Time for a new experiment...

Why start a blog? Well to be honest I was inspired by the 2006 Bloggies Awards. Let this be a way for me to communicate to the world.

If a blog is to exist it must be unique and provide an opportunity to its readers. The following is what I propose:

The primary purpose of this blog will be to facilitate the development of informed opinions on political issues. An informed opinion will consist of the following:

1. background and facts on the topic
2. the main arguments
3. the politics of the issue (i.e. what are the political incentives for different positions?)
4. future directions
5. formation of an opinion

The development of informed opinions will occur through an iterative process of information collection and debate concluding with a written statement. This process will result in the dossier of information and ideas.

(In other words the primary purpose of this blog is for me to think about things, learn how to learn, practice writing, and stay in touch with my friends.)

Side purposes of this blog will be the posting interesting findings, random thoughts, and maybe even some guest blogging about music and wine.