So, um, how you been? While this is more likely a statement of inevitable folly than a statement of fact, I'm going to state anyway that I'm back to blogging, at least on occasion.

So where did I go?

Been busy. Got married, had the worst, most demanding year of my career. Even without blogging, I have so little time, I feel like I'm not doing anything right.

So why am I back?

Because I missed it, I suppose. Back when I had tens of readers, I could always count on getting the occasional discussion going that proved intellectually stimulating. I miss that.

I realized I've been looking for that.

I let my students speak their mind in class, with the caveat that all views will be respected, but questioned (if only my peers in Social Studies did the same). So many of them, even when pressed by their peers, assert that Obama's the greatest, because he's going to "change things."
What things?
"Everything Bush did."
Such as?
Insert a picture of a blank stare, and the sound of a spinning rusty hamster wheel here.

(For that matter, the next student who disrupts class and then says I cannot stop them from talking because of "freedom of speech" will get slapped. Not so much for the disrespect, but for misstating the intent of the First Amendment so stupidly.)

I've taken to frequenting the web site of a local TV station (if you figure out which, don't give it away here; here's a hint: I'm usually the one who generally exhibits correct grammar, usage, and spelling), and commenting on their stories. Oh, 13 or 14 people can take a second to click the "thumbs down" button on my posts, but can't take a second to think other than in the knee-jerk way in which they've been programmed. I can't be allowed to spread heresy. Must only think right thoughts.

So screw it. I'm back to blogging. Comment, or don't. If you want to argue, argue. Please do so, however, at a level above that of your average 14-year old or TV news commenter.  ¶ 10:58 AM