David Blomstrom: Full Circle

What should I devote my first post on my first blog to? Logic suggests I introduce both myself and my blog.

I'm a U.S. citizen with diverse interests and passions, but I'm currently obsessed with political reform. As a resident of Seattle (and a keen observer), I can tell you, for example, that Bill Gates is much worse than most people imagine.

Yes, I know, that's an awfully negative note to start out on. If you explore my political websites, you'll discover that I spend a lot of time slinging mud - and I'm proud of it.

But with global warming, my country's insane global war against terrorism and Microsoft's global crime spree, is it all hopeless?

In fact, I thank Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for injecting some much needed energy, hope and even excitement into the often sleazy world of politics.

* * * * *

I've wanted to launch a blog for quite some time, but I could never seem to find the time to do it. Just a few days ago, I was invited to become a contributing author on a pro-Chavez blog, Ven Central. So, in a sense, you might call that my first blog, but it's really more of a collaboration.

I'm in charge of this blog - at least within the rules established by Opera. Yet I still haven't figured out a primary topic or theme. Do I want a blog that focuses on politics, or should I just talk about fun things for a change?

Well, political discussions are unavoidable as I'm running for public office, and I'm doing everything I can to publicize my campaign. Nevertheless, I decided to just launch a blog and see where it takes me.

I certainly don't want to confine discussions to Hugo Chavez, so why did I honor him in my blog's subtitle?

In fact, the title and subtitle are both somewhat whimsical. Though my great grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from Germany and Russia, my last name suggests my origins lie in Scandinavia. Thus, this blog is taking me full circle, back to my roots.

Symbolically, the title could also refer to the U.S. It once reigned as the world's greatest democracy, but it has now evolved into a rotting corporate empire. Thus, many U.S. citizens feel compelled to go abroad in search of political allies - or even intelligent conversation. After all, the roots of democracy are to be found in England, Greece and other distant locales.

I chose my subtitle partly as a gesture of support for Hugo Chavez but also because it adds a little energy and zest to the mix. In addition, it says a little about me. Like Chavez, I'm known for my big mouth, and both of us established a "Fifth Republic" political party. (Actually, I'm still attempting to start such a party.) I've come to regard Chavez as a kindred spirit.

Did I mention that I have a big mouth? Actually, I prefer to express myself through writing, and I can ramble on forever.

So let me bring this first post to a close. If you want to learn more about me, my general audience websites are based at www.geobop.org, my adult political sites at www.invisible-republic.org.

I should also pay my respects to my host, Opera. After upgrading from a PC (Microsoft) to a Mac, I designated Opera my default browser. I also use Firefox and Safari - and promote all three on my websites - but Opera is presently my chief navigator in cyberspace.

I recently launched the website Browsers 101 and hope to get some articles online in the very near future.

So thank you, Opera, for hosting my blog, thank YOU for visisting it, and thank Hugo Chavez for keeping the torch of democracy burning.

David Blomstrom