Dear Readers…

It has come to the attention of the blog, from a couple of recent reader notes, that the blog could use more “levity,” or be less “pessimistic.”

Funny, we always felt that the blog was optimistic, for several reasons:

First, one of the great freedoms, that we as American’s enjoy, is the freedom generated by the fourth estate.  This blog attempts to capture those freedoms daily, by consolidating some of the more news worthy stories and opinions of the day, from a variety of different sources.   We find this liberty amazing.

Two, this blog is upbeat in that, by consolidating the stories that we do, and identifying key problems and issues, we earnestly hope (perhaps naively) that these issues will, someday, be acknowledged and addressed - by our elected leaders.  And given the serious nature of these problems, ultimately, must be addressed. 

Three, this blog believes democracy is a privilege, and obviously, one not to be taken for granted.  The financial crisis of 2008 was the genesis of this blog, and the resulting wakeup call, hopefully, is something to be celebrated and seized upon.  Many of the stories consolidated within this blog show that there is still plenty of work to be done in protecting the very freedoms, aspirations and dreams that this country once afforded, to many, in abundance.

And that is the challenge we throw back to some of our readers… If you find this blog upsetting or unsettling, due to the news stories and opinions contained herein, what are you doing, as citizens of our great nation, to aid and assist in addressing the problems and issues raised?

Or not.

For this too, is a privilege of Democracy, but most likely a short lived one… and that is you can choose to do absolutely nothing, or simply not read this blog.   If the reality/blog perspective staring back at you every day is too much, walking on is yet another option, albeit not an option that this blog subscribes to.   And at the risk of sounding trite, it’s our guess that the men and women who sacrificed, so that we could enjoy the freedoms this country has to offer, would be very disappointed if we were not active participants in our country’s government and institutions.  

Admittedly, reading this blog, or not, does not make you any more of an American, or citizen…. However, should one decide not to read, you might end up far less informed. 

Unfortunately, we fear that the luxury of being passive participants in our government has been used up, and may in fact be a direct driver of why America finds itself in its current crisis.

All the best to you and yours during these trying times, and stay informed.   

 - J.M. Hamilton