Seeing is believing.

Keeping one’s mind occupied. With positive rather than negative thoughts. Seems like a decent and realistic goal. At least for me. It’s good for my mental health. And probably has overlapping physical benefits, too. But there’s a problem. Perhaps I think too much. And tend to use little or no restraint. Hard to choose. Where to draw the line. I allow negativity to creep in. Like it or not. My mind too easily runs rampant. Out of control. Hard as I try. I can’t help myself. I was born with a compulsion. To go negative.  When the positive approach doesn’t work. I use sarcasm and blistering satire. Of course, that doesn’t always make me proud. But let’s concede. Negativity works. That’s why politicians use it. To forge ahead with lurid campaigns. Poking fun and lying about their opponents. Sadly, getting away with it. A polite and refined politician. Who sticks to the issues.  Generally doesn’t last very long. Too boring.  Many of us prefer bombast. For the sake of being entertained. Makes me wonder. If we were born to be amused. And to heck with substance. Though maybe someday. I’ll be proved wrong about that. Meanwhile, I’ll believe it. When I see it. --Jim Broede