Politics Aside

A few months ago, I started a blog. It was my first ever, and not being much of a joiner, I set myself some clear ground rules so as not to invite comment and judgment. The blog was for me, a form of expression and catharsis; so I didn't see any reason to broach certain topics.

I don't talk about politics in writing, and I don't mention the names of politicians. It's not that I'm disinterested or checked out--on the contrary, I think about such things on an almost constant basis. I just don't think it's anyone's business, and I'm smart enough to know that anything you put out there on the internet pretty much lives forever.

I'm disappointed in what, already, is a lot of negativity and bashing on the forums on this site. It's typical for such a forum, I suppose. People who have a need to be heard (or act as bullies) must spout off, and then spout at one another. I was completely aware, coming to this site, that T. Boone Pickens was a controversial figure, and that most of my friends would abhor his politics and his earlier tactics. I'm not exactly a fan, either.

But the truth is this: it doesn't matter the political party, nor the mistakes a person has made. What matters is that we are all in this together, and the boat is going down, swiftly. (Pun intended.) The time has come to make a change, and we must do it collectively. Infighting and the same old party politics aren't going to change anything. Don't like the plan? Then become a part of the discussion to help find a better one.

Perhaps all this is only a smokescreen, a way for this historically dishonest man to make more millions. Who cares? If something positive comes out of the discussion, then his motives matter not. If Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush can learn to be buddies, then so can we.