Why I post here (long)

[bigtree]

I'm feeling a bit defensive about posting here lately, so I wanted to give folks who may be interested an outline of why I post here at all.

I used to write letters to the editor at the WaPo, exclusively, at a manic rate, beginning at age 26. My main subject then was civil rights and issues of race. I wrote in pencil on legal pads and I submitted so many articles that the editor called me one day and advised me that they could only accept one every six months. Up until then, the very gracious editor, the late Meg Greenfield, had published letters from me at a pretty consistent clip which broke the rule more than once. I settled in with that advice and could almost always get an opinion of mine in the paper about every six months for almost a decade. Having that kind of access made me feel more and more responsible to speak up and I was more and more concerned that what I wrote was meaningful and heartfelt, rather than just writing to see my name in print (which is an awesome feeling. Writers . . .?).

In 2002, after 9-11, I had dialed back my writing (articles and letters) to take care of my dad. I had become fatigued with the effort and I just wanted to settle into some fiction writing and let it go at that. I started writing a children's book about Native Americans, and as I was completing it, I would turn on the news (I had blocked out all of the news channels and it took an effort to tune in) and you could see Bush gearing up to invade Iraq. I still wasn't inclined to go back to my obsession. But one night beside my lit fireplace, my wife (who insists she's receptive to 'spirits' - I'm not very receptive, if at all) told me of an Indian man who was concerned about the fate of the nation and the world, and who was insisting to her that things were about to go really bad for both. Apocalyptic stuff. I'm a big skeptic about communicating with spirits and stuff, but something about the way she said that the spirit was disappointed in my lack of interest that I found my self very defensive. I'm an original bleeding heart liberal.

There hadn't been many liberal causes that I wouldn't jump to and advocate for. I was beat on writing, but I felt challenged to be true to what I'd begun years ago: Defending against militarism, racism, sexism . . . the whole liberal gambit. I've always been a proud liberal Democrat and I had a gift (writing) that I knew I could employ to confront the growing militarism from the new republican administration.Bush ultimately decided to invade, so, I went for it. I bought a computer. I got a web site and built it into a resource for returning soldiers. My notion, born that night beside the (spirit) fire, was that I didn't want the administration to divide the peace movement and cast the members of the military opposite our advocacy and activism, as I had observed happening toward the end of the Vietnam war. So, I collected every link that I could which I believed would help steer returning soldiers (and debarking ones) toward the resources they needed and provide info so they could develop their own activism. That site became more relevant as the occupation dragged on and is still (unfortunately) relevant and, I think, needed.

It was a bit past the creation of my site that I came upon DU while looking for an outlet for my writing. Like a kid in a candy shop, I explored subjects within my activist interest and quickly found how hard it was to actually defend my positions against dissent. At DU, no matter which side I advocated on, I found there was usually still a need to explain my positions exhaustively to someone who disagreed. I think those disagreements made me stronger in my own convictions as I defended them. My main focus was still anti-war, but there were so many things here to argue or agree with that I did lose focus at times. Another presidential election came and went. The republican WH prevailed. That re-ascendancy to office by Bush only intensified my advocacy and hardened it to address the unbridled militarism.

I still hadn't really begun to write articles about my anti-war views. I don't know why. Lack of confidence, or something. I was arguing with none other than Will Pitt one day when a poster suggested that I was jealous because Will was such an accomplished and talented writer. S**t, what writer isn't impressed by the substance and skill of Mr. Pitt. 'You just want to be a writer like him and you're taking it out on poor Will,' the poster said (paraphrasing).

'Maybe I will write some articles,' I said with a bit of fake bravado. Maybe I will. So, no stranger to editorials, I set out to put my views in order on these pages to form articles. I found Rob Kall at Op-Ed news who was gracious enough to publish my work and he soon provided instant access for a page or two of writing on his site for over 100 writers, including me. I've cranked out about 250 so far and I haven't had too many pauses (though I have had my share of resignations about pouring my heart out here for critics, supporters, and the indifferent alike.

I write because I feel. I write because I think deeply, constantly about the issues and concerns which confront our nation and its citizens. If I didn't write, I'd drive everyone around me crazy with the talking, arguing, and debating the TV and other media.

It's fair to say that I'm not as enamored of writing here as I was at first. Critics aren't always concerned about the issues and more than a little, critics here have seen fit to focus on my motives, character, or personality rather than concerning themselves with directly responding to the issues I raise. But I found that DU has become the place where I can best organize my thoughts in that little box on the posting page. More importantly, those impressions that I provide in my writing here don't do so well floating around in my head. I really do need the recorded words to refer back to. There's really no substitute for posting on this site, as far as my own needs are concerned.

I got slammed yesterday for 'cut-and-pasting' an article, and was told that I had a problem with 'perception and reality' in my belief that posting here can make a real life difference. Fact is, these clipped articles I've posted here have become an invaluable resource for the rest of my writing. There's really no way that I could use regular google to recall all of the statements and events I've collected and posted here. Just a few words, names, or phrase (along with my screen name) in the search engines here and I have a ready resource along the lines of my interests and topical concerns. There's no substitute. I hope this board lasts forever. I need the info I feed into DU like life-blood. I need to have my thoughts and impressions collected here as a base for my writing and understanding of the country, the world, and the politics which surrounds it all.

Sure, there is the politics - especially during elections. I'm a POLITICAL NUT. No exaggeration. I get WAYYyyyy out of control in political debates here and elsewhere. But those are mostly my 'fun'. It's fair to say, though, that my anti-war, anti-militarism writing is my most precious pursuit. I don't come here expecting to be treated like some sage. I thrive on most of the dissent to my views. My critics help me solidify my opinion (or change it). I value the give and take here, as long as it's issue-based and not personal, destructive, or de-humanizing.

There really isn't anything more to me than I've described. Politics and advocacy isn't my profession and I've really never been a serious member of any organization outside of the Democratic Party. I like it that way. My own opinion is more than I can usually handle. As for the rest, I work and work to expand my horizons and to not be as isolated in my thinking as I was when I wrote to the Post. I always hope that comes across here, but I'm certain that proving the worth of my opinion is going to be a necessarily perpetual pursuit, here or anywhere I raise my voice.

I have a great deal of respect for President Obama. I insist on referring to him as 'President' or 'Mr.' as the editors at the Post taught me years ago, out of that respect. I hope that respect is noticed here, but I'm realistic enough to realize that it just can't be, no matter how I try. My opposition to the occupations isn't going to change with the change in the WH. I think I've been consistent in my criticism of them and I feel it would be highly dishonest for me to allow this new president to alter my view of the folly of remaining militarily engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I wrote an article shortly after the president was elected which I'd like to share again. I'll let an excerpt of that article that be the end to this vain diatribe. I hope folks read it all, though. Thanks for reading. Ron


Validating Our Hopes and Dreams

The election of Barack Obama will be a validation of hope. It will be an affirmation of the hope of millions of voters, including many who have never believed in the political system before - some old enough to remember when there were very real barriers to their participation.

Barack Obama asked us to believe, and I really didn't at first. But, he made me a believer.

The value of his election will be a suspension of apathy for many; hopefully, enough to spark the kind of attention to the workings of our political system that we will need to motivate our legislators into action and to effect the changes we're seeking.

{snip}

In Barack Obama's hands is the task of restoring, not only prosperity at home, but, peace abroad. His unswerving focus on harnessing the power of the American people by challenging us to believe in our own roles in the disposition of our government will be extremely important if he can manage to translate that hope and belief into action and initiative.

For now, though, Barack Obama has most eloquently and effectively captured our attention with his inclusive and inspiring campaign. That may well be his most enduring and constructive contribution to our democracy.

full article can be read here on DU: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...