Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Introduction and Objectives of this Blog

This is my first post for a blog designed specifically to talk about politics in Utah. Some national and world issues may creep into the discussion, but it is my intent to keep things as local as possible. Utah is a unique state with a significant conservative slant in the populace and the people they elect. My own politics will noticeably be left of center by Utah standards. But I believe Utah needs an alternative voice in this wilderness of unfettered conservative hegemony.

My goal is to be provocative, yet respectful. If the political landscape is to change in Utah, more people must be persuaded away from ideologies that so many people accept out of mere tradition and expectation. At times, the underlying assumptions that drive many Utahns to the positions they hold will be brought under scrutiny on this blog. The intent is not to attack people, but to challenge their beliefs and the paradigms that led to them.

It is also the intent of this blog for me to get appropriate feedback. If my ideas cannot withstand the bright lights of discourse, then they need to be reconsidered. My father once told me "if you are that sure of yourself, you might want to reconsider." Politics subject the human mind to competing interests and competing priorities. As a result, most issues are rarely black or white, but every shade of gray. Recognizing this reality, the goal of my writing is always to articulate what I understand, change it as I digest more information, and try to reach correct conclusions based upon the weight of the evidence.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I don't know if you have heard of the Utah Bloghive. It's a collection of politically oriented blogs throughout Utah. You might be interested in having your blog included there.

Obi wan liberali said...

David:

I sincerely appreciate the link. I submitted my political blog for consideration. I'm still new to the blogging thing and I appreciate the tip.

I've read and responded to some of the blogs listed, such as the Senate Site and Dougall's site. I'm always interested to read what others have to say so that was a worthwhile find.

Thanks.

steve u. said...

Hooray for you! I believe strongly in the value of political discourse (even when that discourse incorrectly decides that I'm wrong -- which of course just means that the discoursants are wrong). To have better discourse and better results, we need people who will air it out in a respectful manner. Your first fews posts are great! Keep it up.

Obi wan liberali said...

Thanks for the kind words Steve. I enjoy reading your blog, even if I may have a different take or opinion. The internet helps create an environment that is a sort of John Stuart Mill heaven. Still alot of untapped potential for the rational discussion of ideas.

Salt H2O said...

Thank you for taking the time to articulate your opinions and put them on line.