There are a lot of things in this life that bother me. People do a lot of things that I find objectionable, however I typically keep my thoughts to myself. I have major issues with most politicians, on both sides of the aisle, but I almost never mention it here. I find much of what is on television to be less than entertaining, but I don't bring that to this blog either. However, I saw something the other day that disturbed me.
I was in the Atlanta airport waiting to catch my flight home. It was around 9:00 a.m. I was sitting in a waiting area working on my laptop. There was the usual airport commotion going on around me, multiple announcements, people with rolling luggage, and the airport television monitors tuned to CNN. It all seemed harmless enough. There was a story about an Iraq/Afghanistan veteran who had committed suicide and how this is an ongoing problem with servicemen. Since this young man served in 2009, his act was not counted among military suicides. The question being asked was, how many suicides are the result of serving in these war torn countries. The story seemed to go on for several minutes...too long. What bothered me was this. As I looked around the area close to me there were young men and women, in uniform, going about their travel. Do they really need to be exposed to this story? Mind you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the news story itself. It was just the time and the place where it was being broadcast that bothered me. I can't really explain it, but I just wanted to find a way to turn it off and not put this in front of those who young men and women, who proudly serve this country, in an airport. Some of them are probably going home on leave to see loved ones. Some of them are returning to their duty station and will soon be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. They have plenty on their minds and it just seemed inappropriate for them to have to endure this type of story. It was uncomfortable for me and I was uncomfortable for them. Maybe it's because, as a veteran I didn't want, or need, to be reminded that the horror of war often follows the soldier home and lives in their heart and mind forever. I certainly didn't think it was something that these gallant young men and women needed to be reminded of every 100' down the concourse. Like I said, there was nothing wrong with the report, but I truly wanted to find a way to change the channel.
I am not a veteran but I can understand why you were uncomfortable. I don't know what to do about it though. I am not much of a conspiracy theorist but I think the cable news channels really thrive on controversy. I never watch them because they make me nervous with the urgent manner that they deliver the news. I'd be happy with no television at airports.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a neat blog you have. I feel the same way about many of the things that you wrote on this post and on the one below. Sometimes I post my frustrations on Facebook (nobody wants to hear it there either though) but not on my blog. I want it to be a positive place to visit, a soft place to land.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much going on in the world and so fast, and I understand what what you are saying about the military folks seeing the news, and it is nice of you to want to buffer them from it.
I see that you don't have a follower box, but I'm still going to follow you. Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello, and it is very nice to meet you.
Take care,
Kathy M.
we are over exposed to so much. The media puts a spin on things and we buy into it hook line and sinker. Better that they would have aired a story about the incredible bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country. Or short of being able to turn the channel you would have been able to turn the TV off.
ReplyDeleteI've been flying in out of San Antonio and El Paso for a few years, heavy military presence. I make it a point to display gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces. All of them.
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