Mea Culpa

Although this blog has not been running too long, I have expressed my opinions on different matters for many years. You just won't find them anywhere, since they are all either forgotten or stuffed in a folder in a box in the attic. Perhaps one good thing about this blog is that I can put my opinions in a place where others may read them.

Not that many are reading my blog right now...

I have always tried to see more than one side of controversial issues. At times I can be firmly dispassionate, casting aside all emotions while trying to figure things out. And, having said that, I should also mention that I can also become overwhelmingly passionate about some subjects, virtually bypassing all of the inhibitors wired into my frontal lobe.

The most enlightening times in my life are those when I first react emotionally to some dilemma, and, as I take a look at the problem from all sides, slowly shed the emotion and find myself becoming more and more objective. One of these issues is my opinion of the state of the United States' government -- specifically the Bush administration.

I was once a rather rabid lefty, ready to bite anyone who thought George W. Bush was a great and compassionate leader. What passed for common sense in my mind clearly pointed to the obvious arrogance and disrespect that the President of the United States (POTUS) unremittingly showed to the world every time a camera or microphone was pointed his way. So, as most humans are wont to do, my knee-jerk reaction to someone who couldn't or wouldn't listen to (my) reasoning was to verbally berate them, and in a way make me feel superior. Yes, when I made it known that some person was a myopic dolt, I felt better because I wasn't one of them.

It was rather fortunate, then, that I began scouring the web, reading opinions and facts from all directions: left, right, and the various points in-between. As a bonus, I was able to debate many things with several close friends of mine. I have engaged in many spirited discussions, most of which have lately surrounded the afore-mentioned POTUS.

My ranting began by bearing the quality of deliverance with a generous serving of froth. But, as I listened more and digested the words of other passionate voices, I found myself searching for genuine facts and framing my arguments in a more logical fashion. Above all else, I realized that it was very disingenuous of myself to base an opinion or argument on truths that held no more substance than the vapors which rise from a lake on a cold morning. Because, as soon as the truth became known -- much like the sun rising in the day -- the fabricated facts disappeared, and I found myself playing the charlatan.

Many of us as children have either used or had become victims to the age old taunt: "It takes one to know one." It should come as no surprise to anyone, therefore, that one con would recognize another con or one charlatan another. Conning, lying, deceiving, and mistreating require certain actions, words, and nuances which are obvious, as long as you know what to look for. It follows, then, that I should be quite adept at identifying overly-emotional zealots and close-minded buffoons, primarily because I have worn those masks before.

So, if I express an opinion which you think is either over-the-top or baseless and meaningless, then you should take a moment to see if this is the road down which your own reasoning has taken you. And, if I really and truly have gone out of control, then you, dear reader, must tell me so.

Until that time, however, please rest assured that all opinions expressed in this blog are the product of intense reasoning and examination. I say this because I will now begin to publish my opinions on matters which I strongly believe are quite sound and reasonable.