My politics began to change in the early 90s. I moved from a very moderate Republican into the Democratic space with the election of Bill Clinton. By the end of his presidency, I was solidly Progressive. A move from Chicago to Madison WI really sealed the deal. I dove into DK, FDL, Atrios and Crooks & Liars. I subscribed to The Nation. When Air America launched locally, I dropped NPR and the city's good adult alternative radio station like hot rocks. I started posting on DK and my own little blog. I got hooked on KO. I fall asleep listening to Stephanie Miller podcasts.
About a week ago, I hit the wall on Progressive media. It was either commit to some kind of rehab, or else take a complete breather. I opted for the latter.
OK, maybe that's not 100% accurate. I diaried a thing for work on my blog. And I did toss in a few wise-guy comments on a few quick peaks at DK. But that was it. I swear.
My point in even bringing this up is that I think it was actually a smart thing to do. It certainly was cleansing. I didn't pick up a newspaper. I didn't watch any TV. I opted for music on the car radio... even button-pushing across several stations, none of which were Madison's progressive talk station. I worked in the garden. I stacked hay in the barn. I walked dogs at the shelter. I got drunk a few evenings with old friends. All the while, I totally avoided news and even political discussion. I missed some big stories, to be sure. But you know what? The world continued, as did my life.
So here's my recommendation: Do yourself a favor. Every once in a while, walk away from all this. Not for too long. A week was more than I probably needed. But the time away gave me pause to reorder a few things in my noggin. Put some perspective in place. And then come back here and my other media haunts and dive back in. Head first. Because, man oh man, we've still got a ton of work to do.