From My Window

Issue Date: January 13, 2022

Good News/Bad News

By Jane Thibodeau Martin,

**********

Let's start with the bad news. I had the TV on at the end of December, and the commentator said, "and with the new year, starts the serious campaigning for 2022 elections." Oh, wow. Can't wait for the obnoxious television and radio ads, rife with outrageous claims and juvenile and unprofessional behavior; the aggressive donation calls or worse yet texts to my cell phone; and the endless mail solicitations telling me that if I don't contribute today, the end of life as I know it is just around the corner. Please tell me most of you also value temperate and wise candidates! The hyperbole, hysterical ranting, threats and belligerence leaves me cold.

Before the last presiAdential election I was getting nearly daily texts that said, "Earl, we need your help! If you donate to the campaign, your donation will be matched three times!" The first few times I got these I deleted them immediately. They continued for weeks unabated. Since the solicitation did not say "do not reply to this text," I couldn't resist responding. I stated my name was not Earl, and hell would have to freeze over before I'd vote for the candidate sending me these irritating texts. They kept coming, and you couldn't block the number because it was different every time. Of course these were mass sent, intended to reach thousands, if not millions, and "Earl" was just the name they chose to use. I have to say I don't know a single person under age 65 named Earl. Perhaps that's why they selected the name.

But I absolutely hate all of it. I have actually voted for a candidate's opponent based solely on their dark, threat-filled ads, which told me all I needed to know about that person's character.

Now the good news: I am actually looking forward to some TV watching the next eight weeks or so! No, it's not something about the Kardashians, who do not interest me at all; not "Survivor;" the depressing Dr. Phil; or that "makes me squirm it's so hideous" bachelor show.

No, it is football playoffs and the Packers are in! I appreciate it; almost any fan base in America envies little Green Bay and the shareholder-owned team that is doing so well. Pity the poor Giants fans, or the sufferers who support the Jaguars. Let the good times roll, because they don't last forever!

Almost as soon as that winds up, the winter Olympics start. I just love the insane snowboarding, with moves that I can hardly watch they are so risky; the crazy headlong rush of downhill skiing; and the graceful athleticism of figure skating. I watch every night, even the sports I am less interested in. Except for the hockey"�.just can't get into hockey. But the rest of it is a real life drama of spectacular success, underdog triumph and heartbreaking loss.

I am constantly astounded at what the human body can do when trained to its peak. The figure skaters have strength and flexibility that an NFL player couldn't match, pound for pound. The snowboarders take risks that Indy car drivers would avoid. The slalom skiers scare me to death yet I can't stop watching.

The Olympics coverage will be mercifully devoid of off-color jokes, politics, and reality show fakes. It is a true test of champions, on a reasonably level playing field. The only sticking point is Covid, and there will probably be impacts on individual participants, like there has been in football and in our personal lives. But it will be endlessly fascinating, inspirational and heartbreaking. I can't wait.

For those of you enthusiastically participating in election campaigns take note: sending me texts, or calling me, especially after 8 p.m., wanting money for your election campaign; let me assure you I'm taking note, and you won't get my money or my vote. And if you address me as "Earl" I just might make a contribution to your opponent.

You can reach me for commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address: JanieTMartin@gmail.com.

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