Two Feet Returning

It appears that there are at least a few people left that track two feet in, and several more who I've invited to attend the party.  Since it's been awhile, and because there are newbies, I thought I'd take a minute or two to reflect on whatever it is that I'm trying to do here.  (And maybe in the process figure it out myself...)

Not so long ago someone said to me that it seemed as if all I am interested in is politics.  In some senses I guess I'd say that this is political blog, but not really.  You usually won't find me hanging out over there at The Political Blogs (Daily Kos for example).  It's not that there are not good people there saying important things, it is just that I don't have much patience for the mainstream democratic line, nor do I generally desire to follow the minutia of this or that piece of legislation.  Yes, I am interested in politics, but I think a more accurate description would be that my actions and writing are driven by the concepts of justice, human dignity, truth, love, and freedom.  In that sense, my writing here reflects a radical analysis.  So, you may ask, just what makes a radical analysis radical?  Robert Jensen writes:

...One standard response to that question is to remind people of the origins of the word -- radical, from the Latin radicalis, meaning "root."  Radical analysis goes to the root of an issue or problem.  Typically that means that while challenging the specific manifestations of a problem, radicals also analyze the ideological and institutional components as well as challenge the unstated assumptions and conventional wisdom that obscure the deeper roots.  Often it means realizing that what is taken as an aberration or deviation from a system is actually the predictable and/or intended result of a system.

For example, on almost any economic issue, mainstream liberals and conservatives can be found fighting about the ins and outs of a particular policy.  For example, should the capital gains tax be lowered or raised?  Those who stay within the conventional analysis will not address basic questions of the justice of the whole system.  What goes unasked is a more central question:  Why should we accept a system in which some individuals are allowed to accumulate large fortunes while others work much harder but have no material security?  Radical critics of capitalism would not lose sight of the root cause of the problem:  the fundamental structures and values of capitalism and the contemporary corporate system.

Having said all of that, you should know that (for better or worse) my analysis typically comes more from my heart and gut than my head.   This is something that I occasionally beat myself up over  because I do believe in the importance of presenting a radical analysis that actually has some concrete, carefully thought through analysis to it.  Sometimes I do that.  But more often I just write from the heart and gut and point you to other people who've done the other stuff better than me.   

And, when all else fails, I just share some amazing sky.  That's what 98% of the visitors to this site come for anyway.  Amazing sky and/or foot sex.   Hopefully they and you won't leave disappointed, and will even hang around for awhile.  However, though these two feet may be in, but they don't generally cavort with just anyone -- foot sex seekers may need to pursue their quest elsewhere.

(Oh, and if you feel so inclined, please spread the word about this blog.  One thing I've learned is that, much as I do like the sound of my own voice, I'm more likely to throw it out there when I feel like folks are listening.  Thanks.)