People are worried about their investments and which stocks might go up, down or completely out. They should take a look at the Feel Good Industry. Consumers are pouring money into products, programs, books and the pockets of Feel Good Gurus to Feel Good about the economy, the world and themselves.

I don’t know who’s to blame for the Feel Good Industry in this country. But they have a lot to answer for and eventually it will all be revealed who must fall on their sword. Whoever they are, they have conducted a gigantic and very effective campaign to remove any feeling of responsibility anyone may have anywhere for anything,

Think about it. No one accepts blame or responsibility for anything – ever. The new mantra is “I did not do it and if I did it was not my fault.” The frightening thing that is happening is that all that unclaimed blame is piling up somewhere. It is toxic waste and should be investigated – this is a good job for Al Gore.

A case in point: Recently several people responded to what they considered traffic annoyances by shooting into the offending cars. When the Feel Good Gurus tried to explain such horrendous behavior, with tears in their eyes, they came up with the same old excuses as violent television, traffic congestion, domestic disputes and childhood abuse. Regardless of their unfortunate emotional disabilities, Freeway Desperados simply cannot be permitted to eliminate unsuspecting drivers ahead of them because they are in the way.

Bleeding heart journalists cried over a woman who, in a fit of pique, disposed of her entire family. The family members were either too old or too young and did not make her Feel Good about herself and anyway they bored her to tears.

I am very concerned about the new Feel Good approach. First, as always, there is a question of etiquette. Are the new Feel Good excuses really the correct thing to say when something terrible has been purposely done? Second, what about social mores? Do these new pronouncements accurately state our current standards? I don’t think so. But, on the other hand, perhaps I believe that only because it makes me Feel Good to think so.

I, as a civilized person who reads the Atlantic Monthly without getting a headache, would be the last person to suggest organized marches complete with banners, posters and flags. I could never bring myself to sing or chant as I walked on a public thoroughfare. But I would like to see someone else do it and I would cheer them on. That would definitely make me feel good.

The task of defending today’s society and what little is left of courtesy, to say nothing of morality, is not a politically correct thing to do. Today the greatest crime is to “pass judgment”. Someone might not Feel Good about it. Major network television news shows have been so blatantly biased and one-sided they don’t cast a shadow. They always show a picture of a mass murderer growing sweet peas and feature testimonials of neighbors who say, “But he was always so nice.” This is what they believe to be balanced reporting.

The same television personalities who berate unmercifully those who are judgmental, offer opinions about people in the cruelest ways. Critical reports attack over and over the personal taste, looks, possessions, clothing, associates, family members and living arrangements of politicians and celebrities are what their programs are all about. And they don’t make anyone feel good. Especially the politicians. The only way I can endure their reportage is to turn the sound off.

Better yet, never tune in to their programs and lower their listener approval rating even lower than it is. If that is mean-spirited, I don’t care. Furthermore, because I take full responsibility for my action I am entitled to – you guessed it:

Feel Good.