Hello!

[JonL]

Should be fun to check in here once in a while...

I consider myself as a progressive, some might call me a "leftist." I'm concerned about the power large corporations wield over our government and politics. I feel that many of the political issues and public opinion about them are being manipulated by corporate interests. I'm concerned that the populace has been "dumbed down" for so long that most folks have difficulty paying attention long enough to understand the complex issues we face in the world. I'm very concerned that the political rhetoric has reached such an inflammatory state that there seems to be no hope of compromise or consensus on any issue, and much of the rhetoric is getting awfully close to the point of inciting violence. I'm concerned that inaccurate labels are applied to people and policies in an effort to define them in easily recognized and very derogatory ways. I'm concerned that environmental issues have become so politicized. I am concerned that the truth is hard to find and that there are so many sources of misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies.

Sorry for that little rant...

I'd also like to say that I have a great deal of respect for a true conservative ideology. Although I may disagree with some or most of a conservative point of view, I think that it is often a defensible ideology and there should be room to compromise on some things between liberals and conservatives. I do not believe that Rush Limbaugh, the neo-cons, or the religious right are true conservatives. I think they are all self-serving and disingenuous. I'm always happy to discuss and debate ideology as long as it doesn't degenerate into name calling or fact twisting.

See you all around the forums!