Why bother? That’s what I’ve been asking myself over the last few years, as I tried to call out warnings like Paul Revere, and was met with denials or shrugs. I’ve joked that my English teachers oversold me on the effectiveness of the persuasive essay, even though I know persuasive essays were a big part of making the case to the colonists to break with England. So, why bother, when warnings of impending danger go unheard or unheeded? Because it’s my country too, and people I love live here. Because my ancestors fought for freedom and I don’t want to see their sacrifice diminished a mere 250 years later. Because even if nobody listens, and my words are sewn to the wind, at least I’ll know I tried to defend all the things my ancestor’s fought for. So, I bother.
But, I’m not interested in the fiasco that passes for “debate” online. Social media had potential to connect people, but unfortunately the incentives were directed to division instead. I’m not interested in that, and I’m not interested in “starting a conversation”. Instead, I’m interested in occasionally sharing my thoughts on common sense, the defense of democracy, culture, and anything else I decide to weigh in on without dealing with bad faith arguments, people “just asking questions”, laugh emojis that diminish human pain, and/or general trolling. So, comments will be turned off for all posts on Hallograms. This is a telegram, not a correspondence. Hopefully some people will connect with what I post, and maybe even get some comfort knowing others share their perspective during this crazy time. And maybe, (but probably not), my English teachers’ confidence in the power of the persuasive essay will be validated and a mind will be changed. Hey, we live in a weird world right now, so who knows.