I agree with the general tenor of your post an the points you make. That said, I've found my life is much happier when I don't follow the news at all (except for sports).

I have friends who are rich, poor, black, white, Arabic, Jewish, Asian...

A long time ago I learned that every person is a unique individual and that aside from the manner in which one presents him or herself, appearance is not a good barometer by which to judge someone.