Religion comes into play

I usually resist talking about politics or religion, even though both are front and center these days. With the 2012 elections underway since, well, 2008, I've learned to keep my finger on the mute button of the remote.

I wish I could do the same with religion, which I view as a personal matter not well suited for public displays. But public displays and declarations abound.

• Controversy continues over the "Keep Christ in Christmas" sign in Pitman, N.J. I guess the locals forget that those who don't celebrate Christmas might not want to live under the banner of someone else's religion.
• This season of Survivor: South Pacific was the most prayerful ever -- as if who would win immunity was a matter of divine intervention.
• Then there's the Denver Bronco's Tim Tebow, whose kneeling in prayer on the playing field has become a phenomenon. The best response to "tebowing" is this skit from Saturday Night Live (after brief ad).

So when it comes to politics or religion, I really don't have to say anything at all. There are enough voices in the mix as it is. 

This is not about politics

As much as this posting might seem to be about politics, it's not. It's just my way of lauding the work of a local journalist who, like me, is worn out by all the negativity and name-calling in political circles.

In today's Philadelphia Inquirer, Annette John-Hall writes, "...what makes me most tired these days is having to listen to the constant bickering and anger -- from Congress, pundits, and everyday people who'd rather rage than resolve."

She calls it "An endless cycle of negativity on the hamster wheel."

Amen.

And now there's Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly making himself the butt of a negative news story by taking on Hollywood, trying to stir the pot and turn everything into a political statement. This time he's incensed that Jennifer Aniston, in promoting "The Switch," made comments about single women -- like her character -- not having to wait for a man to have a baby, using a sperm donor instead. He says she's "diminishing the role of the dad," and is "destructive to our society."

What's really destructive is the constant posturing and negativity by those angling for their own 15 minutes of fame.

What we need now more than ever is clear thinking, rational reporting, and a lot less outrage. We need more journalists like John-Hall to point out the folly in political gridlock and social spin. We can solve the nation's problems, Republicans and Democrats together, if we agree to disagree, consider the greater good -- and then move on.