A Writing Life
As I continue with my writing exercises on this blog, one thing I'm beginning to realize is how difficult it is to actually be a writer when the emotional aspect of a situation overwhelms one's ability to think. This is no great insight, they probably teach it in JRN101, but I never took that class. Most people require a clear mind to properly examine an issue and reach a compelling conclusion. One just has to be willing to take the risk that the conclusion will not be the one they expected. Easier said than done.
Some conservative interest groups (such as the Republican party) are attempting to cast the Terri Schiavo situation as one of "us versus them." I think this may be the one case that backfires on them. It's not everywhere that liberty is held sacred, and I've heard a number of conservative people say that the Congress was wrong to intervene. More are asking where the party they knew as one of limited government and personal freedoms has gone.
All of the conservative people I know personally are quite nice, I even love some of them. Most have been able to discuss issues with me logically, and rely on facts and reason to persuade me to their cause. This exchange is good for both sides, expanding boundaries for all involved. As I've said before, these conservatives need to take back the Republican party so that we can engage each other again, and run the risk of being persuaded.
My sense of humor can be somewhat controversial at times. I'm careful about when to employ it, as someone who overhears and doesn't know me might think that I'm racist, homophobic, misogynist, or all three. Those who do know me, know that it's meant satirically. They know that it takes a lot to offend me.
Yeah, to offend me you'd have to pass a bill in the middle of the night on a holiday weekend for one specific person, one that takes sides in a family issue. That would do the trick.
That is the only sin that has occurred throughout this debacle. Ms. Schiavo's parents obviously love her very much; her husband is obviously just as devoted. Every Senator and Representative who voted "Yea" on Sunday night knew that this act would only prolong an already too long torment for this family. They each knew that the plaintiffs' arguments had been rejected by numerous courts and judges. They knew that all allegations against her husband have been investigated and dismissed. They know that her condition is terminal. They know what the outcome will be. Yet, for a few political pennies, they decided to use the United States Congress to directly affect a family in distress, flying in the face of reason.
As I review what I've written, it's easy for me to see when emotion overwhelmed reason. My arguments weren't as clear, it took too long to make a point, and I had trouble staying on track. At a certain point, in order to endure, it's necessary to move beyond passion, and address reality on its terms. I've still got a lot to learn about being a writer.
Some conservative interest groups (such as the Republican party) are attempting to cast the Terri Schiavo situation as one of "us versus them." I think this may be the one case that backfires on them. It's not everywhere that liberty is held sacred, and I've heard a number of conservative people say that the Congress was wrong to intervene. More are asking where the party they knew as one of limited government and personal freedoms has gone.
All of the conservative people I know personally are quite nice, I even love some of them. Most have been able to discuss issues with me logically, and rely on facts and reason to persuade me to their cause. This exchange is good for both sides, expanding boundaries for all involved. As I've said before, these conservatives need to take back the Republican party so that we can engage each other again, and run the risk of being persuaded.
My sense of humor can be somewhat controversial at times. I'm careful about when to employ it, as someone who overhears and doesn't know me might think that I'm racist, homophobic, misogynist, or all three. Those who do know me, know that it's meant satirically. They know that it takes a lot to offend me.
Yeah, to offend me you'd have to pass a bill in the middle of the night on a holiday weekend for one specific person, one that takes sides in a family issue. That would do the trick.
That is the only sin that has occurred throughout this debacle. Ms. Schiavo's parents obviously love her very much; her husband is obviously just as devoted. Every Senator and Representative who voted "Yea" on Sunday night knew that this act would only prolong an already too long torment for this family. They each knew that the plaintiffs' arguments had been rejected by numerous courts and judges. They knew that all allegations against her husband have been investigated and dismissed. They know that her condition is terminal. They know what the outcome will be. Yet, for a few political pennies, they decided to use the United States Congress to directly affect a family in distress, flying in the face of reason.
As I review what I've written, it's easy for me to see when emotion overwhelmed reason. My arguments weren't as clear, it took too long to make a point, and I had trouble staying on track. At a certain point, in order to endure, it's necessary to move beyond passion, and address reality on its terms. I've still got a lot to learn about being a writer.
2 Comments:
Damn straight! Throw the bum out!
By Randy Jay Yarger, at 10:28 AM
Hm. I think that a good writer is someone with strong opinions and an ability to express them in unique and powerful ways. Someone who can mechanically describe an issue can be saved for textbooks. Write. Write. Write!
By Zorro Sheldon, at 8:01 PM
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