I use my real name on this web site. I don’t give out my address, or even my town of residence, but I don’t write under a pseudonym either.
I’ve been warned that using my own name is a mistake, that it could potentially hurt me if my employer finds out. What if family members or friends who aren’t aware of my beliefs find this site? What if my views haunt my family some day?
I’ve heard the warnings, but I had already considered my options carefully. At one point, I even did some online writing under an internet alias.
One of the reasons I started this web site is my frustration with the dishonesty in public discourse. But just as dishonesty is a problem, so is silence. Too many people either water down their opinions in public, or keep them to themselves entirely, out of fear. Fear of repercussions. From the government, employers, family members, the community.
I’m here to say that it’s OK to speak your mind. I respect the right of anybody to spew vile and hateful words, but we already see plenty of that. I’m trying to encourage the expression of thoughtful and heartfelt opinions. Unfortunately, ideas don’t have to be hateful or stupid to be ridiculed and marginalized in the United States these days.
The idea that those suspected of war crimes should be investigated and possibly prosecuted? That’s radical, or so we’re told by those in power and in the media. They say it’s backward thinking, political gamesmanship.
The idea that American courts are perfectly capable of trying cases of terrorism? Dangerous. Naive.
The idea that the United States has committed grave sins in its foreign policy dealings? Unamerican. Shut up and support the troops.
The idea that Israel isn’t always right? Heresy.
The idea that most religion is nonsense and science is a smarter way to go? Well, nobody saying such a thing could ever be fit for public office.
If this site stands for anything, it’s the truth. I don’t claim to know everything.
I may occasionally be wrong, but I will not lie. Sarcasm? Sure. Deceit? No way.
So I start by using my real name and the fact that I live in the Bible Belt. I stand by everything I write and if I ever get something wrong, I will admit it. I don’t want to get too specific with regards to my identity, because there are nuts out there who go beyond words in showing their disagreement. But I don’t completely hide either, because I am proud of my ideas.
Some day, my writing, along with some assorted memories, will be all that’s left of me in this world. I want them both to speak of my regard for honesty. I want them to speak of a man who had deeply held beliefs, which he wasn’t afraid to challenge and inspect.
This web site is part of my journey to not only express my beliefs, but to also investigate, challenge and solidify them. I have a set of strong beliefs, but one of my strongest is that I should always try to learn more and be unafraid to challenge, and even change, my beliefs if they fail to hold up against the truth.
This is the first in what I hope to be a long line of essays in which I explore, and express, some of my deeply held opinions.
These essays, and other postings on this web site, should serve two purposes:
- allow me to keep learning more about the world around me.
- allow me to say what’s on my mind without fear, even if I am putting myself, and my name, on the line.
