Time out for Humor

Today there was a barrage of back and forth sniping between all kinds of people.

Between McCain and Obama, with Obama hitting at McCain for not knowing how many homes he has, and a McCain Spokesperson defending McCain with the argument that he was a POW for 5 years living in only a small room.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12701.html

The McCain campaign was in full damage-control mode as the housing story took off today. Rogers tried to play down the story, saying that reports of the many McCain houses were overstated. He also added: "This is a guy who lived in one house for five and a half years -- in prison," referring to the prisoner of war camp that McCain was in during the Vietnam War.

Again the reference of POW as a defence...McCain is milking this for all he can. I would propose a weight loss program - as opposed to a drinking game - every time someone references McCain's POW record, we should get down and do 10 push-ups and 25 sit-ups.

Seriously, it's interesting, you hear individuals highlighted for being a hero, they are always modest. They disclaim any favoritism, and they downplay their actions, usually saying to the effect "it was the right thing to do". I always had the impression before with the McCain of 2000 that he was relatively quiet about his POW experience, but it seems not to be the case for McCain of 2008. It's almost as if he is using his POW record as a currency, and in that case, it's sad because it devalues what he has done and suffered.

Then there was the usual drama about Hillary & Bill Clinton and her supporters: are they really ready to support the party? There's been a lot of talk about Bill Clinton, and whether he is over the Clinton backlash during the primaries. Some speculate that he is still feeling betrayed for the attacks on his legacy as the first "black" President. People look to put Hillary and Obama under a microscope for proof of discord - certainly their primary was a contentious and tough battle.

Hurt feelings abound these days, people are so quick to take offence, to feel married to their principles without giving an inch lest they appear weak.

This is true within our general American population, this country is so divided as never before. Are we in danger of being close to the point of not being able to be respect one another's opinion; to listen instead of shout; to put someone else first before ourselves?

I hope not. I think we all need to take a time out for humor.

Life is complex, relationships are hard work these days, and maybe sometimes we need to take ourselves less seriously like Matt and Al.

For me personally, today, it seems I am in desperate need for something to laugh about.




I think this video clip of Matt Lauer and Al Roker can bring a smile to any one's face.