This is my first blog entry.
The first. The premier. None before.
So what to write?
Writing a blog seems, at first thought, somewhat egotisitical. I don't want to be egotistical. That is not to say I don't have ideas and notions that I think are good and worthwhile for others to read, share and undersand. That is why I am doing this. Do I get excited with the notion that someone else might find what I have to write or say inspiring, illuminating, comforting, or rewarding? You bet. But this is not as much about me as it is about us. It is an opportunity to flush out my ideas and reasonings for things that are important to me but I am certain are also important to others. There are those who may be looking to find someone willing or able to express what they are not able to do for themselves because time, position, or talent prevents them from doing so. Or maybe they want to challenge their own view of things and want a fresh or challenging perspective.
I want a dialogue. I want to learn as much as I wish to impart. Learning does not come from harassing or bullying though so don't read my entries and view my comments section as a license to intimidate. Reasoned debate is welcome. Foolish innate responses are not desired. The knee-jerk responses from either side of the political or theological spectrums will be disregarded for the nescient rubbish it is. Let's be grown-up and thoughtful.
I have strong opinions. These opinions are formed from an upbringing by wonderful parents, life's experiences, formal education, interactions with others and personal learning and reading. I'll share my opinons and discuss why I have come to hold them. Just as with anyone, I have some opinions that are held more strongly than others. I'll be open to changing some of my opinions if a well-reasoned argument can be made to do so. There are some opinions that go beyond mere thoughts and notions but are at the very core of who I am so, from them, I will not divert. Consider them my core values or foundational beliefs. They are more than mere opinion. They are immutable truth.
I'll be fair. In the end, however, this is my blog so I get to decide what is fair here.
I'll be open. Again, this is my blog so openness does not mean I am open to any and all notions and diatribes that I find egregious, distasteful or offensive. Again, it is my blog so I get to decide the boundaries.
There are two principles I try to continually impart to my children that are appropriate here. First, before you say (or write) anything ask yourself this: "What good can come of this?" And second, strive to build people up, not tear them down. I wish I followed my own axioms as faithfully as I wish my children to do so, but I still am learning and striving to be a better person.
Let's share, be reasonable, and learn together, and in the end, discover the reason of it all.
