Blog Intro

Ric's Blog for Open Minds Only!

I have decided to put some of my thoughts, feelings, and ideas out there for others to read. I have always loved to write but have not done it much in the last several years. As I embark on my blog project, I am not sure what direction it will take. Although I don't want to make any hard and fast rules, I have decided that I am going to try not to work too long on any blog. I will try to keep them short and spend little time on rewriting. I hope this will give them a natural quality like my side of a spontaneous conversation. I still reserve the right to modify my blogs over time to better represent my feelings as they change and, of course, to repair errors.

It seems that many people think that there are only two ways to think, liberal or conservative. I think that most people are neither. They are more likely some combination of both. I resent being pigeon-holed! And I really dislike it when someone tells me I am wrong about something I feel strongly about. Someone once said, "Opinions are like anuses, everybody has one and they all stink." I don't agree with that premise. I think that opinions are personal and they are valuable insights into others' thinking. I love hearing other people's opinions. Even if I strongly disagree, it helps me more clearly realize my own feelings. Sometimes, when I listen, I even change my mind, form a new opinion, or modify an old one.

This blog will be an attempt on my part to formulate and express my opinions. Reading my blogs may actually reinforce your contrary beliefs, but maybe, just maybe, your beliefs might be reshaped in some new direction. Change is scary for many. Some think it is always bad. I think thoughtful change is a good thing.

Never be ashamed to change your mind. Using new information or ideas to change your opinions is not flip-flopping, it is refining. Forming your opinions is like driving a car. It is a continuing and changing environment. The road may be straight for a long time. If you keep going straight when the road curves you might leave the pavement and hit a tree! You use the new information your eyes take in to make the turn. Likewise, as you live your life you take in new information that may steer you in a different direction. Firm, fixed, unswayable positions may cause you to hit a tree!

I hope you enjoy my writings! If you don't, don't tell me about it or you'll hurt my feelings. Ha ha, just kidding!

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