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For those of you who know me, welcome back, and, if you're just stopping by, welcome.
Many years ago, I wrote a column for a very brief period of time that was published in the Mooresville/Decatur Times called Democratically Speaking in Indy. It was my first foray into real opinion writing since my high school days back at Ben Davis High School, and I loved it. I actually earned a few fans. My time at the Times ended and so did the column.
Indirectly, that column gave birth to the first version of the Indy Democrat Blog. That was my baby for nearly 10 years. At first, I published sporadically. Eventually, I moved into seven-days-a-week posting schedule. I wasn't getting paid for it, and I started to run short on information and ideas. Eventually, I scaled it back to a weekday only schedule. The thing went on life support when I went back to posting only sporadically. Eventually, I mercifully put the pillow over the thing, and I killed it.
Then, I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I deleted the whole thing. I burned it down and bulldozed the remains. Nine years and nine months of work was gone in the click of a mouse.
Recently, I went back, and I actually began to think about my blog and what it accomplished. That little thing that was started for free here on Blogspot generated mentions in national publications. Because of my work, I created a radio talk show that aired on Indiana Talks. Senators, Representatives, Councillors, Mayors, Members of Congress began to ask me what I thought on issues. I couldn't believe, in retrospect, what I had thrown away.
I threw away my voice. I went silent. I thought I'd be happy.
I wasn't. I'm a creature of politics. I love the strategy. I love the analysis, and you probably shouldn't take me too seriously. I didn't go to school for this. Education's my day job, and I am happiest in the classroom. This is something else for me. This is my mental exercise: crafting these words here.
Well, here I am again. I don't know if anyone will listen to my voice or read my words, but I feel the need to opine again. Pardon my self-important tone. I really do not take myself that seriously.
On this blog, I'll give you my opinion on things political or otherwise, but I won't toss red meat. I will practice good journalism when I report, and I'll be like an unbiased baseball umpire. I'll call them like I see them. My loyal readers probably won't notice much of a difference than before.
In short, I want to apologize to Version 1.0 of this blog. I tossed you out. I unceremoniously kicked you to the curb. I pretended not to feel the loss.
Truth is...I did. I need to do this again even if I hate it sometimes. I can't promise I'll be here every day, but I'll try to do this regularly. Writing for me comes easier when I feel really good. I do right now.
So, let's try to make it right this time. So, I begin.