The Rumors of My Coma...

Were false...

I started a new job in April that has taken me out of town, and that, combined with new responsibility of the position, and this historic presidential campaign, has left me cold to blogging on local politics. I thought I would blog on the road, but my family is kind of a muse for me. I watched the national campaign with interest as the wind left Mitt Romney's political sails, and as the zombie McCain campaign resurrected--

Don't even get me started about Obama.

I got so far out of the habit, that I had even forgotten I'd ever blogged. I got an occasional reminder of my former life when I saw a guest blog post happen across the screen. (Thank you Natalie). I even got nominated to do some citizen journalism as to what would be done about the unincorporated part of Davis County. Is it too late to refuse? My wife asked me tonight if I'd read a particular political email tonight. I realized that I had not because it had been sent to my blog email, which I had forgotten.

In the time I've been away, the idea has been floated of merging the five southern-most cities of Davis County into one town. North Salt Lake has decided to try a 4 day work week, and I'm seeing local ultra-conservatives endorsing Democrats. (More on this later)

I do think that my best days of contributing to Davis County Watch are behind me.

That being said, I'm accepting applications for more guest bloggers to keep the blog moving. I see the blog as belonging to the community and achieving a consensus of opinion will be less important than having a common forum to share those views.

To qualify for a position on the blog you must meet the following criteria.

1. You live in Davis County.
2. You have a blogger account.
3. You will abide by the Scout Law

Please leave a comment if you want a shot at blogging here.

That Villain In Your Head

I think its time that I make a declaration of loyalty to my conservative ideals. I think just because I don't match the villainous caricature of a conservative that people boo in their heads, that I will jump ship. (My little head-villain dances in little tap shoes and twirls his greasy mustache to piano music.)

Now, as one commenter insists, I may be a bigot. I may not speak ill of Democrats in general. I certainly don't speak ill of Republicans in that same sense, but I am not a liberal.

Just thought you ought to know.

(Resume evil villain dance)

That Sound You Hear Is Not A Death-Rattle

I've been absolutely dying to post something of use. In fact, for the last week I've been working on a post about religion and its appropriate expression in the political sphere, but I haven't had the heart to post it. I just might be too much for general consumption. Most people just won't get it. I can imagine the comments now.

"Tyler, I had no idea that you were an atheist. I mean, have you read the Bible?"

"Tyler, you religious nuts drive me crazy. It's all your fault that my property taxes are skyrocketing."

"Tyler, Do you agree with me or not that all the Book of Mormon prophets were liberal and would have voted for Kerry?"

"Tyler, Satan is laughing right now that you posted this, and he's going to cause illegal aliens to move into your home!"

Okay, so I'm nervous to say what I'm about to say, but it is pertinent. I attended an ad-hoc meeting of conservative minds, and I was repulsed by what I heard. I had a crying baby in my arms or I would have spoken up but here is the gist of what I heard.

Somebody went on about what I call the "North American Union". They called it something else--I don't recall--an acronym. My response, show me one administration official that is talking like this and I'll listen to what you have to say. Give me a quote, source it!

Next we had a foray into internet pornography. A comment was made that in California, over 200 anti-pornography bills were put forward and none of them passed. Then they began to mull over how 'Satan wanted these bills to fail'. My question is, what did these bills contain? Give me a run-down of the bills? If they were anything like the anti-pornography laws that we've passed in this state-those that punish ISP's, then I would oppose those too.

Then we talked about the return of the ERA. We were told that the liberals had secretly introduced this legislation that would amend the constitution 'under the radar'. 'Very few people know that this legislation has been introduced'. What do I think? Ted Kennedy has introduced this legislation every year since it was first killed. Those who are watching aren't surprised. Should we worry about it? Probably, but it was hardly a stealth operation.

My overall point is that almost nothing can be accomplished in this country unless it is talked about, on a large scale, by a lot of people. People who can impact change.

Big conspiracies--most of them--don't exist because they require large numbers of people to carry them out.

Conspiracies take time.

And you're asking yourself why is someone who is insanely focused on local issues, talking about all these national figures and events?

It's simple. I'm urging all who read this to take a step back from the brink. Think more locally yourself.

It might just save your sanity.

Writers Block

It seems funny that I've reached a landmark, two year, bloggerversary, and that I now have writers block.

Maybe I've got nothing to say because some of my former battles have dwindled. I'm thinking of the fight between NSL and SL over land, the $10 "corridor preservation" fee, and the legislature, etc. Even the Rec Center is open, and popular with the crowds. It's a horrible boondoggle, but I can only wish it as much success as is possible. I have to say that I'm glad to see Rocky Anderson out and about this country doing things other than being mayor. He can't hurt me here in Davis County if he's off having yelling matches on issues that he has no real power. And if you're interested, I don't see the voucher debate moving at all. That isn't to say that vouchers won't be implemented, because they will. Opponents seem to be raging on this issue, but supporters, and the indifferent seem to be in standby mode.

Waiting.

Maybe I have posted nothing in a week because I'm playing catch-up with the podcast crowd, and trying to figure out the best way to listen to them in my car. I haven't had an mp3 player up to this point; I've just listened to the radio on my way to places--archaic, I know!

Maybe it's my job, or family. There is much happening there.

I've also been feeling very introspective, lately, and I'm afraid that's put my public persona on hold.

Regardless, when I do come back, just know it will be in full force, and should be interesting. I've already posted more this year than I did my entire first year of blogging.

On This Day...

...in 2005, I began my adventure in blogging at Farrer Commons. It was that blog that planted the seed in my mind for a blog on local politics. On April 25th, 2005, just one month later, I began posting on Davis County Watch. I didn't think it would be fun, like Farrer Commons, but I expected that I could make a difference in my community.

It really hasn't been fun like the old blog was.

It's been much more fun!

Davis County Blog Search

Check out the Google Custom Search that I have put in the upper-right corner of the page. You may use it to search local Davis County Blogs. If I have forgotten you, and you belong to the Davis County area, please let me know.

Note: the same type of Custom Search is implemented on Utah Bloghive which searches all the blogs aggregated on the hive. A good reminder for me to implement my custom search.

Thanks Bradley for creating such a useful blog tool.