Why This Blog Exists

If you're reading this post, thank you for taking the time to check out my blog.  I hope that you find it of interest and contribute to its development over time.

My primary purpose in writing this blog is to establish a set of rational criteria on which to base future personal and political decisions.  I have frequently struggled with defining my political beliefs, as I believe there are very compelling reasons to support both sides of many issues.  Over time, I hope to use this blog as a venue to reason through these issues and begin to develop a concrete, rational belief system.

I endeavor to begin this discourse with a blank slate.  I will initially explore more general concepts such as:

• What constitutes an "unalienable Right"?
• What is the role of government?
• Where does religion fit into all of this?

From there, I intend to move on to more specific issues.  My thoughts on these issues will be informed by the conclusions I (we) reach about the general concepts above.

I'm choosing to undertake this journey in a public forum because I'm hoping that readers of my blog (if I'm fortunate enough to have any) will help me to shape my beliefs by providing thoughtful, well-reasoned arguments in the comments section.  But please be courteous to me and to other readers.  I will not tolerate hate or ignorance...I reserve the right to delete any comments that don't positively contribute to the discourse.  I do, however, encourage readers with opposing views to offer rational persuasive arguments for their beliefs.

Again, thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.  I'm excited to begin this journey!