Red State Renegade

Most of my life I was not political in the least, but merely considered myself ‘patriotic’ in the blind, America-loving tradition of the masses. I was neither a democrat nor a republican. I will even admit to NOT registering to vote until late in life (I had some specific reasoning for this).

It wasn’t until the leadup to the last Iraq invasion that I smelt something wrong. Like most of America (and the world), I was affected by 9-11 and backed the invasion of Afghanistan to oust the supporters of Al Qaeda.

As the focus turned towards Iraq, I was deeply disturbed by an administration seemingly determined to invade at any cost - irrespective of evidence or international support, and regardless of the cost in dollars or lives (American or otherwise). Even with my ignorance of foreign policy and politics, I was alarmed by the insanity of what I heard.

It appeared so obvious that the administration had ulterior motives. I became aware for the first time that perhaps we weren’t being the ‘good guys’ any more.

Ultimately I saw the use of 9-11 to project power abroad, and the use of fear to justify sweeping changes to our lifestyles and laws at home.

I was transformed without choosing to be. I had to pay attention. I had to be more aware. I had to understand.

As I learned more I found that the media was either complicit or asleep.

These concerns form the basis of many of my arbitrary ramblings from Utah (the reddest of the red states)…In many cases I am simply trying to expose concerned, compassionate people to realities that should be covered by the traditional media outlets.

I hope you will feel free to spread the word if something here affects you: Email your friends; Call your representatives; Write your your local paper…