Open Thoughts - A New Series

I feel like we haven't published anything at the blog in a while, but it's only been a week. I've taken some time to reflect, and came to the conclusion that we needed to shake things up a bit. We've decided to create a new series called Open Thoughts where we will write essays designed to have a dialogue with you while having no specific structure. The intent is to let you get inside our minds, let you know how we're feeling, and outline the future direction of this blog.

It feels like the tumultuous times we are enduring has no immediate end insight doesn't it? From the pandemic, to politics, to our personal lives, everything just feels on hold. I know many people are struggling for a multitude of reasons, and while I may not know you personally, I feel your pain and I hope you triumph in the face of the challenges you are facing.

I can't help but feel heart broken about how divided our nation is. Divisive and venomous politics has really poisoned the well of public discourse. America is supposed to be a melting pot of ideas and people, but it doesn't feel that way right now does it? Some of my best friends have opposing political views to mine, but we've always been able to see past policy differences because I firmly believe many of us on opposing sides of the aisle are not all that different, we just have a contrasting view of arriving at the same destination - and more importantly, we're all good people. I think many in the media and politics have exploited the issues to make them expedient to their own ends, but what do you think? I have an essay in the works on the topic of those in power not focusing on the crux of the problems confronting us today.

Recently I've thought about devoting time I would otherwise spend on the blog to writing a book. The title would be More Than A Nation just like the blog, but I cannot help but be afraid. Maybe it's an excuse, but I fear not living up to the title. I was watching a Jordan Peterson interview about free speech and one of the points he made was essentially if you speak to 100 people on a loaded issue, you are bound to offend someone in the room. With that understanding I know not everybody will like you, and throw hate your way, but I would want the book to be uniting and connect with as many people as possible. I want to make people believe in America again. Maybe I am making excuses and I should just jump in and give it a try. What do I have to lose? Life's a game of risks and sometimes you just have to go for it. What's holding you back from something you want to pursue?

I think it's important for me to re-emphasize the intent of this blog is not tell you what to think or who to vote for. It has always been to provide you with a dialogue that makes you critically think about the issues in a way the mainstream media doesn't promote - and we will continue to do so.

In looking ahead, we plan to address current events and the trending political issues of the day, but we will also delve into the realm of loaded issues such as abortion, climate change, etc. I want to emphasize we are now a team of two, but our team will never stop growing. All our welcome into the fold. Whether you want to join us full time or simply write in a piece because it's something you need to say - we welcome it, and your voice matters. I have a docket of books I plan to read touching upon such areas as education, Roman, Greek, and US history, among many others. Maybe I'll do a book review once in a while or just include my findings as we continue to explore new material.

As I work full time I am not able to always spend the amount of time writing I wish I could. However, I want you to know I will always remain fully committed to you. The issues we explore on this blog might not interest or pertain to you, but they affect someone. We want to work to make America and the world a better place, and we need more voices to be heard in the arena of ideas.

With all that said, I look forward to this more informal series. I wish you all the best during these times. I remember a quote from one the the Rocky movies, "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it." However, the world can also be a beautiful vibrant home as well, and I think it's important we don't forget that. I hope you overcome any obstacles you are facing, and I hope you are able to find happiness as you aspire to accomplish the goals you have outlined for yourself.

All the best,

Joe