Is compassion more effective than anger?

For the last seven years, my husband and I have not had television service. When we moved down to Florida a few weeks ago, TV fast came to an end because we were offered one of those bundle deals that came with television.

Although we watch programs via our computer, there was a certain fascination that came with having television service again.

Once the technician left, I eagerly turned on the television to see what has changed in the last seven years. In 10 minutes, this is what I saw:

* At least 10 channels sold products that could make anyone look younger.

* Another three channels sold products that could help a person lose weight without really trying.

* About ten channels sold products that could enable a person to earn six figures without ever leaving their home or trying.

* Numerous news channels had stories that gave the illusion that outside of my house it was all a wild and dangerous world.

* One financial station showed me how rich I could be if I invested in various stocks and futures and stuff.

And finally, there was one channel that seemed hell bent on being negative. This last station captured my fascination. Maybe I am out of the loop here, but aren’t reporters supposed to be objective and not spew out anger with each story?

My blood slowly began to boil as I watched this angry news channel because each story seemed more negative than the previous one. I was almost about to change the channel when I realized that this channel obviously must touch a nerve with people, otherwise it would not be on the air.

So I calmed myself down and began to watch it with an objective mind. It is obvious that many people are angry over the state of life in America. This country is experiencing a lot of pain. I get that and am compassionate to the frustration.

Anger either propels people to do good or to do bad. Yes, America is going through a crisis. Many people want to turn the clock back, but we can’t really go back to the past. We are in the current state we are in because people (whether it was the government, a corporation and so on) were acting without a sense of responsibility.

Movements like the Tea Party call for less government in our lives. It’s a movement born out of citizens who are scared about what is happening in America.

However, the debate over how much government is too much has never been solved all these years. The debate should be more about people and corporations taking responsibility for their actions and how those actions impact the world. When a corporation decides to drill into the depths of the Earth, they better be conscious of what they are doing.

Being conscious and compassionate are signs of a mature and intelligent community. They are not signs of a socialist plot to take over the world.

A free market system would thrive if people would just chill out and be aware of the fact that they are part of a community. What happens in one part of the country, will definitely impact the rest of the country. And what happens in any part of the world will eventually trickle down and affect the entire world.

I am all for a free economy. There is nothing wrong with making money. I am a business owner and I intend to be able to help provide my family with a decent living. However, I want to be able to earn my living without damaging another aspect of life.

To earn billions and harm millions is a stupid act since the billions don’t go with you when your heart stops beating.

Yes, America is changing. If there can be a political party (the Tea Party) which is based on the anger of many citizens then there can be a political party based on compassion and a desire for corporations and government to take responsibility for their actions. It is easy to be angry. It is far harder to be conscious.