My posting has been pretty light in recent years, but I felt like I should at least commemorate another anniversary of this blog which dates back to November 15, 2004. Recently, I listened to an episode of Dan Carlin’s Common Sense podcast. I forget exactly how he phrased it, but he felt adrift in the current political climate which had caused him not to feel comfortable making the show. Under the old framework, he felt knowledgeable and felt like he had insight into what was going on that he could share. In a political landscape with Trump and all that comes with him, that feeling wasn’t there.
I can’t blame my light posting entirely on that feeling. This blog was started with a focus on state government. But, frankly, it’s hard to focus on what the study committee has to say about cold beer sales when confronted with the spectacle of ostensibly moral people going into contortions trying to defend a pedophile to save a Senate seat for “their” side or the President’s son incriminating himself in the Russia scandal or whatever the dumpster-fire-of-the-day might be in D.C. Sometimes I can’t resist blogging about that stuff, but the bright shiny national stories are generally pretty well covered.
Besides that, since Facebook and Twitter came around, blogging has always felt a bit like running into a headwind. There’s the immediate gratification of pounding out 140 characters with something pithy and immediately getting likes or replies. And, of course, there is work, family, coaching soccer, community involvement, etc. etc.
On the other hand, I do like having a place where I’ve been able to collect some thoughts over the years; and I’ve made a lot of friends through this effort. And, bill season is always fun. So, I’ll keep at it, and see if I can add any value with Year 14.
I appreciate you keeping at it and always value your insights. Social media profiles come and go, a site where you own the content can last forever. Thank you.
For what it’s worth, I appreciate your perspectives, local state and national. Thanks for sharing them.
I second Chris Hardie. I don’t generally comment on blogs (if you read comments sections you understand why) but I read and appreciate yours regularly.
I always enjoy your writings. Even the rare topic that I have zero interest in – I still enjoy reading about it.
Thank you.
Always enjoy your writing Doug. But I still want to see the post where you announce your candidacy for a legislative office. Waiting…
The voice of thoughtful sanity is always welcome on my computer, especially when it’s a knowledgeable guy from Indiana. We need all we can get. Keep on keeping on.
Dog, I very much appreciate your insight and thoughts. Your Bicentennial series was incredible. Being from Indiana (And living away from it a long time), I heavily discount the state and its people. That series showed that some Hoosiers can shine.
I’ve enjoyed reading your posts over the past several years.
Thanks.
Doug,
You and I have different political perspectives, but it’s good to have your voice as part of the conversation. Sometimes longevity can be a good measure for success.
You passed the litmus test–Abdul said something positive about your writings. I have read your articles for several years and enjoy your thoughts and facts. As background, I taught school for 38 years, been involved in variety of governmental units, am a parliamentarian by hobby, and try to follow current activities with a view toward how we got here.
Thank you, Doug, for sharing your views and your humor and wit–I always enjoy reading your posts and (not to sound sycophantic) am surprised at how similar my views are with yours on the world around us which makes your blog enjoyable for me to read–the main difference being you put your thoughts into better wording than I ever could!