Hi.

I thought I would give you a short glimpse in to who I am, so you know where I am coming from when I post.  Since there really isn't a "general" topic available, this gets put here.

I am a proud American.  Not German-American, not African-American, not Mexican-American, not English-American.  American.

I was born in America.  My parents were born in America.  You would probably have to go back 7 generations to find an ancestor that wasn't born in America.

I grew up in a wonderful family, with a Mother and a Father.  Oh, yeah, and 2 brothers.  I can't say that we have always been the closest family, but I love them all very much. 

As I grew up, we went to Church every Sunday.  I don't go nearly as often now, but I still believe in God and Jesus Christ, his Son.

Looking back on my life, I can say that I have been very lucky.  I grew up in a free country.  I have a wonderful family.  I have been blessed by God with some meager intellect and physical ability.  Some things I have to work very hard for, and other things have fallen in to my lap.

What do I believe in?

I believe in God.
I believe He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ.
I believe in life.
I believe that America is what we make it.
I believe that we all have the chance to make of ourselves what we want.
I believe that if I drank, I would have a beer.
I believe that government should be limited.
I believe there are good people, and I believe there are evil people.
I believe that sometimes there is black and white, and no grey.
I believe in the death penalty.  Some people, by their acts, deserve to die.
I believe in the right to free speech.
I believe that you have the right to whatever opinion you might have. 
I believe that I have the right to ignore whatever opinion you might have, and you can ignore mine.

What don't I believe in?

I don't believe that the government should take care of my retirement.
I don't believe in political correctness.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.

What would I change in my life:

Looking back at my life, I can honestly say that everything that has happened has made me what I am.  Do I regret some of the things I have done? Yes.  If I could change one thing about my past, it would be to join the military.  I came of age shortly after the Vietnam War, so there was no need to join.  Now I am too old, and my body probably wouldn't last through boot camp.

Now you know a little about me.

What do I expect from this blog?

I expect to be able to post my opinions. 
I welcome constructive feedback and open debate.
I will not accept personal insults, and I will avoid the same.
I will not accept vulgar language.  I have, and occasionally do, use expletives, but I think they are a crutch.  They don't add anything to a civilized discussion.
I don't really expect anyone to read my rants, but welcome anybody who does.

Thanks for listening!

Update: Forgot to add my favorite organizations (which I will continue to add to as my memory seeps through the morning fog):
The Patriot Guard Riders: http://www.patriotguard.org

roger