Do We Really Need TMI?

From “In the News” column, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, September 30, 2011:

“Hugo Chavez, Venezuela’s president who had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his pelvic region, followed by chemotherapy, said his latest medical checks have been stellar but declined to say what kind of cancer he was diagnosed with, telling reporters: ‘What do you want me to tell you? —I’m not going to gratify you. A malignant tumor. What more do you all want? — They extracted it.'”

I can’t remember agreeing with Mr. Chavez before but when I read this I said, “You go, Hugo!” The international media has become just too nosy. Here in the United States, the Freedom of Information Act is used, not so much as what it was intended for as to delve into things that are just none of our business.

Are we better off knowing all the gruesome details? Do we need to hear Michael Jackson’s slurred speech during his last hours? Do we really still wonder if Elvis and James Dean are dead?  Does anyone realize how old they would be if they were alive?

Christians are admonished to choose carefully what we spend our time and energy on.  “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV (Italics mine).

I find listening to news reports a stumbling block to thinking positive thoughts.