It’s been awhile, I know. I’ve never been great at consistency and that is something at which I need to improve. I suppose I have been missing inspiration over the past few months.

Every election year, I become fine-tuned into news cycles as I attempt to understand the in’s and out’s of the American electorate, it’s actually a depressing hobby. I think the term “news junkie” is quite appropriate because that is exactly what we are: addicts. Being addicted to politics can be incredibly frustrating which is why it’s important to remind yourself of your limitations, focus on what you have control over while pushing aside that which you don’t. I think every person can benefit from a little self-reflection as well as a shift in perspective.

The 2020 presidential election, as with the previous presidential election, has thus far been filled with hyperbolic rhetoric. The Republicans say that their opponents want to tear down everything for which this nation stands. The Democrats say that their opponents don’t care about anything but profits and will do anything to prop up their agendas at the expense of people. These perspectives are nothing but caricatures.

If Americans really hold an interest in bridging divides and coming together with their fellow countrymen, I think there is one thing each of us should do a little more often: TURN OFF THE NEWS. A balkanized news media ecosystem may not have started this latest trend of political polarization but it is definitely exacerbating it. Confining ourselves to our respective political aisles, limiting ourselves to news outlets that cater to our ideological bents, only serves to demonize our political opponents. It is important to recognize and remember our shared humanity.

I’ve been playing a lot of Apex Legends in recent weeks with a determination to raise my rank up from the Bronze League, it’s a tough game but therein lies the fun. Gearing up, moving toward an enemy squad, coordinating with your own squad, and finally getting a kill as a plan comes together is one of the best thrills one can achieve playing a first-person shooter game. If anyone would like to join me in-game, my Origin username is “Crabb90.”