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Preamble

I had thought about using the word “Prologue” but Preamble just sounded weightier.  More punch, more official sounding.  So then the next natural question is Preamble to What?  I have struggled with that declaration for a bit and finally decided on the word Activism.  I’m going to start yet another section to my blog dedicated to those really tough subjects we all feel passionately about but sometimes don’t know what to do about.  Activism is the doing part of the equation and is very subjective to the individual.  Some people are content to talk about things with their friends, others will talk publicly, some will write their appropriate representatives, leaders or legislators, and some are into the action of public protest.  Individually or in groups activism is often the path to changing that which we don’t like or keeping what we have, etc.  So, in short, in this section of my blog I would like to talk about not only what we think about subjects but also about some of the things we can DO about them.

So now I want to preambulate back a bit to explain what really motivated this idea.  Over the past few weeks I have broadened my blogging experience by joining in some of the commentary at various blogs.  I encountered something unexpected in my personality ... I am reluctant to jump into a meaningful discussion on another blog for fear of alienating the blog owner.  I have a tendancy to blurt (type) my ideas and attitudes without appropriate concern for the audience.  I try not to personalize but it often results in hurting the feelings of others.  It can be difficult to separate one’s beliefs from one’s emotions sufficiently to have an open minded discussion.  An example would be my distaste for Senator Hillary Clinton.  Unfortunately when I state my case against her many people who like her are as insulted as if I had insulted them.  This is the toughest barrier to discussion.  To separate ourselves from the emotion long enough to hear each other out.  So I would start to unload my thoughts on Wal-mart, China, whatever and after a while I would simply not post the comment because I didn’t want to appear to be trashing someone on their own blog.  It just doesn’t seem right to me to do that.  The thought of not saying anything at all on these subjects has been bugging me so I decided to say more on my own blog.

I encourage everyone who reads this to speak freely in reply.  Please try to stick to the topic and try not to villify.  I know it’s hard but name calling just doesn’t further any discussion or activism.  I would also ask you to become an activist.  The simple act of voting is a means of activism at the most basic level.  Phone calls, editorials, letter writing, and public gatherings are also a part.  Of course I would love it if you all simply agreed with me and were activists accordingly ... but the honest truth is I believe if everyone would take on community involvement and activism we would have a better integrated society.

Here are the links to contact your Federal Representatives online.  Please state your point politely and firmly.

Senator Richard Durbin:

http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Senator Roland Burris:

http://burris.senate.gov

Your Congressperson:

https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml