Pignanelli and Webb: Every year, most Utahns feel obligated to adopt a few New Year’s resolutions. Among common, and laudable, goals are losing weight, exercising more, spending less and being nice to one’s in-laws. However, these rarely succeed (we are evidence) because they require obnoxious things like hard work, sacrifice and pain.
Your columnists, tapping the wisdom of the ages (yes, combined we are sneaking up on being 130 years old!), offer resolutions for readers that require no time on the stationary bike, allow unreasonable consumption of sugary treats — and TV binge watching is just fine. All that is required is a better attitude. So here goes:
New Year’s resolution No. 1: Don’t be easily offended.
Good heavens! Millions of Americans are feeling aggrieved about the most minor or unintentional slights. In fact, many seem to purposely look for offenses and something to whine about. All the kerfuffle over the harmless Peloton advertisement is a classic example. (For anyone not aware of this silly controversy, consider yourself lucky.) Too many of us spend too much time on social media calling names, nitpicking statements and expressing outrage over trivial things. So, let it go and do something productive like go pet a dog.
Resolution No. 2: Don’t be easily offended by those easily offended.
All this oversensitivity by the easily offended is driving others to be outraged at their outrage. This is an endless loop of anger over things that really do not matter — creating anxiety in our community, country and personal lives. The commonsense approach is just roll the eyes and drop it.
Resolution No. 3: Understand most elected officials are not evil.
In this cynical, highly partisan era, too many people are personalizing disagreements they have with the policies of politicians or parties. Almost all officials work hard for what they believe is best — usually at a sacrifice of time and money. Of course, articulating a different perspective with emotion and conviction is our constitutional right. But demonizing and attacking someone’s character is not appropriate. (Only columnists possess the moral authority to pass such judgment.)
Resolution No. 4: Appreciate the beauty of disagreement and dissent (this is especially for elected and appointed officials).
Americans, including Utahns, love to vocally disagree and become upset with government officials and policies. Yes, they say stupid things and can be insulting. But we should all appreciate that the constitutional right of dissent occurs without concern of violent government recrimination. This is a testimony that our republic is working properly. We should all treasure the slightly maladjusted person ranting in a public hearing because it demonstrates our democracy is in good order.
Resolution No. 5: Obtain news from multiple sources.
As media commentators, it pains us to admit that many publications and sources do have agendas. Therefore, relying on one news outlet befuddles your brain. In other words, neither Fox News or MSNBC should be the sole source of thought processes. Your body needs diverse nutrients to be healthy, and so does your mind. (Of course, a weekly dose of Pignanelli/Webb counts as fertile brain food.)
Resolution No. 6: Appreciate what you have and stop being ungrateful.
Humankind has never had it so good as 21st-century Americans. We have the best food, medical care, military protection, legal structure and advanced technology in the planet’s history. Plus, our remarkable Constitution, while a bit tattered, still protects our rights. But, so many people act as if they were starving, subjected by foreign invaders or harassed by a police state. Yes, it’s OK to have strong feelings about leaders, policies and issues. But we must be grateful for the amazing blessings we enjoy. Without this appreciation we become susceptible to demagogues who would threaten our freedoms.
Resolution No. 7: Seek improvement and advice from wise leaders.
Most Utahns strive to continually improve their bodies and souls — such is the culture of this great state. Learning at the feet of truly astute, experienced, thoughtful mentors, religious leaders, successful people and from insightful and classical literature is the key to continued progress.
Resolution No. 8: Find joy in little things.
Fame, glory and secular achievement are incredibly fleeting. Anyone who allows their worth to be determined by external factors or comparisons to others will never be truly happy. Someone smarter, thinner, richer, younger and better looking will always be around. True joy will be found in the beauty of a sunset, the touch of a baby’s hand, a rose, the laugh of a loved one, a good book, a conversation with a good friend or a religious precept that touches one’s soul.
Resolution No. 9: Follow the path to achieve these resolutions.
We humbly suggest that a sincere commitment to read Pignanelli/Webb every week will motivate positive action. When you see those funny faces (yes, the photo is about a hundred years old), you’ll be reminded to do as we say (not as we do).
And have a happy, happy new year.
Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Email: frankp@xmission.com.