It’s Christmas Eve, and I finally have time to post some random thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head for the past month or so.  The issues?  Politics, renewable energy, and why I publish the kinds of posts I do. 

POLITICS

One of the things that I have come to despise about elections is the way candidates for any elected office tend to talk about accomplishments.  “I did this” and “I was responsible for that” leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. 

The truth is, whenever there is a major accomplishment (like the passage of a bill or a large grant), there is usually an army of people behind its success.  For one person to step up and take credit for it may mean that they don’t fully appreciate what other people have done or they are selfish enough about power that they don’t care.  When they aren’t confident enough to pass the credit along to others, I start to question their competency.

What happens when the hardworking teams of people who are truly responsible for success get brushed over?  What does that say about how a candidate feels about the masses?  How likely would that candidate be to take their constituents seriously?

It seems dishonest for a candidate to take credit for what teams of people have done, even if that candidate spearheaded the project.  I’m watching for someone to break the mold, to say “They did it, and I helped” rather than “I was responsible for this.”  That, to me, would be a true leader.   That’s what I watch for.  And maybe it’s happened, and I’ve missed it.  Shame on me if that’s so.

RENEWABLE ENERGY  

Enviromental responsibilty shouldn’t be a reaction to global warming hype.  I don’t even believe in global warming, but I do see the merit in withdrawing our dependence on foreign oil and developing renewable energy resources.  Being good stewards of our glorious planet is just smart–it keeps us innovating, it keeps us compassionate, and it keeps us grateful.

But it shouldn’t be dictated, and it shouldn’t be done out of fear.  Media hype, biased science and political pressure shouldn’t be the deciding factor in whether or not we develop and capitalize on our renewable energy resources.  Like all the best things in life, good stewardship is an individual choice.  

I’m excited about both renewable and fossil fuel energy resources, particularly in North Dakota, because of the impact they could have on small rural towns here.  I read and hear a lot about raising the quality of life in North Dakota.  Capitalizing on these renewable energy resources could help (the potential is definitely there), but again, a mass of individual choices will be the deciding factor.

WHY I WRITE THE KINDS OF POSTS I DO

Because I’m tired of traditional media shoot-downs.  Because I actively choose to find the silver lining, to have hope, to put as positive a spin on everything I see as I can.  Because looking on the bright side seems to be the most honest thing I can do.

North Dakota is a great place to live, to do business, to make friends and laugh and love and raise a family.  I wish the entire world could see the North Dakota I see.  So I write about the good things, ignore the bad things (the political blogs handle them very well without me, anyway) and write as gracefully as I can about mixed blessings. 

It’s not that I’m an eternal optimist (see my rantings above).  But I HOPE I can become one.  And I hope my efforts will bring some positive recognition to our great state.  The people here are worth every effort.

Merry Christmas, and best wishes for hope and peace in the new year!