My lips…or should I say my finger tips…have been with much guile. I need to change.
I do not think that this will mean that I will be more agreeable. I still think that certain views should be marginalized rather than engaged. Some arguments, left and right, are stupid. However, I do not need to be the one who points it out.
Instead, I would like to focus more of my energy on creating a positive vision of where I stand morally, politically, and theologically. I am not known as a Rawlsian liberal, I am known for my anti-conservative angst. Yuck. I need to do better.
I think that my first step will be to not go to blogs that provoke my angst. The mod queue at M* will miss me. The permas at fMh will have less need to eye-roll at my elitist comments.
This also means that I will be posting more rather than commenting elsewhere. I am looking forward to my summer.
I apologize to the many I have offended by my behavior. I do not apologize for my theory. However, my behavior has clouded my mind and my message.
A new chapter.
Look forward to it. You are always welcome as S&S.
Eric,
I need to spend more time at places like Small and Simple. Thanks for being a kind friend.
As a fairly new blogger, I’ve found it much more (selfishly) easy to comment and express myself on my own blog postings where I control the theme and the expression of it.
I still try to maintain my moderation when commenting on other blogs. I’ve typed up quite a few things I have deleted rather than push “submit.”
Hooray! Bring forth the fatted calf, etc.!
This is something I am perennially juggling and struggling with online. You framed the problem quite clearly, as a question of guile in one’s heart. I find that I can sometimes adopt the stance of the meek & mild without actually feeling it in my heart, and that’s troubling to me.
I wish you well on your path.
You’re a good egg, Mr. H. Never forget that.
The 13 step plan for liberals to become libertarians does work! First, you recognize you have a problem with flaming…. 😉
Seriously Chris, I think we all need a reminder on being as Nathanael, “an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” It is too easy for us to think we know all the answers and to insist, “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” With a calm and logical discussion, perhaps we can find common ground. Isn’t that, after all, what Rawls’ thought experiment was about: approaching the common ground most people can agree upon in regards to justice?
Hello Chris – Thank you.
Chris, thanks for this…really good food for thought for any of us who blog. I, too, am left reflecting on how I can and should do better.
Chris, I have always seen and recognized the great man you are, and the even greater man you will someday become. It takes a great man to say the thing you said in this post. You have my love, respect, and admiration.