my remote every time I hear the voices of Kamala Harris or Bob Casey. But I also mute when it’s Trump, Dave McCormick or any of the local races. I can’t stand it.
Agree. I live in Michigan, another battle ground state, and it's beyond ridiculous. We need a ten day rule. No ads until ten days out, and I'm being generous with the ten days.
It’s a special kind of torture. I watch Food Network a lot because there’s no politics at all. I’ve taken to muting the TV during every commercial break.
I went through this a few years ago. I don't think the solution is completely stepping out, else we realize Plato's warning that when good people fail to engage politically they are actively choosing to be ruled by those worse than themselves.
On the other hand, I absolutely get that total absorption in this stuff rots your soul and ruins your life. Sounds like your nature time is a great tonic. May I also suggest an active engagement with some sort of Great Books program (assuming you aren't already doing something of this sort)?
I've found this very effective at helping me keep an appropriate level of political interest, without becoming wrapped up in the outrage du jour.
I appreciate your work and hope you get some much deserved rest.
Politics is exhausting... I love our country, the ideals, the Constitution. It's as though it has cancer though. We know it's sick but can't find a way to stop the disease no matter how much we care and try to fight it. I too am exhausted by the lies and subsequent disillusionment.
I also can't stop caring, stop fighting. The thought of a loss of free speech, that alone is chilling. Self care is important too, whether caring for a sick family member, or your sick country.
Also, what you do matters. There are probably plenty of people like me who read what you write and nod and think "absolutely" or "I hadn't considered it that way," and value what you're putting into the world.
Yes. My latest Op-ed (publishes tomorrow!) shares much of what you have written here! I take a slightly different turn, but make some similar points. I am sure there are many out there that will meet these sentiments with a nod.
"If you think about it, we spend about a year and a half talking about an election to cast a single vote that'll take less than a day to accomplish. Kind of fascinating with how much time we waste on this stuff when we have the same amount of voting power as everyone else." Exactly!! I said something similar to my wife a few days ago. Glad I'm not the only one who sees it that way! 🙌
Why....Mr. Coleman, how could anyone possible weary of wading through filth?
Good for you, for getting some distance from it.
I'll say this much, though; the purpose of layering, and doubling-down on lies, is to enable the profitable underlying deceit to continue. I think you're correct about the political aspects, in the main, but the layering of political filth is a smokescreen for other types of malfeasance.
For what it's worth, I find it more meaningful to follow the money and try to disregard the shrieking and hand-waving. Mind you, I'm not saying I do particularly well at avoiding the distractions, but it does seem helpful to make the effort.
It's not just politics, but marketing pretty much everywhere as well. We have been so indoctrinated to expect instant gratification that our neuroloigcal responses are so overwhelmed - all the time - that we literally drain our brain's ability to receive the relevant information; too many limbic chemicals are flowing with no opportunity to reset. When everything is shoved into our psyches as the "best" or "most important" thing, we get desensitized and lose perspective on what really, actually matters.
Unplug. Turn off stimulus. Slow down. Embrace gratitude. Restore perspective. This is the way.
I totally get you. I'm Venezuelan, our politics are a shit show. I was born under a dictatorship and it's chaos 24/7. It does get to you, and I recommend anyone reading this to take care of your mental health and remember you should focus on what you can control.
You don’t have to write about “the latest thing” to be successful on Substack. Write about important issues that you care about, then you will not burn yourself out.
I hit the wall with the election, news, social/culture wars, etc. about a month ago. I drastically reduced my diet of information "junk food," as you so aptly describe it. Not only does it improve one's mental health, but I find I'm better at parsing signal from noise when I turn the spigot down to a trickle.
I have completely been turn off by this election cycle and have dove into my work as a release.
I don't know if it is just this 2024 cycle or politics in general. For that reason, I have stepped aside and let those who get the bigger bucks do their thing. I have to choose my focus and I am glad you at least have a nice vacation to take your mind off it all.
Hey. Glad you've having a break. Definitely wise to rest from the political craziness of the present times. Have you written about why you think the US will end in four years - I'd be interested as to why
Wishing you peace and a renewal of energy.
Thank you!
The critical middle? Sign me up! That's what I'm all about!
Nice to connect with you!
It’s not just you. I live in PA, and the political ads are virtually non stop and have been since long before Joe was sent packing. I just want it to be over. There needs to be a way to opt out of seeing political ads. I’d pay for that just so I don’t have to hurriedly grab my remote every time I hear the voices of Kamala Harris or Bob Casey. But I also mute when it’s Trump, Dave McCormick or any of the local races. I can’t stand it.
Agree. I live in Michigan, another battle ground state, and it's beyond ridiculous. We need a ten day rule. No ads until ten days out, and I'm being generous with the ten days.
I couldn't imagine...
It’s a special kind of torture. I watch Food Network a lot because there’s no politics at all. I’ve taken to muting the TV during every commercial break.
I went through this a few years ago. I don't think the solution is completely stepping out, else we realize Plato's warning that when good people fail to engage politically they are actively choosing to be ruled by those worse than themselves.
On the other hand, I absolutely get that total absorption in this stuff rots your soul and ruins your life. Sounds like your nature time is a great tonic. May I also suggest an active engagement with some sort of Great Books program (assuming you aren't already doing something of this sort)?
I've found this very effective at helping me keep an appropriate level of political interest, without becoming wrapped up in the outrage du jour.
I appreciate your work and hope you get some much deserved rest.
Politics is exhausting... I love our country, the ideals, the Constitution. It's as though it has cancer though. We know it's sick but can't find a way to stop the disease no matter how much we care and try to fight it. I too am exhausted by the lies and subsequent disillusionment.
I also can't stop caring, stop fighting. The thought of a loss of free speech, that alone is chilling. Self care is important too, whether caring for a sick family member, or your sick country.
Also, what you do matters. There are probably plenty of people like me who read what you write and nod and think "absolutely" or "I hadn't considered it that way," and value what you're putting into the world.
Yes. My latest Op-ed (publishes tomorrow!) shares much of what you have written here! I take a slightly different turn, but make some similar points. I am sure there are many out there that will meet these sentiments with a nod.
Have a good vacation. Safe Travels.
"If you think about it, we spend about a year and a half talking about an election to cast a single vote that'll take less than a day to accomplish. Kind of fascinating with how much time we waste on this stuff when we have the same amount of voting power as everyone else." Exactly!! I said something similar to my wife a few days ago. Glad I'm not the only one who sees it that way! 🙌
Definitely not alone.
Why....Mr. Coleman, how could anyone possible weary of wading through filth?
Good for you, for getting some distance from it.
I'll say this much, though; the purpose of layering, and doubling-down on lies, is to enable the profitable underlying deceit to continue. I think you're correct about the political aspects, in the main, but the layering of political filth is a smokescreen for other types of malfeasance.
For what it's worth, I find it more meaningful to follow the money and try to disregard the shrieking and hand-waving. Mind you, I'm not saying I do particularly well at avoiding the distractions, but it does seem helpful to make the effort.
Enjoy the vacation turn off the phone and t.v and chill
It's not just politics, but marketing pretty much everywhere as well. We have been so indoctrinated to expect instant gratification that our neuroloigcal responses are so overwhelmed - all the time - that we literally drain our brain's ability to receive the relevant information; too many limbic chemicals are flowing with no opportunity to reset. When everything is shoved into our psyches as the "best" or "most important" thing, we get desensitized and lose perspective on what really, actually matters.
Unplug. Turn off stimulus. Slow down. Embrace gratitude. Restore perspective. This is the way.
I totally get you. I'm Venezuelan, our politics are a shit show. I was born under a dictatorship and it's chaos 24/7. It does get to you, and I recommend anyone reading this to take care of your mental health and remember you should focus on what you can control.
Thank you. Amen.
For whatever it’s worth:
You don’t have to write about “the latest thing” to be successful on Substack. Write about important issues that you care about, then you will not burn yourself out.
That's why I like Substack
I hit the wall with the election, news, social/culture wars, etc. about a month ago. I drastically reduced my diet of information "junk food," as you so aptly describe it. Not only does it improve one's mental health, but I find I'm better at parsing signal from noise when I turn the spigot down to a trickle.
You're right. It definitely helps.
Quite. :\ ENJOY THAT VACATION, Adam!!! :)
Thank you. I will for sure.
Absolutely share your sentiments. It’s a waste of life.
I have completely been turn off by this election cycle and have dove into my work as a release.
I don't know if it is just this 2024 cycle or politics in general. For that reason, I have stepped aside and let those who get the bigger bucks do their thing. I have to choose my focus and I am glad you at least have a nice vacation to take your mind off it all.
Hey. Glad you've having a break. Definitely wise to rest from the political craziness of the present times. Have you written about why you think the US will end in four years - I'd be interested as to why