Is the constant drumbeat of bad news in the media wearing us down? The national news is a litany of grim and disturbing crime stories, bad economic news, political criticism and disasters. I know it is the nature of the news to focus on the negative. The airplane that did not crash is not news nor is the CEO that does not steal, the company that is not downsizing, the postal employee who goes to work peacefully, or juveniles who are not involved in drugs or gangs. On the local level I think the H-T does a good job of putting out positive reports on community activities and development. However, I admit that I usually read the crime reports first each day.

In a nation of 300 million there is always something bad happening somewhere. If you look for it you will find it. Time for a reality check… most people want to do the right thing, crime statistics have actually improved, our government is not as bad as critics say and Americans have a good standard of living. Is there a country anywhere in the world without problems and citizens who complain? Try to remember these things. Lighten up!

Ltr to H-T op-ed