Car drives through Holiday parade in Wisconsin

[vlyons]

27. Because the fear and hate mongers are agitating and disturbing peoples' minds and emotions

The fear and hate mongers get paid big bucks to go on TV and get people angry, resentful, and afraid. They are like Chicken Little, constantly screeching "The sky is falling. The sky is falling." Ignorant people, who are not well educated, and maybe grew up with rather bad influences (e. g. racist parents) are susceptible to the fear and hate mongers. No one ever taught them how to tame their own minds and cultivate thoughts that are beneficial, rather than hateful.

To maintain my own sanity and a modicum of peace of mind, everyday I reflect on the 4 immeasurable thoughts:

May all beings be free of suffering and free of the causes and conditions of suffering.
May all beings be happy, and have the causes and conditions of happiness.
May all beings have joy by appreciating the success, happiness, and well-being of others.
May all being rest in the equaminity of no attachment and no aversion.

I would add that such people have never been exposed to and studied Buddhist philosophy, but that's really asking a lot in this country.