Sirs and Madames, It may not be improper in the first place to inform you as Readers, that I intend once a Fortnight to present you, by the Help of this Blog, with a short Epistle, which I presume will add somewhat to your Entertainment and just possibly your Enlightenment.  And since it is observed, that the Generality of People, now a days, are unwilling either to commend or dispraise what they read, until they are in some measure informed who or what the Author of it is, whether he be poor or rich, old or young, a Scholar or a Leather Apron Man, &c. and give their Opinion of the Performance, according to the Knowledge which they have of the Author's Circumstances, it may not be amiss to begin with a short Account of my position and motivation and present Condition, that the Reader may not be at a Loss to judge whether or not my Lucubration’s are worth his and her reading.

First, I am an unabashed fan of all things American.  Does this imply I’m a Democrat, Independent or Republican?  A liberal or conservative?  Hopefully not!  Any one identifying with any of these “groups” should in no way be exempted  from love of country.  And any American who “cares” about the United States is a Patriot regardless of positions.  As long as debate is thoughtful and informed, no one opinion is less “American” than the next.

Second, I love the history of this nation.  There are some very dark moments in that history, the worst being Slavery.  There are undeniable atrocities we have committed as a people and nation.  But it is equally undeniable the Great contributions this country and its people have made for its own behalf and moreover,  to so many millions in the world who likely would not be free without America defeating in war tyrannical and oppressive governments, dictators, thugs.

From our start, the United States has been the beacon of hope for so many who yearned to be free. There is not a Democratic government today that did not emulate the United States Constitution as a framework for their own self government.  There is not a people in the world who are not free because of the American soldier.  And the free people of  the world remain free due to the  security umbrella the US affords the democracies of the world.  Those who suffer under tyrannical and corrupt governments dream of coming to America, the land of freedom and opportunity.  There will always be negatives to point to regarding our nation’s history and policies.  But anyone who highlights these is blinded to the reality of where our world would be without America. 

So for 20 fortnights I will highlight factual history from our colonial inception to our current state of affairs.  Fact over opinion will be the standard as much as possible.  The positive over the negative, good over bad will also be the standard.  Those who want to write about the “evils” of American government, capitalism and social policy can choose their own platform and do so.  No argument will be made from this pro-American.   But one cannot argue with facts and historical truths unless they are in denial or have other perverse motivations.  The coming epistles are NOT for those who would deny the holocaust ever occurred, that 20 million human beings were not starved and murdered under Stalin and Mao, or that Venezuelans are not suffering horribly under their current regime.

 

This is the story of a great people creating a not so perfect Union but persevering AND as such, achieving great things while continually improving the rights of all men and women to pursue Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Patience, and bear with my Humors now and then, because I shall trouble them but seldom. I am not insensible of the Impossibility of pleasing all, but I would not willingly displease any; and for those who will take Offence were none is intended, they are beneath the Notice of Your Humble Servant, SILENCE DOGOOD, the 2^nd