On Sunday, March 16, I was asked by the owner and Editor-In-Chief of The Monroe Buzz to offer a weekly column on whatever I wanted to write.  Except for the few hours I slept last night, I have been pin-wheeling the possibilities and parameters of what I want to write.  I am somewhat known, within my circles, to be “opinionated.”  Not necessarily unbending or so staunch in my convictions that I will not politely listen and absorb an opposing opinion; however, I will defend my position with vehemence until I am proven wrong.

This column will range from current events, politics, hot-button issues, sports, movies, music, religion, all the way to the meaning of life.  Some weeks it may just be a photo-journalistic effort with something I have seen as poignant or photo-worthy or maybe just a grandchild on her first birthday.  This is an opportunity to extend the life of issues, concerns, celebrations and failures that have arisen in my lifetime and may very well not be resolved until long after I’m gone.  I am not so naïve to think this will be a forum for indelible attitudes but remain thankful for the opportunities this medium provides; a soapbox of my very own.

I hope this chance meeting with many new people will strike up constructive conversation, result in new connections and maybe even a new friend or two. I don’t expect we are going to solve the world’s problems but you never know when the right ear will be listening or the right eyes are seeing. If you have an opinion, opposing or otherwise, to anything I write or have printed; I welcome your effort and will respond to the best of my ability.  I may not be swayed but I may soften my stance in an effort to be a more open-minded human being.