Hi everyone, I’m a simple dude.  I decided to start this blog to offer my views on some every day topics I come across in the news, on social media, or in random conversations I have with my friends and coworkers.  We live in an age where information on virtually every topic is readily available from a variety of sources.  We also are privileged enough to live in a country where everyone is free to express their opinions, which is also wonderful.

I’m sure you’ve noticed, like I have, that tons of unbridled information and opinions opens the door for many not-so-wonderful consequences to occur.  First, with the vast amount of information available, and given the fact that much of this information seems to come into conflict with all of the other information available a lot of the time, no one really knows what to believe.  Some have even resorted to not believing anything which, though understandable, isn’t really a viable, sustainable solution for a critical thinker.  Another issue that has arisen is that everyone has an opinion, and a multitude of people regularly exercise the freedom to express those opinions with little or no filter.

I appreciate that freedom, but it does muddy the waters surrounding some pretty critical topics.  An additional problem that I have noticed stemming from this is that, with all of the competing voices out there, it becomes difficult, even tiresome to separate through discourse what is fact and what is inherently false.  Furthermore, an issue that has arisen is that, when confronted with what should be a simple case of conflicting ideas that can and should be discussed calmly, many people resort to a form of argument that is unpleasant to watch, and worse to participate in.  At best, many of these conversations are based in many forms of flawed logic; in many cases these discussions dissolve into the vilest personal attacks and insults.  It seems as if many of the most vocal people are unable to hear an opposing viewpoint on any topic without feeling personally attacked that causes them to spew venom to any and everyone who will listen.  For me, the worst  problem of all is the fact that I work in environment where I really don’t feel the freedom to express my viewpoints without some pretty severe backlash from my place of employment.

The purpose of this blog is really just a place for me to express my thoughts on a variety of topics that I come across, in a venue that is hopefully free from all of the pettiness that I’ve come to accept as standard, especially on social media.  Some of my posts will be random thoughts on random topics; others will be pseudo responses to people’s posts on social media that I’ve chosen to comment on here as opposed on social media mainly for the reasons I’ve listed above.  I’m not out to offend anyone, prove anyone wrong, or belittle another person’s beliefs or opinions.  I do however realize that to write this blog with the expectation that nobody will be offended is folly.  I do hope that these topics lead to good discussion.

I want to make it clear that this blog does not represent the thoughts or ideas of anyone but myself.  I do not represent any other person or organization.  I don’t consider myself an expert on anything in particular.  This is not my attempt to sway anyone on anything.  This is just a place for me to express myself.  I welcome any conversation but I am not looking for any fights.  If you want a fight or a plethora of ad hominem attacks, might I recommend Facebook or Twitter.  Thanks for reading!