Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Thanksgiving Post

It seems a little trite, if not vapid, for a blog to write a Thanksgiving post, but I have never shown myself to be above such things in the past.

I feel compelled to use every opportunity, whether by calendar or otherwise, to thank you, the reader.  I can't say enough just how much joy this blog, and your readership, has brought me.  When I was 15, watching the news, reading the news, being consumed by the news, I always thought that if it was ever possible, I wanted to be a part of that.  I was the kid that walked around high school with a Baltimore Sun stuffed in my backpack, reading it at every free moment.  If it got wet or torn, it was a disappointment.  That part of my day snuffed out.  When I found a truly amazing story, my day was enriched.  I couldn't wait to get home and talk the story over with my Dad, who was a reliable news junkie as well.

Editorials were my favorite.  They were the first "news analysis" pieces, before the news felt comfortable including such pieces amongst their front page stories.  Here's a complex issue, let me help you figure it out with argument, evidence, and conclusion.  I've long since concluded that there is no better way to understand the world around you than a well pled argument, so long as you consider the existence of opposition. 

I started this blog almost four years ago after feeling speechless in a very loud world.  By putting my ideas "out there", and being part of the conversation, it drew me into the mix.  I have met so many amazing people.  Mostly because of this blog.  Primarily because of you.

I don't know how long this blog will exist, but I do know that the period in which I maintained it will always be known to me as the most exciting time of my life.  Thanks to you.