1hundredsixty8

I have a lot on my mind. Some of my thoughts are no doubt frivolous; others, though, deal with issues that affect many of us in this society. While it is tempting to cling to my own ideas as if they were magical Truths, what truly motivated me in starting this blog is to create a discussion space for those among us who are not in politics, the media, academia or otherwise have a inherent professional interest in the promulgation of their opinions. I find the term "regular people" too amorphous to describe the audience I wish to engage, but it may be the most apt description. What I aim to do here is create a place where people who are not in the ploitical class can freely discuss ideas and exchange opinions that are political in nature. Call it a "flea market of ideas", a place where we can gather and talk about issues which impact our society.

Rules? Well, certainly. No flaming, no ad hominum attacks. If a "fact" is posited, make an attempt to provide a source for the information. Please make clear what is opinion. Respect everyone else's ideas and opinions.

Topics? Anything, I guess. No, I do not want to discuss your Aunt Tilly's knitting unless it has meaning in a greater context. Yes, we can discuss music, pop culture, world affairs, motorcycles, whatever... In short, what I am aiming for is an 18th-Century salon, where thinkers held forth on ideas.