Political zombies

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control posted a blog on its website: “Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse.” While the warning was a joke, America’s democratic process is currently being invaded by political zombies. The outbreak is not limited to Democrats or Republicans, conservatives or liberals. Zombies cross the political spectrum.

In movies, they are portrayed as people lacking in self awareness, not having individual judgment. They appear to have been hypnotized. Political zombies show similar symptoms. Instead of forming their own beliefs, these zombies simply repeat campaign talking points.

Unable to demonstrate any individual judgment, they forward mass emails written by anonymous authors and funded by unknown corporations. Hypnotized by hours of propaganda programming, they walk around quoting radio and television entertainers as authorities.

As the presidential election nears, we must prepare for the approaching political zombie apocalypse.

To avoid contamination: If you start feeling angry and conspiratorial while listening to a political television or radio show, immediately change the channel. Concentrate on actual newscasts. Steer clear of hypnotizing opinion programs.

Block those zombies who forward viral emails, the origins of which cannot be traced. You can fact-check propaganda through snopes.com.

Fight for self-awareness and form your own political viewpoints. Don’t become a political zombie.

Brandon Chase Goldsmith, Memphis, Tenn.

Don’t blame Obama

Ann Curry interviewed President Barack Obama on the “Today” show. She asked why he is so calm with all the job losses. Since coming to office, he has done everything in his power to stimulate the economy. He said technology has not only replaced many jobs that people used to have but that employers have downsized during the recession. Those who still have jobs are forced to do the work of three or four employees.

How soon we forget that the Republican administration took us into two wars costing trillions of dollars, gave tax breaks for the “rich and richer” that Bush pandered to and left us with the current recession. The budget was balanced under a Democratic administration.

When I see the Republican Party tax the wealthy and regulate Wall Street instead of making deep cuts off the backs of the poor and middle class, then I might listen to their nonsense.

Meg Hillert, Dallas

Return my bicycle

To the person who took my old bicycle from the walkway at my apartment at the Old Waco High Apartments on Columbus: I am a 63-year-old disabled lady who lives on a fixed income of less than $750 per month. The bike was given to me after no one else wanted it. I was beginning to become homebound due to rising gas prices. My grandsons were teaching me to ride, and it helped with my exercise routine. I had many good reasons for having that bicycle.

Please return it. If not, I truly hope it aids in whatever problems you have that caused you to steal it.

I did not report this to the police, who are busy trying to stop all the armed robberies. My stolen bike is minor in comparison to these other crimes.

Linda Olson, Waco