Catchy title huh? The truth is, I would never dare you to do anything. The dare applies to me, this blog and my aspirations. Over the last nine months I've been putting out these small essays with two goals in mind. My first goal was to sharpen my writing skill through practice. (still very much a work in progress) Like anything- practice makes you better. Secondly, I wanted to join the conversation through this technology. This world of the computer has become the medium by which we communicate and share ideas. So, here I am. I'm so grateful that a few of you read my stuff. I've gotten some very nice feedback, so I believe I'm meeting my goals for this blog. This week's entry is actually about what I plan to share with you over the next year in this space.
If you have read much of what I've written in the 45 entries of 2011, you can probably guess where I stand on current events, politics, family, and cultural values. I've come right out with it in several instances and given some pretty strong hints in other instances. For example, you must surely know that I don't think much of the Republican Party political agenda. I vote Democratic because the Democratic Party agenda (as I understand it) is much closer to my personal values. That is not to say I'm always pleased with Democrats (including our President). Nothing is more disappointing to me than when the party I support lets me down- and it has happened many times over the last few years. I suppose I could be more accurately described as a Progressive. I reject the "liberal" label because it has been so badly used in the current political climate that its meaning has been infused with erroneous emotional nonsense. In the year to come I plan to examine the use of political labels in more depth. I'm sure the election will provide a wild assortment definitions for all political stripes.
2012 is going to be the Mother Load of political drama and interesting events. I don't think I'll be able to resist commentary on the politics this year, and the work of government leading up to the election. I admit I'm a shameless political junkie. Yes, big things are happening! I expect to see greatness and pettiness in this pivotal year. My belief is that the political and cultural conflicts of the last thirty years will come to a head in this election. This will be a real "values" contest- at least I hope it will be. I mentioned several times last year that we are at a cultural crossroads- expect me to write more about that in the coming year as events come into focus. Culture and values are expressed in many ways, including elections. And this ought to a good one!
You may have gleaned that I'm not religious- I have said so. At the same, time I have referenced religion often in what I've written. This is no accident or Freudian slip. I recall a time when we had dinner guests, and the conversation rolled around to politics and religion. (In this country they are strongly connected). Our friends told us they weren't comfortable with these topics. They said they "never" talk about politics or religion. I understand why some people believe this old saw. We know these topics touch on deeply held beliefs, and we don't want to offend anyone, intentionally or unintentionally. I don't subscribe to that way of thinking. I'm very interested in, and curious about, religious beliefs and have studied the topic for years. I was brought up in a very religious atmosphere at home, and in Catholic schools. I don't shy away from the topic and I plan to write specifically about religion in more detail than I did last year. When so many of us claim that religious faith is the most important aspect of their lives, then why not open up the conversation on this topic? The key to discussing politics or religion is to do so RESPECTFULLY. I pledge to always respect those who do me the honor of reading these blogs, as well as pledging to express myself with honesty and intellectual integrity. Disagreement and Respect can, and should, co-exist.
I often write about family and friends. Essays about the personal aspects of life and those around me are the most popular blogs I've written. (I do keep track) They are the ones I most enjoy writing too. Everyone has a story- and I've been fortunate to know people with great stories. I will be sharing as many of those as I can. I look for intelligence, character, and inspiration in people I know (and some I don't know)- and I find it. My own wish is to meet, and get to know, even more very special people this year- and just maybe share their story too.
I will also be expanding this blog with some photography. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I may spare you the words and just put up some photographs from time to time. My favorite photographer is Dorothea Lange. Her work in the '30's and '40's provided a social commentary well beyond words. I'll try to capture a little of that spirit in what I publish this year. Some stories and ideas are best expressed in images that impact us in different ways than words impact us. I like photography that is edgy and elicits an emotional response. I hope I can live up that standard in what I share with you. You will have to be the judge.
Most of all, I would just like to get better at this, and the other activities of my life. Personal growth in all we do is a worthy goal- and a goal not limited by age, geography or wealth. All we need is the will to explore, and be open to new ideas and new people. I like to write, so I will endeavor to do this better and keep honing whatever skill I possess. I like to meet people, so I will open myself to new people and new experiences. I want to do better in all my personal relationships with family and friends- so I"ll make that an important priority. I want to maintain my health- so I'll keep plugging away in the gym to keep this old body in reasonable working order. I want to keep my mind as sharp as it can be- so, I will keep all the thought processes moving and keep learning as I go.
"Double-Dog Dare" is a term we used when we were kids to signify the issuance of a really big dare. I'm issuing that dare to myself. The challenge I lay out before myself is to keep growing. The experiences of the last year have reinvigorated my mind to keep pushing forward in both thought and action. Once again I thank you for allowing me to share that with you along the way.
Thanks for looking in.
Interesting thoughts Dave! I am also a Democrat, a dirty word in the state of Idaho. I find it rather amusing that everyone wants to blame President Obama for the economical mess; however if the history of the National debt was to be examined, they would find that over sixty percent was created by the Republican Party. It should be noted that Obama has accomplished some of his campaign promises in spite of the other party. He created a National Health Care Plan, he is withdrawing troops from Iraq, and he was responsible for the demise of Osama bin Laden and Omar Kadafi.
ReplyDeleteAs a reminder, we have been in your home and discussed many of these ideas with you. We have always been interested in your point of view, and your ability to express it in a clear and consise fashion.
Lyn & Peg