[swifty]

Perhaps I am looking for emotional support, but I am questioning my passion for staying informed/educated about what is going on in this world. My sister just let me know that she feels that I am too passionate about the state of injustice/greed/corruption in our system. She makes the case that there is nothing we can do to fix the system so why stress and be depressed. We should try to enjoy life and do the best for our own selves. She went on to say the people she knows that DO NOT read or listen to news are some of the happiest. She finishes by saying that my arguments are my opinion and that others feel just the opposite and are sure of themselves also.
Anyway I guess I am just wondering if I am wasting my life. I feel like I am in the minority of people when I talk about things like the healthcare mess or the PO problem, or the war. The attitude seems to be if you can't fix it, while bother with it!

[MacG]

Cheer up! Many people would give their right arm for a front seat at the battle of Hastings in 1066 or the sacking of Rome in 476. We have front seats at one of the great turning points in history and should be grateful.

[Ludi]

Stay passionate, but try not to get stressed and depressed, as that doesn't help anyone and is actively bad for you (and can be actively bad for your loved ones also). Try to find some concrete, physical, real world outlet for your passion, instead of just stewing about injustice. There will always be injustice, but if you take action, you may be able to help someone.

[Plantagenet]

Family is the most important thing in the world.

If your political views are annoying to your sister, then try to lighten up when you are with her. Give her some space and just try to enjoy her company without debating politics.

There are plenty of other hours left in the day to fight injustice.

[PeakingAroundtheCorner]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('MacG', 'C')heer up! Many people would give their right arm for a front seat at the battle of Hastings in 1066 or the sacking of Rome in 476. We have front seats at one of the great turning points in history and should be grateful.

[PeakingAroundtheCorner]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PeakingAroundtheCorner', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('MacG', 'C')heer up! Many people would give their right arm for a front seat at the battle of Hastings in 1066 or the sacking of Rome in 476. We have front seats at one of the great turning points in history and should be grateful.

[Pops]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ludi', '.')..Good stuff...

[Andrew_S]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('swifty', 'P')erhaps I am looking for emotional support, but I am questioning my passion for staying informed/educated about what is going on in this world. My sister just let me know that she feels that I am too passionate about the state of injustice/greed/corruption in our system. She makes the case that there is nothing we can do to fix the system so why stress and be depressed. We should try to enjoy life and do the best for our own selves. She went on to say the people she knows that DO NOT read or listen to news are some of the happiest. She finishes by saying that my arguments are my opinion and that others feel just the opposite and are sure of themselves also.

[mercurygirl]

You are certainly not alone.

I'm linking to an article that I posted in another thread, but it's very helpful, IMO. Derrick Jensen says it better than I could. Essentially, it's because we're still clinging to hope that we make ourselves feel so bad. If we let go even this, we are freed to do much good and be happy in doing it.

Beyond Hope

[Madpaddy]

Swifty,

There is so much truth to the expression "Ignorance is bliss", isn't there.

Don't fret about the system. People are people and corruption, greed and jealousy will be with us as long as we exist but so will generosity, nobility and hope.

Be the best person you can be.

You may not be religious but I'm sure you will appreciate the sentiments of the following,

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

[UltraViciousBudgie]

Swifty,

Sounds like you spend too much time being informed. Ignorance is indeed bliss so take ignorance vacations. (At least re current events.) Every other week turn off the radio/idiot box and avoid sites such as this one. Use the time to learn a skill, go backpacking, read a book, etc.

Direct your energy towards yourself and those you care about. If you want to take action beyond that do it locally where it makes a difference.

[swifty]

I needed some input, and I sure do appreciate the feedback. I hear what you have all said, and it was all helpful. I do not have TV - almost 2 years now - so I think I have done more reading/learning from other sources which has contributed to my frustration. Yes Andrew - I needed to step back and see myself. I believe my tone may have been part of the problem.
I do need to find other things to occupy my time for relaxation. Yes Ludi - it is too easy to become stressed/depressed when we are inundated with information and become frustrated when realizing there isn't much we can do, at least on a large scale.
This specific incident started when I suggested to my sister - who would never miss an episode of Survivor, or Dancing with the Stars - that she should watch "Sicko" to learn more about the healthcare industry. You see, she has federally backed insurance, few finanacial concerns, etc. etc., while I pay through the nose for health insurance, and could lose it at any moment. I work full time - always have, likely always will. She will never "get it" unless her protective shell is cracked I suppose.
My father used to say "there are more horses asses than there are horses". I thought he was just cranky, but now I understand maybe he was just frustrated. Sorry he is gone and I cannot tell him how right he was.