First of all, I don’t hate politics.
Hate is a strong word and there’s little in this world that I choose to consciously hate, let alone make a website about.
But I had to get your attention.
And I DO like ideas, which CAN be at the center of political discussions.
The problem with “politics” however, is in A) how the game is played, and B) in how we as humans give in to our proclivity for tribalism. In wanting to be part of a group (we all do this) we either adhere more vehemently to the political parties than the ideas they espouse…
…or we adhere so strongly to (and argue so strongly for) the ideas themselves, without having examined the definitions that make up those ideas or the goals toward which we are striving.
And, in the end, we tend to get very angry – angry because we believe so strongly that our beliefs are “the best” and any challenge to that belief is a challenge to the identity we’ve made for ourselves.
Even more alarming, we are prone to believe our ideas are the best not simply because they are the most effective solutions to an agreed-upon problem, but because deep down we see those beliefs as morally superior to the beliefs of those with whom we disagree.
Hidden in there is our belief that we are morally superior, too.
And so my goal for this website it to try to pick apart arguments on all sides of the political spectrum, examine conclusions we’ve reached too quickly, and provide a place for people to talk and think.
I hope, ultimately, that we may remind each other that this is truly a great experiment (this thing called human government) – and while it has very real consequences, if we’re not speaking the same language, or in agreement about where it is we’re going, then our insistence that we’re right (so often full of fury and violence) is not a conclusion that can be proven.
UPDATE: I’m now a full-time recording artist out of Nashville, TN (Cecil Charles). I’m supporting myself (and releasing one, studio quality song per month for 2019 and, well, as far into the future as I can see), by generous listeners and readers like you.
It’s melodic pop, full and rich and filled with harmonies and layers of sound. Sometimes folky, sometimes funky, and I think you might enjoy. Listen below!
Then check out my Patreon page – a simple $5 pledge gets you free downloads of each monthly song, as well as exclusive content (song ideas I’m working on, updates on shows, news from traveling, and more). It allows me to take you along on this journey I’m on, as a full-time recording artist and essayist. Every little bit helps, so thank you in advance for your consideration!