Welcome Back to the Politik

Politics is a fickle beast. One minute it has you reveling in the possibilities of collective human action, then next it has you furious at its capability for corruption. The beltway can burn mainstreet as the mainstream media trumpets the charge while half-way across the country a group gathers in a garage and founds an organization that changes the very landscape of our discussion.

Needless to say, with such ups and downs, it becomes difficult at times to stay in the fight. Even as a spectator, I find myself occasionally needing a break from the head-spin. However, I, and our conversation, are back.

It's been a long sabatical, but it hasn't been without toil. One cannot simply unplug from the Tea Party, the debate blunders, the hidden and not-so-hidden racism of mainstream white fear, the rise and fall of Democratic hopes, the constant mistrust, misunderstanding, and mystery of our enigmatic president, and the ever tilting Earth on which we stand. Thanks to a constant ear to the ground and one eye prised firmly open at the 24 hour news cycle, I have gleaned, and gleaned, and gleaned.

What have we learned over the past however-long-its-been? We've learned that money can indeed bring "grassroots" organizations to the polls. We've learned that Democrats do in fact learn their lessons. We've learned that NPR, much like the Progressive ideology, is equally susceptible to the ignorant vilification of a movement clinging to life. And, most importantly, we've learned that Christine O'Donnell has never actually read the Constitution.

This year has revealed the character of our country and our politics and if one could write a thesis describing the findings it would be this: we need serious work. Our opinions are exposed to the winds of change and our values maleable if not thoughtfully defined. Evidence is a nebulous concept in a world of FOX news special reports and our sensibilities are equally as nebulous when fear is our compass.

Ultimately, it is because of this very thesis that, despite nearly nixing this blog on three seperate occasions due to perceived low readership and a personal insecurity in my ability to preserve it, I feel as though this is not my project to abandon. The symphony of our Democracy requires not one conductor, but many skilled instrumentalists guided by their passion for beauty and enlightenment. Should one instrument be silenced, the entire ensemble suffers. Should our goal fade in importance, the beauty of our music is cheapened.

So, without further ado, it is with great enthusiasm that I invite you to gather your art, be it conversation, speaking, thinking, writing, doing, or leading, and raise it to your lips with me. We have a lot of work to do, but together, we too can will our melody above the din of hate and suffering, and brighten the lives of our fellow man.

Welcome back to the politik.