Charlatans have been predicting the end of the world since the beginning of time... but guess what? We're still here.
In spite of the fact I had zero doubt we would all wake up Sunday morning just fine and dandy I couldn't help but join the masses Saturday - albeit jokingly - as we all awaited to see if Harold Camping's doomsday prediction would come true. It turns out the day came and went much like any other.
A jolly enough looking older man, Camping is an American Christian radio broadcaster and the president of Family Radio, a California-based radio station group that spans more than 150 markets in the United States. He has followers, no question.
Knowing that, word has it that he spent over $100 million advertising his most recent prediction (which he solicited from donations) and all for what? To mislead the public? Or did he actually believe what he was saying? Should he be held liable for his false actions? Can you believe that there were hundreds upon hundreds, likely thousands, who quit their jobs, maxed out their credit cards, drained their bank accounts and partied until the wee hours Friday, all because they thought it was their last day? Seriously, how gullable can people be? And how much power can one man have? How is this any different than a cult? Or the Jonestown happenings? (DON'T drink the koolaid!) He's one man who has made a number of incorrect predictions in the past and people are surprised this past weekend was any different?
Camping is not the only one who's been predicting the earth's demise. The "great" Nostradamus says (and he has been saying this for years) that December 21, 2012 is when life as we know it will be all over. The Myan calendar also ends December 2012 which leads many to ask what is the significance? Will we witness Global catastrophes? Or will there be a New Age of enlightenment? Or possibly nothing at all will happen? As interesting as it all is, I'm placing my bets on the latter. Call me skeptical, but I find it hard to believe how any one person can predict such an intricate thing as when the entire world will end. The point is, we just have to live and make the most of everyday. If we keep dwelling on which might be our last day, then what's the point of living? Has anyone ever heard the saying, "take things with a grain of salt?"
By the way, the wise old Harold Camping has now issued a new prediction. Apparently our last day is now October 21, 2011. For all those who really believe this actually does represent the end of the world, and you feel the need to get rid of your worldly goods, please feel free to send all your life savings to Shannon Deveau care of The News Review.
That's a joke! Lighten up people. There's another saying that states 'live each day as though it were your last' but that doesn't mean drain your bank account, rather it means seize the day and enjoy your life to the fullest. See you in 2013!
