Why do I care?

I follow the election. I follow it closely - I always have. I have a horse in this race - like I usually do. I sent him money like I usually do. I follow the polling closely - like I usually do. I even bet money on one of the prediction web sites. I care deeply about the issues and will debate anyone who is willing.

Why?

The war does not affect me. Really, I have tried to think how this war has affected me personally and I can't come up with a reason. Oh sure it has cost a lot of money but if my taxes went up I wouldn't notice it much. I don't know anyone who has died or been injured. Gas prices are higher but I don't drive much so it doesn't really matter much to me. No one in my family is in the service. I am too old to be drafted so I am at little risk of being shipped overseas. I am not Muslim so I am not even affected by any backlash or racism. Why do I care?

The housing market is in trouble but I rent. No worries!

The stock market is a bit lethargic - most of my stocks are in retirement funds that I wont touch for almost 30 years - plenty of time. And what a great buying opportunity.

The economy is in some trouble I suppose. But I have a decent job, some savings to weather me through a rough patch if necessary and I have no debt. Pretty good.

The future for upcoming generations is uncertain at best. Global warming and the associated affects as far as weather, the food supply and the existence of the human race as we know it don't look too good. But most of the really bad stuff isn't expected to happen until after I am expected to have lived a full life already. I have no children and don't plan on having any. So why should I care?

I am not religious so any concerns for the world based on any sort of ideology are lost on me. Even less to worry about.

I am a married straight man yet I feel passionately about gay rights.

I had a vasectomy so abortion will never be an issue in my life - yet I am pro choice.

I am healthy and have a really good health plan - yet I am an emphatic supporter of universal health coverage.

Why do I care? I'm not sure but I do. 

I don't need to be informed. My life will be fine. But yet I read and keep up with all the current issues and events. Why?

Do I follow politics and current events like a sports fan follows baseball? Is it just a diversion - something to keep me occupied. Do I feel that by being informed I am making some sort of a difference? What if I was? What if I wasn't? Would it matter?

I don't have too many answers right now but I also realize that answers tend to come more frequently when we ask the right questions.