Gut-wrenching news items started my day....

[robdogbucky]

First, it was news that in Santa Clara County local deputies shot and killed a grower at his pot growing operation. So much for progress and for change. The "War on some Drugs," is still being fought:

Deputies kill man at South Bay marijuana farm

(07-22) 09:11 PDT DEL VALLE RESERVOIR --

A man was shot and killed by Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies in a remote area where marijuana was being grown, authorities said today.

The man, whose name has not been released, was shot at about 10:25 a.m. Wednesday when he confronted deputies, said Sgt. Rick Sung, who did not elaborate. Three deputies shot the man, Sung said.

At least one other person fled the scene, Sung said. Both suspects were believed to be connected to the marijuana-growing operation.

The incident happened near Mines Road in an unincorporated area of Santa Clara County south of Del Valle Reservoir. Alameda County sheriff's deputies joined their counterparts from Santa Clara County in the anti-marijuana operation...

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/22/BARR1EHST5.DTL#ixzz0uR2gbJOu



Then it was news of a current Field Poll here in California that 70% of the electorate supports the death penalty. Really depressing for me a lifelong opponent of the death penalty:

Field Poll finds 70% support death penalty

Californians maintain their solid support for the death penalty as a punishment for serious crimes, but are divided on whether they would impose a death sentence or life without parole for first-degree murder, according to a Field Poll being released today.

The survey of registered voters found 70 percent backing for capital punishment, up from 67 percent in the last statewide poll in 2006. Substantial majorities supported it, regardless of age, gender, race, religion or party. Twenty-four percent opposed the death penalty and 6 percent had no opinion...

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/22/BAPH1EI2CN.DTL#ixzz0uR3EhCLI




Finally, it was the heartbreaking story of the local outdoor writer's nephew, a combatant in AfPak lost the lower half of both his legs in a bomb blast that killed all his buddies:

Violent moment reminds us what really matters

(07-21) 12:36 PDT -- In a flash, your world can be shattered. You never see it coming.

That moment came this past week for my family: In Afghanistan, my nephew, Gary Davis, was driving a seven-ton military truck when a roadside bomb exploded beneath him and flipped the truck. The soldier on his right was killed. Three others were severely injured.

When Gary was rescued, he was unconscious but alive, bleeding heavily. Medics had difficulty locating his rare blood type but tracked it down and saved his life. At the hospital, doctors amputated Gary's lower legs, then stabilized him for spinal fractures in the lower back and neck. The best news: no brain damage.

At midweek, Gary regained coherence in a hospital in Germany and phoned his parents, Monte and Nancy. Gary's positive spirit shone through, said Monte, who provided details of the event. He said Gary is already looking ahead with optimism to a full life: "His attitude is amazing..."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/18/SPIQ1EF8J6.DTL#ixzz0uR0O9u1D



I'm sorry, but I am going to boycott the news for a few cycles. It seems that every time we all take a step forward, it is followed by some steps backward. I am going to try to escape this weekend and go to a ballgame and then go fishing and not turn on my computer at all. I already don't watch or listen or read other media outlets, so my wife and family, baseball, fishing, music, my garden, etc., will be my focus this weekend.

Does it sometimes seem that it just is not worth the struggle?

Not a good start to my day.



rdb

[Warpy]

1. Call it a mental health break

and if we don't take those, we run into serious trouble.

At the end of the weekend, your garden will be weeded, the wife and kids will have had more of your precious time to reconnect with you, and you'll have great memories of cheering at the ball game.

The computer will still be there next week, or even next month if that's how much of a break you need. It's worth the struggle, but not at the cost of your sanity.

[niyad]

2. agree with warpy--we ALL need a mental health break from time to time.

"in this atmosphere" we need it more than ever. (or, as rosie o'donnell's character, judge madeline summers says, "forget a mental health day--I need a mental health month")

take all the time you need-- DU will still be here, and, alas, so will all the idiots of the reichwing and the awful, awful news.

[truedelphi]

3. I have a friend who although being a true activist,

Just will not read the papers.

Says she last really read the newspapers in 1978 or '79.

One day in the early Aughts, she bought one.

Then she asked me: "What is the point? Exact same news - except different names for the War and the person(s) murdered the night before..."