Recently, someone wrote a blog discussing stress management and terrorism, leading to me pondering something that has often crossed my mind since 9/11. How valuable is it to be aware of the myriad of issues and compexities regarding global terrorism assuming there is little any one individual can do to affect change? (which is a completely separate debate).

Now, my own personal theory is that they current approach to terrorism is focused only on the symptoms and not on the roots, making any successes something for which to be grateful but, ultimately, doing little (if anything) to stem the tide or diminish the threats. The issues are so interwoven and often nebulous that it seems that there is little for the average inhabitant of the rock to do but watch. And how much harm to one's spirit and psyche is it doing to watch this freakshow on a daily basis? Is it worth it?

Immediately after 9/11, like many other people, I devoured every scrap of information or possible theory in an attempt to put it all into some perspective. And then, I reached a personal tipping point. I'd had enough. I couldn't see or hear any more. I needed a break.

Meanwhile, I watched a dear friend become obsessed. We'd speak on the phone only to have her cut me off mid-sentence whenever something on CNN's crawl caught her eye. It became increasingly difficult to communicate with her as every aspect of life from breakfast cereals to music to her frame of mind was constantly filtered through the prism of whatever news she had just digested.

I've always believed in the importance of being aware and informed as much as possible on current events and how they shape our world. However, the more I listened to people speak of these things, it became clear that many had no thoughts of their own on these matters, only scraps and soundbites that they'd parrot. The staggeringly high percentage of people who still apparently convinced that Iraq and Saddam Hussein were behind the World Trade Center attack despite no credible link (at least that I have read) is evidence of such a lack of independent thinking. The people that, in my opinion, seem to truly have the best grasp on this time in history are a minority with little likelihood of being heard above a rancorous din that leaves little room for intelligent discourse. The current levels of most debate are maddening.

So, is it irresponsible to turn your back on the debate? If you choose to sit this one out and take a que-sara-sara attitude because it's healthier for the spirit, are you somehow complicit?

Maybe I should just have a sandwich.