“For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.”

so, i guess what i’m trying to say is, i’ve just gotta try to put it out there and invite yall to show me otherwise. though the illusion of feeling “right” is seductive, let’s proceed with the acknowledgement that no one has the monopoly on the ideal; we all need to combine our individual stengths for the better of the whole. i’m drifting here, but trust me…

In considering the oil spill, I think it is clear that there is sufficient blame to go around: to include the current administration, to whom I continue to lend my support. In assigning blame following crises, however, we often take solace in merely pointing fingers, rather than owning the need for systemic change. Sure, there are individuals at British Petroleum, at the United States Marine Mineral Agency (or whatever the entity is called that is responsible for doling out permits, while in bed with the oil industry), and scores of other organizations at whom we can cast aspersions and demand change. Improving operating safety and efficiency, however, are band-aids trying to heal a gash that requires not only heavy-duty stitching, but, with increasing urgency, a transplant.

Regardless of one’s views on climate change (I’m not a scientist, and I’m no longer going to try to defend something that exceeds my expertise. I continue to hold that sufficient international scientific consensus exists to require urgent action), I strongly feel that our nation must undertake a comprehensive effort to radically change our energy portfolio. First, fossil fuels are a finite source. Even at two or three hundred years’ supply, what next? Dinosaurs just aren’t dying off and decomposing like they used to. And, as Americans stubbornly cling to diminishing sources, the Chinese are rapidly investing in solar, high-speed rail, and other renewable fuel technologies. The Chinese and others will likely reach scale on these technologies before we make any serious effort to compete. We will then be more at China’s economic mercy more then even at present.

The only viable argument that I see for continuing with our current energy portfolio is that our sources are cheap and abundant. Fair enough, we may have abundant domestic coal; but, we continue to rely largely on oil reserves from hostile regimes, whose ascendence we continue to underwrite.

I could continue to rant the same old talking points, but I believe them. Also, while I think our country is at a place that requires some tough decisions, I believe that we can turn these challenges into opportunities. But, while the current anti-incumbent sentiment is probably a good start toward abolishing the status quo, I fear that things will have to continue to get worse before they get better. We need to redefine our enemies. We should not first define ourselves as democrats versus republicans, but Americans. Our country’s boat is quickly taking on water, and, at some point, we have to stop fighting each other and start working together to stay afloat.

I know I’m rambling here. Just frustrated.

Among the more substantive topics I have been turning over in my head recently is the concept of secession. Since moving to South Carolina, its history has inspired me to learn more about the Civil War. I feel guilty that I know so little about this major turning point in our country’s history, yet it happened so recently in historical terms.

Bearing this mindset, the recent emergence of the Tea Party Movement (with some members throwing around terms such as nullification and secession) has accelerated my desire to understand the issues leading up to, surrounding, and following the Civil War. In light of the Tea Party, it is then quite an interesting academic exercise to consider the potential modern day implications of such a concept. This academic exercise then naturally leads one to consider the philosophical underpinnings of our democracy and other political theories. There is so much to learn. Let’s see if writing helps.

look at the biggest issues currently facing our nation’s leaders: job creation, health care reform, financial reform, national security, education, and the environment. these are complex issues. to gain even a basic understanding of the legitimate arguments and counter-arguments underlying the policymaking for each of these issues requires considerable effort. i need to study more economics, science, and history.

When President Obama was elected in November 2008, I was elated. However, I said, “now it’s time to get to work.” While I have admired the President’s approach on many issues, too much has remain unchanged in Washington. Despite the President’s early efforts at bipartisanship, the hyperpartisan environment continues. The President allowed much of the stimulus package to take the form of tax cuts to appease the Republicans, rather than direct a greater percentage of the stimulus toward infrastructure spending and other job-creating proposals. Yet, since then, the Republicans have complained about the lack of job creation. The President has since squandered whatever political capital he had left on health care reform without advancing other major initiatives (see, e.g., environmental legislation, immigration).

I support the President, and his goals have been frustrated by his efforts to govern in a post-partisan fashion in an uber-partisan atmoshere. But, this approach is, sadly, incompatible with the current environment. A year later, as difficult as it is to do, the President needs to step back, reflect on the failures of his first year, speak directly to the People, and conclude, “now it’s time to get to work.”

I hope you’ll all watch.

That being said, I would like to thank Bubba and O.J. for some lively discourse both before and after the Peach Bowl. I commend all readers to the comments section of the post entitled, Straw Poll. Ultimately, I agree with O.J.’s assessment of the game, in that Tennessee could neither run the football nor stop Tech from running it. And, though the score was close for much of the game, and the Moore dropped pass could’ve provided a major momentum swing, Tennessee was soundly handled the entire football game.

I may still post occasionally, as it will be difficult to ignore state legislatures returning in a couple of weeks and Virginia installing a new governor, but I will remain largely silent. However, I invite you all to continue commenting on anything that interests you in the world of public affairs, or even sports (as I’ve stated to other friends, if Dallas doesn’t win a playoff game, Wade Phillips needs to go, 3 December wins, or not).

Thank you all very much for reading and contributing. I look forward to resuming our conversation in a couple of months.