Radio

Here's a good thing not to do again. I was listening to NPR Saturday morning and got angry during a segment where Scott Simon interviewed Judd Gregg, Republican US senator. The senator, a clever and determined liar, made a number of statements that Simon let pass without comment. I don't know why I was so much angrier at Simon than the senator - I think because the job of a GOP senator is to lie, which Gregg was doing perfectly well. Simon's job is to ask questions, which he was not doing so well. My opinion only.

Anyway, I found myself yelling at the radio, and then a bit later writing an email to NPR with the subject line "Tell Scott Simon to pull his head out of his ass". It was quite personal. I had a great time writing it, clicked Send and then took the dog for a walk in this frosty weather we've been having lately. Glorious walk! When I got home and checked my email, maybe an hour and a half or two hours later, there was a reply from Scott Simon.

It sure wasn't a form letter. He replied to my substantive points, alluded to my insults in that way people do when they receive a rabid attack from a stranger, and ended by making me feel about three inches tall. So I have decided not to do that again. I think and read a lot about politics, and while I don't want to renounce my citizenship or stop voting or anything, I know it would be better for my mental equilibrium if I cut back on the blind rage aspect of it. Another thing that I think would be good for the old brain and soul is to avoid insulting people I don't know - maybe even people I do know.

On the plus side - I made a great loaf of bread last night.