by Marlene Bricker

Created on: March 17, 2009

Turning on the news in the morning could seriously cause one to get back in bed, pull the covers over her head, and ask if any of it is worth it! Bad news prevails! To add insult to injury, we also get the opportunity to listen to the opinion of every political pundit. Then, as if that is not distasteful enough, when there is a murder or accident, we even get to hear how Uncle Jim reacted when he saw the shark bite off his nephew's leg.

Actually, I do not find this surprising. The same thing happens in the movie theaters. Movies with the most depressing plots that mangle, murder and maim seem to bring in the people in droves. This brings me to the question. What is the problem? Perhaps it is that horror sells. Keeping people in fear gives those in power more control. Perhaps that was why the last administration received a second term. Many people felt that it was unsafe to change while a war was going on. Logical or not, it seems to be the plight of man.

What do we really want? Do we really want the media outlets to fill our minds with the dilemma of "What if?" Do we want our children to be paralyzed in fear that they will not have water and terrorists are lurking over their shoulder? Do we want to believe that we can trust no one and should have alarms on our cars and homes and never speak to a stranger?

My question is: Is there an alternative? If so, what is it? The alternative is taking a different position. What if the news media began to show the great works of great humanitarians? There are people who risk their lives to assist others. Businessmen who keep their companies going as they rebuild from a fire so their employees do not suffer. There are firemen, police officers, soldiers, and teachers who work relentlessly for that in which they believe.

The United States has a new president who sincerely believes through hope and working for the good of the all, we can create positive change. We have an opportunity to state loudly and clearly what we want. It takes courage and work. Let your voices be heard. Contact your local T. V. and radio stations and express yourself. Write your Senators and Congressman or woman.

Humanity is facing a huge crisis. All of the prior systems that once worked will no longer function. We must pull ourselves together and make a new plan. The time is now. It is crucial that collectively we change the consiousness of the planet. It is at the core of our survival.

Let us begin to fill our hearts and minds with hope. Let it be known that we are all here to support each other. The media is the perfect venue to get the word out. It is for the public. We must let them know what we expect. Gandhi said, "We must be the change we want to see in the world." Let the good news reign!

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