Lasciate Ogne Speranza, Voi Ch'Intrate
It's true. Since I decided to get back to writing and to do so (partially) by posting here, I made a promise to myself that I would post something every day for thirty days. What I post may not seem relevant to issues of the day, but I intend to make that effort, anyway.
"They" say: "Writers write" and I am hoping that's true. While I enjoy my podcasts, immensely, I have to admit that the first indication that I had a message and the ability to convey it came in written form.
"So, Michael, why the title of this post?", you may ask. That's a simple yet complicated answer.
Frankly, I believe that I have a God-given gift which allows me to express my thoughts in this medium. I believe that I have a certain ability to make them understood and interesting, at the same time (Thank you, "active" verbs!). So, for someone who comes here to enjoy the method by which I express myself: congratulations! You should be a "winner" more days than not.
For those who come here in the hopes of entering an echo chamber to surround themselves in politically correct thought: Oooops! You won't get that, here. I never promised you a "safe space", snowflakes.
My opinions are all over the place. If people try to nail me down into a left/right dynamic, they will be habitually disappointed. Of course those on the left and right who disagree with me will decry me as belonging to "the other side".
More's the pity. I refuse to engage in jingoism, but I don't see my dissent as a disrespect for my country or as a call for revolution. In fact, when I call our country's policies to account, I do so out of a sense of patriotism and a desire to support the values that we've held dear, as a country, for over two centuries.
In some cases, I'll bring loads of historically factual data to the table and I am hoping to make sure I give proper attribution. I may fail, at times since some things have just become part of the ether that is every day life. For example: Do I need to prove Ben Franklin flew a kite and "discovered" electricity? Even if that story is deemed apocryphal, most people will accept that story as "fact". If you don't, the next question is logical and argument-ending: does it matter? Someone "discovered" electricity and it is part of our daily lives.
In some cases, I'll make an emotional argument that I will attempt to support with data that I believe supports my entreaty. This would be things like Aristotle telling his students "Creation implies a Creator" and therefore, I'll argue, the case has been "proven".
There are times when my brain droppings will spring from a completely emotional place. feel free to ignore these ramblings as the uncorroborated pleas of a man who means well, but may not have lined up all his facts. Keep in mind: there are times when trying to line up all pertinent facts is like trying to get cats to march in a parade.
I am not sure if BlogSpot allows me the ability to ban negative commentators who bring things to a personal level. If that feature is an option, I will use it. If it's not, I'm sure there's some sort of "report" mechanism. I welcome reasoned, even emotional, opinions, but I do not stand mute in the face of personal attacks. So let's keep the discourse on an appropriate level. Yes?
Thank you for your attention. That is all.
- Michael
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