Chewing It Over

I suppose a commercial has met its objective when a mundane word like "blogging" conjures up the image of candy. I cannot seem to think of the word blogging without being haunted by the lines of an irritating commercial for Twix.

So, I have entered the world of blogging. To what end, I am not sure yet. As many that know me will admit with some chagrin, I am rather opinionated (understatement alert). The recent years have seen the development of many social, political and international issues that vex me on a personal and moral level. As many individuals in similar situations will attest, sometimes we are at a loss as to how we can set right a wrong that we see. Sometimes we are afraid to speak up for fear of persecution. Sometimes we feel outnumbered and helpless. Sometimes we fear alienating or offending friends and family. Whatever our reasons maybe, we accept our state of helplessness and leave matters of importance to our elected officials and buy into the preachings of our favorite party or politician.

When we cease to be active, thinking, critical participants of the democratic process we have essentially given up the freedoms we hold so dear. I detest politics. I used to use that as an excuse to not participate in discussions of political nature or to not educate myself about such affairs. I guess, coming from a third-world democracy, I was already jaded. But I am now a member of American society (yes, my green card was approved). And I see a faint silver lining of hope for reward in participating in the social and democratic process. Unlike in many so-called democracies around the world, I still have faith in American politics. I also see the exorbitant cost of not participating or speaking up. America exerts enormous influence on global affairs affecting the lives of people all over the world. But for the most part, most Americans are oblivious of America's engagement with the outside world, until things go bad and we prepare for war. Sometimes even during a war, a good number of us are not able to point on a map to the country we are fighting. I think we owe it to ourselves, our children, our country, and humanity at large to make more informed decisions about our domestic and international affairs. America's business outside its borders should be as much concern to its citizens as its business within it.

I have had reservations about speaking up, for fear of its consequences. People that speak up have a tendency to pop on "lists". But then living in fear of exercising one's freedoms can hardly be called living in freedom. If I am going to be part of a free society, then, dammit, I am going to exercise my freedoms. One never knows when the "men in black" will show up. They already have - but that's a blog for another day.

So, I do not know to what end I am blogging. However, I do know that I do not want to do nothing. If blogging is all I do, then I suppose I have at least made the attempt to counter one voice of ignorance with one voice of reason. One must admit there is plenty of ignorance and paranoia these days. I am probably going to ramble, rant and meander my way through politics, religion, current affairs and philosophy. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I try to find my voice....and maybe together you and I can make a positive difference.

The Reluctant Blogger