I haven't fully formed my intentions for this blog. Initially I set it up just so I could participate in others' blogs. But now that I've been given prime real estate on Hayduke's blog, the pressure's on to come up with some musings of substance. Perhaps thoughts on our beautiful HoCo from the perspective of someone vaguely aware of the inner workings of the issues, but not tied intimately to them. Like an everyman's POV on life in our little oasis.

You know, things like:

-- How exactly did the David's lobby get strong enough to hold off Whole Foods in Columbia, which has the ideal WFMI demos?

-- Why aren't there more unique, independent shops and restaurants here?

-- When Columbians are out of town, and someone asks them where they're from, do they say DC or Baltimore? For that matter, do they read the Sun or the Post?

...and other essential topics.

Or I could broaden my subject matter to news items from around the globe. Definitely some foot-stompin' fodder there.

Or I could use this space to ponder my cybernavel and blab about my personal life (which is about to get verrrrry interesting - but I'm not prepared to discuss the whys or hows just yet).

I simply haven't decided what direction I want to take this trip in just yet. I certainly haven't the time or inclination to post for sake of seeing my thoughts in print - and I doubt anyone else does, either.

I'll close for now with this:

A popular commentator noted that the reason so many people are feeling disenfranchised right now is because the country is being run by the extremists. 80% of the people are fairly tolerant and moderate, but it's the other 20% that mobilize. Moderates aren't really activists by nature - they're every bit as passionate about their beliefs as anyone else - but they have other shit to do, like getting on with their lives, instead of judging people for how they live theirs. So the inaction borne of moderate thinking results in everyone being subject to extremist representation. Points to ponder as I consider my own activism - which to date has bubbled up only in times of strong dissatisfaction, anger, or incredulity. Should I be doing more? Would it matter? And how do we convince the moderates to make the effort for government and culture that more accurately reflects them? How bad does it have to get? Are they destined to be only reactive and not proactive?