We all know someone who’s purposely out to lunch when it comes to what’s happening in the news. We’ve spoken so many times here about “dipping in and out” of the news cycle, and I get that I’m a news person, so I should be tuned into what’s happening.  

But, what about folks who don’t know there’s an election, don’t vote, don’t know people are being detained by immigration officers, don’t know why gas prices are higher, don’t know a war caused that, and so on. 

It’s kind of okay, I guess, but to me, it becomes not okay when they bring up something like, “I have to pay $2,000/month for healthcare because the state just took away my subsidies”. They tell you they’re not political. So do you bother to say, “do you know why?”, or one better, “can I help you understand?”.

Is it political to know (or understand) why your neighbors may not be able to pay for their groceries (health insurance) or drive to work as everyday items “suddenly” get more expensive, including gas?

It is deeply important to know what’s happening in your community. It takes five minutes to tune in to the radio in your car, on your headphones on a train or bus, or even sit for a beat to read local headlines provided by your local radio station, TV station or newspaper.

It’s a luxury not to know what your community is struggling with.

It’s easy to turn on, tune in and not tune out. 🙉 🙈 🙊