And now it begins

 
 Although I have politics above this blog as one possible topic, I have rarely written about it and thought I'd explain why and then why I am going to do it more often now-- although not with every blog.

The reasons I haven't are several with varying importance into their impact on my actions regarding this blog. These are not in order.

First up is that people read here from around the world with varying types of political impact in their own countries. I do read about other countries and what's going on like with Bangladesh. I don't though understand all that is beyond what I hear is happening. Not much for many to relate to our political situation in the United States although they might more than we know. 

Second comes me not knowing what is behind a lot of what I see going on. Many buy propaganda when it's from their own side at least, I've always been more skeptical. That does not  help my life but it's a reality for someone who has always been accused of thinking too much. Maybe, but it is what it is. So, if I don't see the motives behind the actions, I am cautious on what to write.

An example for that was what I was told, when I started to vote, millennia ago.  President Johnson was beginning a war on poverty. See any results? Where did the money go? It tends to lead to cynicism with political rhetoric. Any of it. Words are cheap. Actions less so.

Third is my reluctance to try to tell others what they should think. I can tell them the facts as I know them to be and the conclusion it led for me; but what should they do? I know bloggers and pundits who want to tell us all of that. They are so sure and joyful in that surety. It's not my philosophy. Well, except when I am writing a book. Then those characters better do what I have seen for them. *s*

 Fourth, I don't want to upset people with my own political beliefs. I don't like losing readers, which I do sometimes anyway, but what if what I write upsets their emotions. I know most already are likely set in their ways and what I write is nothing to them. The thing is I don't want to take responsibility for what they should think. Only one way is right? That is true for some folks but not for me. The other thing is, as an independent, I am bound to upset folks on both set of our spectrum.

Fifth, I believe we have to be careful what we say in a time where all we put out is surveilled. You think a small blog wouldn't be of interest? I have no idea but that is why a lot of us want to keep our heads down. When you speak out in a public venue, well, your head is no longer down, but does it matter? I don't know.

SO, why politics now? Because it seems really important as to what direction our country will go and a big shift could be ahead. We have two candidates and their partners from totally opposite sides of the divide. A lot of people get all their information from their own bubbles. Since I read both sides, I can at least be sure they heard what I doubt they'd get otherwise. Of course, that is also why they might stop reading here. 

Voting in November will determine a lot, with those on both sides mad if they lose. They'll be angry with anyone who they know voted wrong. I know all that but still feel too much is at stake. More on that next week.