How to Deal with Fox News

If you hear someone softly crying "I’m melting, I’m melting" in the distance, it’s not the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz but Fox News.  One must listen through the din of hysteria that dominates almost every program. The shrinking credibility of the right wing, like the shrinking of a defeated witch, will be very good for innocent children everywhere. When Fox News tried to strike fear into the public heart by claiming that President Obama’s televised speech to schoolchildren was secret indoctrination, the wind whistled down the empty canyons of Mediaville.
 
They turned up the volume with cries that Obama was the same as Kim Jong Il, that he was brainwashing a future generation of liberals, that his tactics were identical to those used in Stalin’s Russia.  Common sense contradicted these delusions — not that anyone at Fox News believed them for a second – and such socialist Presidents as the first George Bush and Ronald Reagan had delivered the same sort of benign address to the nation’s schools. One had to smile at the lengths the right has to go to in order to evoke a quiver of nervousness, much less the full-blown seizure of anxiety and fear they  used to trigger.
 
Why, then, not admit victory and smile?  The deathers and birthers aren’t making an impact, with the former trotting out the specter of bureaucratic death panels to end Grandma’s life, the latter wandering about in a daze as they hold Barack Obama’s birth certificate up to the light, certain that they will spot a counterfeit. It’s an amusing — and sad — spectacle but not a dangerous one. Therefore, it’s time to stop fearing this shadow play that was once so real.
 
Step by step Barack Obama is returning the country to its senses. Rational adults are in charge. Enormous challenges are being met with moderation, honesty, and candor. That’s the real victory, which goes far beyond politics to the very character of America. By embodying those same qualities, all of us mount the best defense against the haunting memory of the reactionary decades when every form of unreason turned this nation into a surreal circus of wrong-doing.  In other words, it’s just as important to change your response to Fox News as it is to undo the social damage of the Reagan-to-Bush era. Without a new attitude, the same futile tug-of-war will continue.
 
I am not suggesting that the fate of a Van Jones, driven from his advisory role at the White House by an old-fashioned witch hunt,  is anything to smile at.  At its most venal, the far right will contract until only the Glenn Becks remain. Sincere, rational conservatives know that this is happening. They cringe when Rep. Joe Wilson shames the entire Republican Party by calling the President a liar in public. They shake their heads when Fox News trumpets toxic nonsense about mandatory abortions under the Obama health plan.  When a piece of furniture sits on a base that’s too small, it topples over. As the Republican base dwindles to Southern white males and various credulous hangers on, the whole party is set to topple just as inevitably.
 
But this isn’t a post about gloating. A vigorous two-party system is necessary to the body politic. The rights of the minority need protecting, which means not just ethnic minorities but the far right minority. The whiners and grumblers at Fox News will find an audience, just as auto wrecks find rubbernecks on the highway. In place of gloating, we need to exhibit the confidence and good humor of people who have stood on the outside for a long time while protecting the truth, who have spoken truth despite the ethos of lying in Bush’s Washington, who understood that the essence of America is and always will be progressive, tolerant, and accepting. 
 
Isn’t that reason enough to give Fox News a smile once in a while?
 

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 deepakchopra.com

 

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Deepak Chopra

About Deepak Chopra

Time Magazine heralded Deepak Chopra as one of the 100 heroes and icons of the century, and credited him as "the poet-prophet of alternative medicine." Entertainment Weekly described Deepak Chopra as "Hollywood's man of the moment, one of publishing's best-selling and most prolific self-help authors." He is the author of more than 50 books and more than 100 audio, video and CD-Rom titles. He has been published on every continent and in dozens of languages. Fifteen of his books have landed on the New York Times Best-seller list. Toastmaster International recognized him as one of the top five outstanding speakers in the world. Through his over two decades of work since leaving his medical practice, Deepak continues to revolutionize common wisdom about the crucial connection between body, mind, spirit, and healing. His mission of "bridging the technological miracles of the west with the wisdom of the east" remains his thrust and provides the basis for his recognition as one of India's historically greatest ambassadors to the west. Chopra has been a keynote speaker at several academic institutions including Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Divinity School, Kellogg School of Management, Stanford Business School and Wharton.His latest book is "Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul."

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85 Responses to How to Deal with Fox News

  1. Diablo September 13, 2009 at 8:07 pm #

    BTW…puregrace is not a woman!

  2. DOMINIC September 13, 2009 at 8:14 pm #

    PureGrace is a whino..drunking with itself sitting in a puddle in the Bowery and calling out for Annie who is home as drunk as she is …coincidently with the same bottle..enjoy they both did*

    May you live in peace and harmony surround you always(+)

    Dom*

  3. aurora September 14, 2009 at 12:39 am #

    Kathryn,

    I'm so glad you remembered :) Be well!

    John,

    you know, this is very funny. Whenever I think that I see another's ego… if I look very very closely… it's mine! :)

    You know why? Because I can only see from my own consciousness. If I perceive a contradiction, it is tempting to say that what he writes is in contradiction to his teaching, but to be totally honest, all I can perceive is a contradiction between what -I- hear him saying in this article and how -I- understand his teaching in general. The contradiction, then, is in my own mind, and mine to grow through. Rather amusing how it works, isn't it?.

    When I realize I am the creator of my own reality, I can then shrug as you say, forgive my personal mind for perceiving contradiction (thank it for the funny tricks it is capable of, which sometimes make me believe there are more than One here), remember the wholeness of my highest perspective, and move on!

    love,aurora

  4. Tarryn September 14, 2009 at 5:02 am #

    I still find this article very one -sided and of an ill informed opinion! I consider myself to be in the centre, but I can see this is not just an article about Fox News, but an article insulting the right in general – the Republicans. I find nothimg amusing in it, in fact, there seems to be a deep undertone of fear (of the opposition) and anger cleverly disguised as humour! By making one side right you automatically make the other side wrong – the coexistence of opposite values – this goes against everything Dr Chopra teaches ( btw this is not the first time Dr Chopra has showm his one- sided view in this matter) so much for going beyond the ideals of right and wrong doing.

    This article was written from ego, and not spirit.

    How about an article on how to deal with Obama for the next 4 – 8 years Dr Chopra??

    Blessings

  5. ardverk September 14, 2009 at 6:00 am #

    Tell the Rum Shop a little more about spirit, dear Tarryn.

    There seems to be a Fox in the henhouse!

    As an Earthling with an inkling, I never read the US article, so what?

    Brother Deepak never struck me as out of the woods yet, anywayz. Shall we cut down the forest ;)

    Love,

    ed

  6. Tarryn September 14, 2009 at 7:46 am #

    I know Deepak Chopra is not yet Enlightened, but as Tiffany suggested earlier, he should have known better then to post this here. I would have thought after so many years of spiritual teaching he would be awake enough, so to speak, to not post an article that is going to cause aggravation. Or at least write an article where he doesn't have to insult what he opposes, or give premature praise to someone who has yet to prove himself imo (Obama). You teach by example not by empty words.

    Sorry if my opinion is not sugar coated, but I say what I see. This is all my opinio of course.

    Be Blessed.

  7. syncronius September 14, 2009 at 9:38 am #

    Aurora, There is a part of me very surprised by Deepaks views and your views on this are exactly why….We still read Deepaks blogs and books for his pearls of wisdom…so it is natural to red flag when he says something contradictory..call it judgment but I think it is just making a choice..

    Creating my own reality does not stop me from taking in useful info and weeding out what I dont need…

    I am not very evolved in my spiritual knowledge but I understand what you are saying and I also understand some of the folks who are frustrated with Deepak and I think whatever your beliefs or philosophies ,its a good idea to have some acceptance,forgive,,and move on

    more love!

    JOHN

  8. Diablo September 14, 2009 at 10:35 am #

    Granpa Ed…

    u are pure wisdom…

    and puregrace is really a man who used to attack Dr. D at ole IB… u recall?…yeah…the dude has a penis…and that def… does not make him a pure woman….hehe….

  9. ardverk September 14, 2009 at 10:38 am #

    Not sure, Tarryn, that your reply was particularly for me, but you have no need to apologise to me, re sugar coating. The best thing we can do is think for ourself. I like your fighting spirit.

    When I would share words with you, my motives are for you and your peace. Deepak probably never reads our 'requests' and he's never once recognised my approaches….so let him do what he will, until, one day we will make peace, together….ya think?

    Love,

    ed

  10. ardverk September 14, 2009 at 10:48 am #

    Yo, filip, a woman is not puregrace ;)

    Now explain to Kevin Keath how you came to be skinny-dipping on his bit of the shoreline.

    Bear in mind that folks are a bit more civilised here than they may have been at IntentBlog ;) (dregs later to be drained at the Rum Shop….tea for teetotallers….Guinness for granpa)

    Blessed are the peacemakers, Aurora x

  11. Tarryn September 14, 2009 at 10:56 am #

    Thank you Ed, I appreciate your words.

  12. vtyogi September 14, 2009 at 11:41 am #

    Kevin… you hit the nail on the head when you said he doesnt listen to those who oppose him… its his way or the highway. He says things are bipartisan and they so are not… it is sad what this is all coming to!

    love and light

    namaste

    tiffany

  13. stuball56 September 14, 2009 at 11:41 am #

    Wow so much anger and consternation going back and forth, you no you, no you , no YOU, NO YOU!!! Bring out the sticks next. bottles, bats, and knive, its time to rumble. Well boys and girls there really is conflict in the world, and even here on intent.com.

    Deepak is an enlightened master who is mercilessly attacked by those who want to support the status quo. I am amazed at the restraint that he shows. I hope and prayer that I will show as much restraint as he manages.

    The right wing thought police attacks in the vilest manner just as they did when Bush was president. Bush ran this country into the ground. I laught at those of you who blame Obama for the woes of this country. Bush went to war borrowing money from the Chinese government, not raising taxes, no draft so the war is fought by a minority, and profits were made by the well connected, the media can not show Americans dying or their coffins, the constitution was raped, and the U.S. conducted torture to keep everything nice and quiet.

    Republicans run up huge deficits and then Democrats bring prosperity. Just look at the budget deficitss of Reagan, and then G.H.W.Bush and then the incredible surpluses of 8 years of the Clintons. Then 8 years of this last Bush destroying our economy. It will take even longer to overcome this financial disaster.

    Being the international bully and fighting is very expensive. It is also immoral and anti-evolutionary. We must change our country's militaristic ideology. War is murder!

    Obama inherited a disaster and there are many changes that have to be made. Thankfully there is an evolutionary process in human consciousness going on. If not we would all go extinct. I suggest that you read all these comments and look at the ones that have hate and vitriol seeping out of their pores.

    Evolution takes time. Those who are driven by fear and by hate are usually very mean in their dialogue.

    love and light to all, namaste and shalom,

    Change is inevitable, the angry, lonely and afraid ego is inherently an unstable evolutionary stage. But it was also useful. The ego doesn't need to die but to mature and connect to the source of all love, light, nurturance and most importantly CREATIVITY.

    Stuart
    http://stuartmarkberlin.com

  14. royally_chic September 14, 2009 at 11:47 am #

    Perception is truly reality. How one can see this article as taking sides or accusing Republicans of doing things they are not responsible for doing is beyond my comprehension? He's stating the facts that if we all tuned into Fox News can see for ourselves. For ones who may find the propoganda leaving them hopeless and frustrated, they can take Deepak's sound advice of how we must transcend negativity with a positive approach. For those who agree with the Republicans' approach and feel they have the right to push their agenda "by any means necessary," you will find no value in this blog.

    Deepak is not taking sides; he's actually adhering to our pledge of allegiance: One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Deepak is simply highlighting the actions of a few that seek to keep us divided. As a nation, it is in our best interest to find common ground and stand behind our President in the interest of securing a better future for our children. The disrespect, lies, fabrications and brainwashing is one of the oldest tricks in the Republican book. Our Freedom of Speech should never be compromised and its the reason our country is admired globally, but when your speech, deeds and actions take advantage of the misinformed, underrepresented groups of America; You are commiting a great disservice to our country, its citizens and our children.

    It has less to do with party affiliation and everything to do with "character…"

    "Turning myself inside out in pursuit of Divinity"

  15. aurora September 14, 2009 at 11:50 am #

    Ed, blessed are indeed those who make peace with themselves :)

    John, I think you're wise to accept, forgive, and move on. One day it will be obvious that there are no contradictions in the universe. Until then, I think more love is the right direction. Or maybe… the left? :)

  16. keath59 September 14, 2009 at 11:53 am #

    Dear Deepak,

    I truly am sorry, as I've fallen into the trap of turning

    negative myself here. How can we ever resolve differences

    if "no one is willing to listen, and really care about the other

    sides point of view. I'll be up front, and I do watch Fox News

    and like somethings, and other times I turn the channel. Thou

    I do the same with all News Channels.

    I'm not an Obama Supporter, I feel he's leading us in the wrong

    direction. I've attended one of his events as a U S Senator here

    in Illinois at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Illinois.

    I came away from this event feeling disappointed, since he

    lashed out at the ones who didn't vote for him. His words were

    your stuck with me for the next 6 years.

    Our U S Senator's speech was filled with a promise of what he was going to do for all of us! There must be Concentration on the Economic Conditions in our Communities. I still hold out hope that public opinion leads our President back to governing in the center. Then President Clinton's Policies were more toward the center in which We had then Good Economic Conditions.

    Even thou I don't Politically agree with U S Senator Dick Durbin our Senator responds to my e-mails. He doesn't ignore us who he represents. I give him credit for that. I don't feel our President Barrack Obama cares, or listens to opposing points of view he's ignoring all who disagrees with him. Our President is suppose to be the leader of all the People, not just the party he leads. This truly is a test of his leadership, "if the Health Care Bill gets rambed through strictly on party line vote, he has failed as a leader of all the people". I'm not able to spend one more dollar in my budget so forced Health Care for all is placing another burden on those of us that are fighting each day to maintain our family.

    I need our roof repaired "not a Health Care Plan that isn't funded"! Then those who don't have the funds to buy in are then fined thousands of dollars. Enough is Enough…

    Kevin

  17. keath59 September 14, 2009 at 12:05 pm #

    Hi Tiffany,

    I wasn't going to comment on here. Since I've got only admiration

    for Deepak. Then I realized silence is so wrong. Each of us can make

    a difference. Stand up and be heard. Our President at some point in the

    near future will hear our voices. There's just not enough yet.

    Bipartisan is only out of convenience. Public Opinion is shifting.

    I support our President fully if his views are like mine. Thou at this

    point there opposite of mine. It's not personal. I don't wish him

    failure unless that means his policies aren't successful becoming law.

    I hold out hope compromise is coming soon. I do agree we need to find

    solutions to our problems. Let's have an honest discussion, and put everything out there. So far thats not the case. Who among us isn't confused by all this so far.

    Take care my friend,

    Kevin Keath

  18. ardverk September 14, 2009 at 1:46 pm #

    Well I'm blessed, Aurora! (quaint old UK saying) ;)

    Love y'all, war-ts included,

  19. Jasmina September 14, 2009 at 10:17 pm #

    Deepak–"a shadow play"…oh I do love a puppet show! how very quaint and picturesque, the melting of hatred, like ice on a fire. To engage it directly, the emotions jerked every which way…we've had that, now we have matured. We don't engage that kind of thing anymore, except to speak out.

    It is not about gloating, you are so right…it was pure water that melted the ol' witch, pure simple water, bless your heart…J

  20. I_For_An_I September 15, 2009 at 4:04 am #

    The right-wing and conservative extremists of America are a deluded, hypocritical lot. They consider themselves "pro-life" but are gun-pushers and war-mongers. They consider themselves holy and moral, but time and again they get caught in acts that they preach against. It is fascinating to watch humans at such low levels of evolution in such a "developed" nation. The utter egocentric agenda with which these primates are going after Obama's far-sighted plans of collective good is despicable. The healthcare system is majorly unethical with the drug companies corrupting the moral fabric of the medical profession, and is survived only by the mere goodwill of a minority involved. In a country that peddles trillions worth of guns and bombs, while its middle-class is getting bankrupt paying medical bills, it is time for some sort of balance.

  21. scottinfortmill September 15, 2009 at 6:35 am #

    I always thought FOX was a pretty funny satire of real news. Are you telling me they think they are reporting the news? That IS funny. I get my news from Jon Stewart like every other sane American.

  22. norm September 15, 2009 at 7:03 am #

    Oh Tarryn Baby….you ain't seen nothing yet!! Deepak stays 'in the shadows' on this politcal 'stuff'!! He couches his vitriol with pretty new age 'fluffy stuff', and wants us all to join him in a vow of nonviolence…..sho schweet!!!

    See….if I posted something like, "Hey Deepak, take your little brown ass back to India" (not how I feel by the way), I'd be labelled a bigot and a racist and the dregs of humanity, blah, blah, blah….and rightly so! Actually I love ol' Deepak….but if he gets started on this stuff he's as mean as Maureen Dowd!! He has a real boner for Reagan and Bush, and he always work's that "southern white male" into his little diatribes……

    But hey….it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautifuly day for a neighbor would you be mine, could you be mine!!

    Best wishes, Happy trails, sunny tomorrows, and all that fluff to you!!! :)

  23. dymty September 15, 2009 at 9:57 am #

    Kevin,

    The world is your reflection.

  24. keath59 September 15, 2009 at 11:21 am #

    Hey Phillip,

    What does that mean? I don't know about the World.

    I do know in Watseka Illinois population 5,500. Our

    town is hurting. If the Democrats felt that Public Opinion

    was on their side the votes are overwhelming Democrats

    they control everything. Our Congress, The Executive Branch.

    It's not the Republicans stopping them. Pass all the programs

    they wish. I can tell you not one of them is getting to small town

    America. We received $85,000 stimulus funds to place in 4 county

    facilities energy efficient bulbs. Now call me crazy in our town there

    are problems with flooding, and buildings falling down. Our building built in 1895 is deteriorating "severely shot flat roof"! Bricks that the mortar is falling out with bricks falling off our building. I can't get one dime to save our building in which we live upstairs, and run our business downstairs. So yes I feel our Political Leaders don't have a clue what their doing. Again it's all about if you know how to work the system.

    I own a small Furniture Store, and Mattresses business has never

    been so slow. The local folks aren't making it. I've worked long hours,

    and spent every dime in keeping inventory in stock. Sad to say I

    don't care if your a Democrat, or a Republican we need help now.

    Not next month, or next year.

    Our local Government is where it should begin. It's just not happening

    at any level of Government. One example our town banned Display of Merchandise for Sale on Sidewalks in front of our Store. This caused

    a dramatic drop in our Sales. This has nothing to do with how I see the World. I see higher Electric Bills with no action taken by any Government Official "Agency to reduce the Impact"!

    When will it be high enough for folks to have had enough.

    You listen to Keith Olbermann on Countdown on the Cable News you would think President Bush is still our President, and the Republicans

    actually have a seat at the table. The Democrats run the entire Government. They need to understand "the blame game is over"!

    It's their show to run now….

    Kevin Keath

  25. dymty September 15, 2009 at 2:17 pm #

    Kevin,

    You do know the world; your world is Watseka. Change in any part of government, if you want to see change, begins at the local level. That's where you come in, in your world of Watseka. Your government may or may not be able to do anything about your situation. From all of your pleas here on Intent, you appear to have made numerous attempts to get your government to help you in your time of need, and yet they chose to reject you. That's too bad. It seems as though you've come to a place where you feel you can no longer rely on your government for help, and that too is a shame. As I don't live in your town, I can't comment specifically on why your government has decided to ignore your pleas for help, if in fact they have any authority to do so. I can understand your feelings of frustration when you pour so much of yourself into trying to make things better, and there is no result.

    To my way of thinking, there are a number of options. Decide that if the government will not or cannot support your efforts, then look beyond the government. Or, if you feel there truly is a problem with your goverenment, then take action to make it right. After all, in America it is a government by the people and for the people. You help elect the officials that make the rules in your town. If you feel those people aren't living up to their promises, organize a protest. That's another great thing about America. You've e-mailed your mayor: Why not schedule an appointment at his office for a visit? Can you not drive down to City Hall and schedule an appointment? If I hear that this is not possible, then I see no resolution to your problem. In America, all is possible, but the rewards only come to those who earn it. As you said, "it's all about if you know how to work the system." Get creative and instead of seeing obstacles to your success, search for ways around them. I cannot believe that just because the city won't let your block the sidewalk with your wares, that this is the only reason your shop is not doing better, in light of the fact that the ordinance applies to all shops, not just yours.

    Maybe Watseka is not your kind of town? Maybe the government of some other town would be more friendly to your shop? Maybe you could run for mayor, or some other office? One thing I can say for certainty, is that one must do a little more than just complain in order to effect change. A young man of your stature surely must have the will to do what it takes to effect change. As Ghandi said, "Be the change you wish to see." If all you see is what is blocking you from your success, you will not see success. If you truly believe that the government lies at the core of your difficulty and they solely are to blame, then you will not find for yourself a way out of your situation. Essentially, you have chosen to become a victim of the government.

    I do not wish ill upon you nor am I trying to disparage you. I wish you only the best and that you are able to bring to fruition a solution to your problem.

  26. keath59 September 15, 2009 at 3:34 pm #

    Hey Phillip,

    You make alot of sense. Thank you for your comments. I must admit

    in the beginning I could call up our Mayor, and discuss rationally

    my concerns. Thou not no more. As you say there must be other

    reasons why your store isn't drawing in customers.

    I agree it isn't only the ban on the use of the sidewalk. We until recently allowed 36" out to set things for sale. As for getting more

    involved in our City Politics that crossed my mine. Thou I'm wanting

    to concentrate on my business, and renovating my building.

    I must say your comments really are appreciated. There upfront,

    and to the point without being mean. As far as finding another town.

    I love living here it's where I grew up, and most of my family lives here.

    It's a really small town, and you get to know everyone.

    My family has a place to live. I'm doing more than complaining each day I open up, and work to get more things in our store. I like most people have my good days, and bad days. I don't believe for one moment my government is the sole reason at the core of our difficulties. I'll work

    to find a way out of my current situation. Awesome advice… "I'll read this over again a few times" to let all this sink in.

    Thank you,

    Kevin Keath

  27. keath59 September 15, 2009 at 3:47 pm #

    Dear Deepak,

    I wish to thank you for posting this blog. It has caused

    me to see a clearer path in own situation. We all need

    to realize that it's with-in our own means to find solutions

    to difficult problems in our own lives.

    We must not wait for our Government to hand feed us.

    Phillip has tactfully addressed my numerous comments

    left here. I'm thankful to see a person who doesn't know

    me to take the time to put down here his honest opinion

    without being hateful about it. This means alot to read

    such thoughtful comments left directed to me. I agree

    with Phillips conclusions. He makes alot of sense.

    Thank you,

    Kevin Keath

  28. keath59 September 15, 2009 at 7:46 pm #

    Phillip,

    I've taken your advice literally. See below e-mail sent to our Mayor.

    Dear Mayor Harwood,

    Hard hitting comments left on a blog that I've been

    participating on with much satisfaction! Intent.com so

    Therapeudic! I received today excellent advice.

    What do you think? Does these comments make any sense?

    If they do let's set up a face to face meeting. You set the

    day, and time. I'm open to who ever wants to set in, or be

    apart of the meeting. Or do you wish to have me come before

    the City Council again. No notes. Just open discussion, and

    I'll listen to the other side this time.

    I've sent numerous e-mails, phone calls with absolutely no

    response. The Mayor's response is their concerned anything

    they say to me could be used in any Court Action taken.

    They feel I'll ignore their ban, and their next step is to take

    Civil Action against me.

    If not I asked, and made an honest effort to find

    a way to resolve my dispute with the Ordinance #2295.

    Take care my friend,

    Kevin Keath

  29. keath59 September 15, 2009 at 7:52 pm #

    Deepak,

    I take offense by your statement that President Barrack

    Obama is returning the country to it's senses. Rational

    Adults in Charge. We get "No Change", it's just a different

    bunch in control. You claim the right is mean spirited read

    the comments left on here by ones who love Obama.

    These aren't nice people. All this blog has done is breeded

    more hatred. We will never be able to rise above this petty

    behavior on both sides until we learn to get along.

    Sad to see this on intent. Politics shouldn't be so divisive

    thou it is! How can we change this? I know this isn't the way.

    Our future looks bleak. I see nothing in America especially

    rural towns like I live in "south of Chicago, Illinois. It's really

    bad econonics times for all of us here! I'm 49 and really take

    offense by some of these hateful comments on here. I like most

    work hard everyday to provide for my family, and believe we all

    should have a right to live our lives as we wish to. Obama isn't

    the answer… We all will need to dig ourselves out of this mess.

    Government doesn't have all the solutions.

    As I've read some of these comments they don't deserve to be responded to. That's why our Politicians can't achieve results both sides are on opposite sides with absolutely no middle ground. We've grown apart as a nation into 2 sides of the issue. I must say I don't care for what's coming out of either side. Sad to say these people aren't the brightest bunch. Democrats, or Republicans appear to be leading us no where.

    Now they plan to give the IRS Authority to fine us if we fail to secure

    Health Insurance. Can we really take much more of this intrusion into our lifes. Isn't this what you all were complaining about President Bush.

    Now it's OK for Obama to take over all parts of our lives. Have you ever had to challenge the IRS you'll lose everytime. You get this fine it will haunt you til the day you die. The IRS will collect from you.

    We were required to have Car Insurance how many times in ones lifes

    have we not been able to pay all our bills. I know I've had rough patches. Can we really afford to require every single person to buy into the President's New Health Care Plan.

    What if you just don't have the money. Now the Government will hit you with a heavy fine that will be impossible to pay the fine. It's not going to be pocket change thousands of dollars. Wow when will you not see this isn't feasible.

    Kevin Keath

  30. dymty September 16, 2009 at 10:08 am #

    Hi Kevin,

    Constructive cooperation may yield the results you are seeking. If you and the memebers of your city council are reasonable, in all likelihood you will find a resolution. Seeking alternative resolutions can be very empowering, and success builds upon success. I wish for you only the best in all your endeavors. Cooperation means that all involved find success. The success of your business may yet spread to foster success in the businesses on your block and the surrounding area. I truly hope the council will see the wisdom of offering help to its entrepreneurs. Dare I say it, but the more successful you and your fellow businessmen are, the more taxes the city can collect.(!)

    Looking at the map, I can see that your town is a good 70 miles or more to Chicago's outskirts. Even in cities with large populations, competition is tough. Think about what makes your store better than the others, then consider mailing flyers to neighboring towns to attract customers outside your 'normal' base. If people will drive from Champaign or Bloomington to Chicago to find a deal, maybe there's a way to entice them to drive only half as far to get an even better deal or better quality. Maybe you don't even have to go as far as Champaign or Bloomington. Sometimes thinking 'outside the box' (Watseka) can yield tremendous results. Just an idea. For some people, the idea of shopping in a smaller town means they can trust who they're dealing with, instead of some fly-by-night, out-for-a-quick-buck big city shop. Also, partnering with other local businesses can sometimes provide a fantastic boost for everyone involved. Often times it's just enough to get together to start the creative juices flowing to help find solutions. I hope your business community can be energized by such a collaboration. Maybe Watseka can become a destination for shoppers from all over.

    Best wishes, and best of luck for all of your efforts.

    Phillip

  31. Jasmina September 16, 2009 at 1:27 pm #

    Hi Norm! This statement "I'd be labelled a bigot and a racist and the dregs of humanity, blah, blah, blah….and rightly so! Actually I love ol' Deepak." what's contradictory there? The "blah, blah,blah". What's blah-blah about bigotry and racism? "brown ass", that is a racist statement that you are not copping to, you DID just say it here.

    Actually, non-violence isn't sweet, it is an active, strong word. It is how you behave in your daily life.

    This post on Fox presents the truth as Deepak, and a lot of us know it.

    Perhaps that's not your truth, that's ok. Respectful disagreement is what promotes freedom of debate.

    America is a country full of many people( including your and my ancestors, unless you are native, and even then, very long ago) who immigrated here in search of freedom and a better life.

    The reason people here speak with the intent of happiness, is that too many others in the world and in the media have felt free to speak/smear with hateful and fear-raising intent, for selfish purposes.

    To me, that is much, much worse than "fluff" and people comforting each other. That way of speaking ( one that Fox has been using for awhile now) actively promotes fear and hate in the world for people different from us( or not so different).

    Wise speech and action for humanity takes a lot of work, and awareness.

    Best wishes and good intent to you, hoping my post brings more understanding and peace. BTW- I recommend some of the many podcasts of Deepak here, speaking on health, relationships and so on, if you don't agree with his politics, that is another area you might enjoy or learn something from.

    In respect and joy, to be another human evolving towards peace ( not yet quite there, but trying), Jasmina

  32. ardverk September 16, 2009 at 2:16 pm #

    Norm's just a thunderer, Jasmine. You are the silver lining ;)

    fluffless Love,

    ed

  33. Jasmina September 16, 2009 at 3:45 pm #

    FlufffluffEd, that is kind of you. It's ok, I'm not getting sucked in like I used to…but I just have to try to make some kind of human connection with folks that show up. I know it's not always recommended, and I do think twice before saying anything.

    I like fluff and non-fluffed love. I just love humans, strange tho' they are.

    Have a warm-fluffed day Ed, and thanks for the comfort, Jas x0x0x0

  34. Ralph Colucci September 21, 2009 at 6:57 am #

    Sadly, since this posting, more of our sons & daughters have died in Iraq & Afganistan, a law has been tabled that forces all American to purchase allopathic medical insurance strengthening the giant pharaceutical firms' stranglehold on "health" care and reports demanding "more & more troops" to battle "the war on terrorism" "more & more jails" to battle "the war on drugs". What is next: The war on Gravity? The war on Calculus? The war on Particle Physics? Or perhaps, my favorite of all, the war on the environment. Any more help from or governments and the environment will need a medic or an undertaker.

  35. Diablo September 21, 2009 at 8:04 am #

    A fat guy who calls himself a beach whale is having a hard time dealing with his racism and bigotry…he tries to pass it off as…someone who doesn't know what he's talking about…too bad…