Pundits-r-us

With the holiday nearly a memory and a winter storm brewing for the Northeast, all at this late hour, one wonders what to say. I know. This is the second time I've whined about what to say and how to say it. I certainly don't consider myself a pundit. Punditry, though often helpful, seems to be rampant these days, doesn't it? Pundit is a word of Indian (slushie not tepee) origin. As with many terms, we have conveniently applied to anyone in the popular, or perhaps not-so-popular, media who can wax poetic between various advertisements.

So, truly, there is not a list of requirements to be a modern day pundit. "Have mouth, will speak" pretty much covers it. It is the rate at which punditry tends to grow and take priority in our media matters today, well, that bothers me. Are we really not into the news of the day to conduct our own research or justify the decisions of our representative lawmakers? Are we that unlearned? Apathetic? Tired of the news cycle? Overwhelmed? Perhaps all, some, or none of the above may apply. Perhaps I have missed something.

One may ask: Arp, what the hell are you doing out here everyday waxing and waning? Solid question. I feel like it. I'm exercising my right to free speech. I love to see myself write (or in other terms, hear myself speak). If I've never said it before, then let me say it now: check every source and fact spouted by a "pundit" before taking their waxing and waning as gospel. That includes my rantings and ravings. Especially my stuff.

With that said, I'm going to leave a little room for some slumber today.

As always, be thankful for what you have, buy only what you need, and work diligently for peace. Happy Boxing Day!