I myself had something of a Political "Awakening" in 2008. As I've said before I have followed politics for years, and was quite active at different points in my life, but with the introduction of Sarah Palin, and the ensuing outbreak of "Palin Derangement Syndrome", I was motivated to start this Blog. For that I am forever Grateful to the Obama Followers. Writing and Politics have always been a passion,but without the constant barrage of insults against everything I believe by the media and colleagues, I don't know if I would have been motivated to publish WithBias. Thank you, Liberals and the Uniformed, for giving me the push I needed to "Let My Voice Be Heard"....
A few days ago I asked readers to send me their New Year's Resolutions, I was surprised at how Many responses I received. Thanks to all who shared your plan with me. Some of you contacted me through e-mail, some through comments, and others through Twitter.
What first struck me, while reading through the Resolutions was most people want the same things from life regardless of where they live or how old they are or how much money they make. Most of the Resolutions I received, are ones that I strive to achieve this year as well, in fact I've adopted many as my own....
Several wrote that they wanted to live healthier in 2009. Something most Americans can appreciate. Some of you are pledging to join a gym, quit smoking or changing your diet. For those about to "Diet" We salute you.
Some were pretty vague, saying only they 'wanted to lose weight'. Others more specific, one reader sent me his plan "to lose two pounds a week", a lofty yet achievable goal. I wish you all the best and will be joining you on your journey to a healthy lifestyle. I hope that you will all keep me posted on your progress throughout the year.
Others will be striving to be "kinder to their fellow man" as one reader told me or more simply put by friend on twitter "to be nicer to people". While I can agree with the sentiment, James Agate summed up my thoughts more appropriately when he said "New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time."
Another popular topic amongst the Resolutions was Spirituality. Many said they were returning to their Church or becoming more faithful in their service to God. A fellow blogger and friend, has promised to "read the Bible" everyday and more effectively understand it's teachings. It's heartening to see so many turning to God during these troubled times. Thinking of the events of the past year, it brings to mind that old adage..The Lord works in Mysterious ways. While I am an unwavering Christian, I do not attend services as regularly as I should. I can make all the excuses that I'd like, however the Truth is... I just need to get my Butt into Church more often. The election of Obama may not actually signal the Apocalypse, but why take any Chances? Mysterious ways, indeed.
Family was top of mind for many of you. Whether it was spending more time at home or off-line, many promised this year, they would make their loved ones a priority. Some are just in the planning stages, like my friend over at Rightklik, who has told us that a baby in is the works for 2009. While I'm not ready to jump on the Breeding bandwagon, yet. I am planning more trips home to visit my family in Pennsylvania this year. When the world seemingly goes Mad around you, it's important to focus on what really matters and even if they drive you crazy during the Holidays, for most of us, That's Family.
Not surprisingly, many respondents talked about Politics. More specifically what they'd like to see change in 2009 after what some saw as a Disastrous 2008. Many voiced complaints and hopes for the Republican National Committee, some of which may be addressed by the election of the New Chairperson in the next few weeks. My friend, Robert who writes over at The 46 said he would to "See the GOP make some gains in 2009 as groundwork for major gains in 2010." Which brings me to my point of all these Resolutions, whether Political or Personal, they require action on the part of person making the declaration.
Twenty pounds won't magically melt off my carcass, nor will the Pastor start giving sermons in my living room, I'm going to have to do something in order to achieve my goals. Republicans find themselves in the same position. The RNC won't turn into the "Grand Old Party" without some effort on the part of Republicans themselves. Good News is that many Conservatives didn't wait for New Year's to Resolve to make a difference. Immediately after the election, social networking sites sprung up and groups formed creating a "Virtual Conservative Think Tank" on line. One of these groups, Rebuild the Party, is determined to overhaul the RNC with a Grassroots approach. I like their style, so I signed up. Once I started reading all the ideas and initiatives being put forth I was inspired to get more involved.
So I started a group for Conservative Bloggers, a place for those so inclined, to share ideas and blog addresses. With in weeks, it became apparent we had an eclectic growing group of motivated idealists and I wanted to find a way to share these ideas with a larger audience. That's when the idea for ChargingElephants was born. It's a new site that is scheduled to go "Live" on January 5th, and will feature Conservative Voices from around the Blogasphere. Just my small contribution to the cause, but I'm hoping to create a place for our ideas to be shared, heard and discussed. Each writer bringing their own 'version' of Conservatism to the table. It's a tiny step in the process of Turning our Party and this Great Nation of ours around. But it is a Step, and I'm not done yet. If you think it's time to Turn those Resolutions into Real Solutions...Now is the time to Act. (Check out my the links on the sidebar for ideas!)
You know Conservatives have come a long way in a short while, from Rebuild The Party , to Grassfire to the #tcot group on Twitter. Conservatives are getting organized and as Robert pointed out, just in time. 2010 is just around the corner.
Note to fellow Bloggers:
If you'd like to have your blog syndicated on ChargingElephants, please send me an e-mail at Likethemouse@gmail.com
