You may have noticed that my passion for blogging has cooled in the recent weeks. It began with the ice storm that left us without power for the five days, and unfortunately when power was restored the drive to resume blogging was not restored with it. This has more to do with world events than with personal circumstances.
Iraqi approval of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) has pretty much wrapped up the War in Iraq, or I should say, the Battle for Iraq. Obama's talk of yanking the troops to fight the War on Terror on its "real front" appears to have been, like everything else he's been saying, little more than campaign talk. Keeping Robert Gates in place as Secretary of Defense signals that he does not intend to imperil the progress in Iraq, even though things have gotten dicier in Afghanistan. SOFA makes it nearly impossible for Obama to simply punt and blame the ensuing failure on George Bush. Obama has been handed a victory, and if he can't maintain it he will be the one to take the heat.
On the domestic front, the economic situation gives Obama cover to propose his redistributionist policies and the Democratic congress will be happy to oblige. It could mean an avalanche of Democratic vote buying legislation, but then -- maybe not.
One of the more entertaining aspects of the recent election is the surprise in leftist circles at the moves Obama has made -- like keeping Robert Gates. No one had any idea what Obama was likely to do because his positions shifted to suit the campaign situation. That is, if you can call 180 degrees a shift. Meanwhile our fourth estate was too busy in Alaska investigating Bristol Palin to bother trying to pin him down. It ought to be interesting watching their journalistic contortions for the next four years.
In any case, although there is no lack of blog fodder out there, Libertarian Leanings will be published on a less frequent basis. I started this blog five years ago this coming April, intending to frame current events from the small-L libertarian perspective. As time went by the analysis gave way to short comments on the news of the day, until most recently I was just linking to interesting stories without even a comment. I hope now to return Libertarian Leanings to its original purpose.
I want to thank the folks who have taken the time to stop by over the years. It's an honor to write for you. I'll strive to do a better job of it going forward.
Your blog is one of the very few that has remained on my feed list for any significant length of time. I really enjoy your commentary and hope that the passion to post more frequently returns, but I'll take what I can get. :-) Best of wishes for 2009!
Posted by: Chris Ash | January 09, 2009 at 07:40 PM
I really enjoy your blog, I've told lots of people about it. At whatever rate you post you've got an audience! On a loosely related note, are you familiar with The Strategy Room? Weekdays usually 9-5. http://www.foxnews.com/video2/live.html?chanId=3 you would probably like it. :-D
Posted by: David Shea | January 09, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Tom, I met you while taking a history class while pursuing my graduate degree. Your classroom observations and comments caused me to seek out your blog. Your blog is an exceptional site. I urge you to persevere. I have no doubt that your passion will return. Your commitment to issues is in your DNA.
I know these are selfish reasons, nevertheless, you definitely have an audience that appreciates your commentary. Whatever your decision, I thank you for your contributions. Brian
Posted by: Brian Monahan | January 10, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Thanks and best wishes to you guys as well. Brian, I suspect Chris and David have never been subjected to a slant quite so dramatic as our history professor's, which distilled American history down to a nothing more than series injustices perpetrated by white European males. Contradicting her was an undertaking that involved more and harder work than I'd done in any class I'd ever taken.
I wonder, though, now that Obama is constantly comparing himself Abe Lincoln, will our illustrious professor continue to claim that Lincoln was ignorant. It wouldn't surprise me to find that our 16th president has manage to rehabilitate himself these last few years.
In any case, be assured. I'll perservere. I'll try to write on a daily basis, even though I don't intend to publish on a daily basis. I'd like to put a little more thought and polish into what goes up on Libertarian Leanings. Thanks again for sticking with me.
Posted by: Tom Bowler | January 11, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Well, Tom, however you wrote and whatever the topic it has been a good read. I hope the fever heats back up one of these days. I'll still check in for a little enlightenment just in case you posted. I think in short order there will be plenty of fodder upon which to opine.
Posted by: Ol' BC | January 15, 2009 at 05:01 PM