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On Being a Backslider

Maggie

I was very familiar with this term growing up being used when a person of faith fell back into their old sinful ways. But today, I am referring to regressing in my consumption of news.

During the holiday season I was content to limit my consumption of the news, but now in this weird lull while we again wait for the election to again be confirmed, and for vaccines to roll out, I find myself consuming more news.

I have yet to find one news outlet unbiased. Of course, everyone of us comes to each other with some level of bias although we are remiss to admit it. But in my mind, I feel like the news media should be more neutral – and they never are.

I find myself between the proverbial rock and a hard place. I want to know the truth about the virus, the vaccines, and the region where I (and my family and friends) reside. I want to know what precautions to take. Why do I look. I know what to do. Stay home. Mask up. Keep people at bay.

The news the governor had for us the end of December was bleak. Anyone under the age of 40 (not sure why that age) who traveled outside their home for the holidays should consider themselves positive for the virus and should go get tested. No one over 65 should enter any indoor space where people may not be masked. Groceries and medicines should be delivered if at all possible. Mask up EVERY TIME you leave your house, and wear a mask around others – even if outside and socially distanced.

The variant of the virus is in the US. It is more easily transmissible, but no new guidance on what that means really. Is this why the new precautions?

Meanwhile the rollout of the vaccine is not without problems. From those mistakenly given an injection of antibodies rather than the vaccine, to the individual who caused 500 doses of the vaccine to be destroyed, I cannot help but wonder how long until we will be eligible to be vaccinated. And then, we must consider we may still be capable of spreading the virus.

This coming week will be a nightmare for political news with the election runoff in Georgia and Congress meeting to formally count and accept the electoral votes.

This week I welcome my writing course. I am hopeful I will get back to consuming less news. This was the scene in my back yard last evening. Those are the things I need to focus on rather than the constant churning of the headline machine.

Stay safe.

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28 thoughts on “On Being a Backslider”

  3. That’s a great photo, Maggie. As for the news, I watch very little. I read from a variety of sources. I find reading easier. If I sense an overdose of bias, I just stop reading that article. I also find it easier to pick out the facts from a written news story, even a badly written one.

    Good luck with the writing course.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree on the written stories. I detest this video diet the news media chooses to always present. I do consult a variety of sources because they do tend to favor or stay away from certain topics. The sky last night was gorgeous. Nothing like nature to help us reset.

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    1. It is a time we need to practice extreme self-care. It is the time to look to nature and our own inner voice to find the truths. Stay well.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Molly, I am touched by your words and your decision to leave a comment. Writing is my way of making sense of this world we are living in and in some small way maintain balance. I am hopeful we will return to some semblance of normal soon. I know you long to be with family as much as I do.

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  6. Beautiful photo, Maggie. I totally get what you say about the news. I find it hard not to hear
    the latest – though It’s so hard to know what and who to believe.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I have stopped believing both sides now. The local papers say the new variant of the virus is now in the closest village to Beetley, Gressenhall. (Just over one mile away) If that’s so, then Beetley will see cases by next week at the latest.
    I will just carry on being as safe as I can, and going nowhere except out with the dog, and once a week to the supermarket. If the doom-merchants are right, I could well get it. If the other side is right, I can’t get something that isn’t there. Either way, I have little or no control over it, and simply refuse to keep worrying any longer.
    Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. We all do our best, because as you said, we cannot rely on our governments or the media to care for our best interests. Be diligent and take care, Pete.

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  8. Maggie, I grew up in rural north Arkansas where the only TV station our rusty, old, outdoor, metal TV antenna picked up was NBC via KYTV in Springfield, Missouri. My dad faithfully watched the Huntley-Brinkley Report weeknight evenings. As I remember those broadcasts, they were simply reports of the news–no personal opinions or breakdowns of “what this news item really means.” I cannot find such a news report today on my TV. As you said, they are all biased. Love your nature photos!

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    1. Journalism has definitely changed and not for the better I am afraid. Huntley/Brinkley were mainstays for sure. That sunset outside my back door was just so peaceful, Debbie, I had to share it.

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  9. I feel the same way, Maggie. It makes me get very anxious. I have to ignore the news and try to find peace of mind and soul. This was a great post. Thank You! John

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  10. Yes, I think we have to limit our consumption of news as too much of it could literally overwhelmed one.
    I have gone for little and often just to keep abreast with the main developments of each day.

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  11. I am back to a news fast. I found it was really jarring me to follow it. Our governor has a very good site which keeps us informed on covid, vaccines, testing, etc. That is factual and very helpful and enough for me to know how to walk through this crazy world right now. A singer Caren Armstrong has a great song “The Truth Stays True.” We may have trouble discerning it at any given time, but I am certain it exists.

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    1. Our county website is clear and updated daily, too. There have been two times when they had a technical glitch, but it was explained and we were alerted anytime it impacted the numbers.

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  12. I’m with you on “the news media should be more neutral” including the headlines. Especially the headlines which are designed to suck us in. Balance is important – like watching comedies and looking at trees like the ones in your beautiful photo.

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