Hoo-boy

[ebonlock]

That was the text above a window sticker of an American flag I saw on my way home the other night. The sticker itself took up most of the window and I was a bit concerned about how much it might obstruct the driver's view. But I'll admit I was more concerned about the message.

I took yesterday off to ponder a few things, just what it is I believe, how the events that have occurred have effected those beliefs, whether or not I feel any different about the war now that Saddam's regime has all but crumbled. I read a lot of blogs and articles wherein people demanded that folks like myself who were opposed to the war apologize, admit that they were misguided or stupid, say publically that they were wrong.

I read articles on both sides of the discussion, I wanted to understand why I didn't seem to feel any different than I had before the invasion began. Was I too entrenched in my position? Too proud to admit to a mistake? Was anger clouding my judgement? I came to one inescapable conclusion, I didn't feel any different because none of the things that had been bothering me about any of this war had changed.

I could go into these questions and doubts in detail, but to be honest I've already beaten that particular dead horse for the past few months. Nothing I've said has changed any minds, made any real impact, and right now nobody is listening.

The other conclusion I came to was this, I have a right to my opinions, to my beliefs, to my feelings, and to my questions...I don't need to justify them to anyone but myself and my gods.

So, what now? What does this mean? Well what it means is that I'm going to continue to ponder the events of the world, to post interesting URLs, stories, blurbs, pictures. But I'm going to do it privately. I want something I can look back on and contemplate in the days and years to come. Are my fears justified? Only history will be able to tell me that, so I want a place to record it as it happens, and what my reactions are to it.

But the only way I can do that is to create a space where I don't have to fear attack myself. Is that hideously cowardly of me? Quite possible. Will I regret the decision someday? Quite probable. Do I think, short term it's the right thing to do for my emotional and physical well being? No question.

I hope some folks reading this found the information I shared, as well as my responses to it, interesting and perhaps a bit entertaining on occasion. I'll be ridiculously pleased if anyone found it useful in any way.

Guess that's it, thanks for reading this far, it means a lot to me.

Comments

[tersa.livejournal.com]

RAAAR! KROG SMASH!

Ahem. :) This bit of levity brought to you by playoff hockey.

[centerfire.livejournal.com]

Thank you, thank you.

I shall now go and shoot a small defenseless animal, cook its flesh over open fire, devour it messily, scratch myself a bit, and then pinch a satisfyingly large loaf.