The on/off switch is the best option to have on any electronic device.

Cool. Love it. How many times have I done the same thing but to the radio in my car. I love how you make the point about not having to put a lable on what it is you are doing when you turn it off to listen to the inner world. There are so many times I get up on myself thinking I'm turning off the radio in my car as a good little Zen meditator. Poo! I don't have to lable at all, I'm just turning off the radio to be with myself. Plain and simple.

Tony,

You have not been into politics during your life. I have. Regardless, I understand you to be saying events in today's world are effecting you, demanding attention, and dragging you away from where you would rather have your mind focused.

You are not saying it is unfair, instead you find it difficult to justify turning away. Isn't that the point? Times are such that something is telling you it is wrong to turn away. Turn away, again and let the world problems go, so that you can best tend to your own problems. What problems do you have? Not so much anymore as your life is well and good. And besides the nagging problems of the world could more affect your children than yourself. All the more reason to second guess your past behavior, don't you see. Reason to turn away is not so calling; and not wanting your kids to see the war you saw is reason to change and be involved in politics. Yet, when one turns and looks at what an individual can do today --- direction is lost because what is clear today's politics do not add up and you are too far behind in knowing where the bullshit lies. The situation is monumental. Tough situations you can deal with, but that is not all that you are presented with. And it all seems to say turn away and go back to your old behavior, we don't want to stop and have you catch up and then listen to Tony. But, even more frustrating Tony is that is such obvious bullshit, these people are not war experienced. Which is even more demanding for you to get these arrogant punks to listen before they kill your kids...and you know nothing short of putting their butts on the front line will get them to listen.

Look at it this way, Tony. We lived through the '60's and affected the World in not having the United States involved in senseless wars for a long time. In the meantime, a lot of resentment was built up from want-to-be war mongers. It should not be such a suprise that they are ranting their patriotic war machoisms at any and everything that should question their desire to send others off to war. And that again, Tony, is another kickback of frustration, because you know these are the same people who were indifferent for the last 30 years and caused so much harm to Viet Nam Veterans trying to integrate back into society. These are the same people who said nothing when Bush sent soldiers off to Iraq and the same day cut care for the disabled and gave the money to his rich friends. So, out of the waste of the '60's we at least salvaged a long peace. (That is until George Bush, Sr. got his way.) It took a disaster on the level of Pearl Harbor to break the mold, and turn lose these want-to-be starved war mongers.

A little late to have others listen to your experience and wisdom, and this is my point to you --- the longer we affected and kept America out of senseless wars, the harder it becomes to stop the crazyness of the inexperienced. One of the reasons why wars tend to have a recurring cycle. But for the rich man Bush junta it was just educated timing of manipulation of the sheep, easy to justify lies were necessary.

Damn Tony, NORMAL means that you should be very torn and upset.

However, I have been a lifetime student of American politics and today's society. It bothered me a great deal to talk to you about politics, and I've been reading your blog for months before you asked for answers. Other people did not catch your few little hints here and there, but I did. Still I am concerned about any influence away from what you have found works for you, even when you asked. I have experience at what the result may entail.

And I didn't want to write what I just wrote, instead I wanted to explain a homespun political philosophy of mine which says 'space for Tony to tend to only his business' should not only be allowed but instead is a necessary ingrediant to proper function of the American System. At least, until such times when the calling requires service and duty. Think about how awesome the insignificant calling of the Alamo attracted so many famous American heros to travel there and die --- today's situation is much greater in that someone stole our democracy, curtails our liberty and freedom for supposed our own good, and blatenly profits while destroying two countries and killing more innocent people than the evil ones he is chasing...former rich business partners of his selfish rich family. (later)