whatever brings you peace
The political climate in America, magnified by the ensuing Presidential election, is such that normally sane, reasonable people now display such rancid bitterness one immediately suspects rabies has entered the house or, even more tantalizing, the zombie apocalypse has begun. The level of dissatisfaction among so many Americans who are and have always been far more fortunate than most of folks currently sharing the planet is in many ways bewildering. Yes, things can always get better. Yet living in this moment, seeking out those small pleasures which gives life its true flavor, appears lost in the ever-maddening shuffle. Times like this bring to mind a quote from Thomas Fuller, the 17th century English historian, who wrote, “Contentment consist not in adding more fuel, but in taking away some fire.”
Trask Avenue 
I fear the new normal. I’m much better suited to the old normal. Will we be returning to the old normal soon? Does anyone still remember how to get there from here?
LikeLike
I think you make a left at the Sinclair station.
LikeLike
And yet, we are so inundated that it is difficult to remain above the fray, as is obvious by the posts and comments on this subject. Perhaps that is the idea – have us argue while the treasure is robbed.
LikeLike
If that were the idea it wouldn’t, sadly, be all that surprising.
LikeLike
We’re on the same page! Life is a matter of perspective. When you have nothing, the tiniest treasure means the world to you. When you have a lot, all you can think of is what you don’t have.
LikeLike
As Springsteen wrote, “Poor man wanna rich, rich man wanna be king, and a king ain’t satisfied until he rules everything…”
LikeLike
Thank you for this. I was born in 1962. I always remember a much more civil, intelligent discourse and a coming together after every election cycle. It was one of the things we could be proud of- a nation that could peacefully elect and change our chosen President and party. I’m so distressed and disturbed by the current discourse that we have today. The very principles that our country is founded on are the ones under attack. Just because I don’t like what someone believes doesn’t mean I should demonize them, mock them, etc. We share this country. Our country is becoming more and more divided. Personally, I think we’d get a lot further if we looked for common ground and demonstrated respect. Hopefully the pendulum will find it’s way and rest in the middle after so much erratic swinging.
LikeLike
You’re a wise woman.
LikeLike
Yeaaa… what you said in the end. I was just having this discussion else where about political things and all that mess. I said something along the lines of finding middle ground and that I wouldn’t see it in my life time.
LikeLike
Don’t lose faith! Eventually middle ground will be found. In the meantime, enjoy yourself! How could you not? You’re in Jersey!
LikeLike
Tongue firmly in cheek again? 🙂
LikeLike
Not sayin! 😉
LikeLike
Hahaha! 🙂 Stinker …
LikeLike
I stopped listening to radio about 6 months ago, and the only television I watch is DVR’d so I rarely see a commercial anymore. It has made this election season so refreshingly tolerable. 🙂 I can imagine how ugly it’s getting out there.
LikeLike
It’s both ugly and utterly surreal.
LikeLike
Well I would certainly fall into the category of people you’re describing, wouldn’t I!
LikeLike
Nothing wrong with focused anger as long as it doesn’t blind a person to what is good in their lives.
LikeLike
I like your quote. Some of the most content people I know are immigrants who most would think have no reason to be happy because they have so little. I remember my Italian Grandfather would often say, “When you have all that you need, what is there left to want?” I think of that saying often.
LikeLike
A friend of mine once said his father-in-law used to say, “I have a roof over my head and a bowl of soup in front of me. I have no complaints.” I’ve always loved that.
LikeLike