Every day the news, whether it be paper, internet, television or other electronic media, has become increasingly negative. There was a time when one could at least count on a lighthearted piece or two or three in their local daily paper, on their local evening news; a piece that had little to do with any editorial political agenda. Many people I have spoken to decry the fact that there is bias in what has become to be known as the mainstream media. Sadly, these are the same decent human beings who, at one time, believed that a destructuring of traditional values was essential for civil rights of all peoples to fully develop in both Europe and America. Of course, armed conflict of any kind, was simply unnecessary and those that appeared to be warriors, despicable. These people were smoking, literally. I was one of those individuals.

There are several things that I learned about the past as a student of history, notwithstanding the biggest point- it is doomed to repeat itself if society does not take lessons by looking at not only yesterday or last week, but the last 20, 50, 100 years.

There were several continents involved in a major conflict in the 1940's; progressive political judgments and a live and let live attitude led to what became World War II. The political parties involved in allowing the conflict to develop and those initially involved believed in one thing only. That religion, of any sort, was a bad idea.

The stakes are much higher in this century - two of them are most disturbing - there are few countries with the capabilities to bail out their neighbors, the United States being one of them, and there are simply more countries involved.

Here's a few thoughts on what could happen, or what should happen in a nightly newscast.

While watching the latest nightly newscast about the local zoo and a new exhibit, the newscaster could comment on how cute and fluffy the cub, monkey, etc., is and how much your family should visit the zoo for a day to relax. (Instead of the following: Finally, this black bear cub has found a home with the local zoo. If it were not for the current administrations total lack of regard for the environment, cubby here, would be allowed to stay at home in the wild!)

A diplomatic conversation:

"Excuse me, Mr. Ambassador to the Sudan, are you seriously telling me that millions of dollars in aid and materials are being held back from starving millions, who are suffering from aids, because you are concerned that some political warlord might take offence and the French and the Germans can't agree on what brand of truck needs to be flown in?"
"Here's what we are going to do; we're delivering everything, we're bringing in our troops, we'll shoot a few people who are trying to prevent the aid from taking place, and then we'll leave to applause when it is over."
"Oh and by they way, Sean Penn is going to make a movie about it - about how American's are hero's; he's had a change of heart since his citizenship was revoked and he's been living in France."

Just a thought.