Writing is a solitary occupation. Some people have to sit and think for hours about what to compose and how to say it.
For me, writing comes very naturally. I wish I could declare that I spent hours attempting to compose this column.
Truthfully, once I decide on what I want to write about, the words flow easily.
It may sometimes take me up to an hour’s time, but this column gets written.
Writing can be both a thankless chore and a rewarding experience.
As journalists, we never know if our words are read.
But we sit and pour out our emotions in print and then sit back and await the response.
More often than not, we don’t get any. Especially to this newspaper. Few letters to the editor are sent, so feedback can be sparse. But when people do acknowledge that they have read the words we’ve placed on paper, that knowledge is exhilarating.
I have learned never to underestimate the power of my pen.
Many current and past issues were addressed in this column before the major media ever got wind of it.
And when my efforts are rewarded, it is humbling. It is a moment to stick out my chest with pride because others have looked at what I do and want to recognize me for it.
One of the things I try to do every time I write a column is focus on issues from a different perspective.
I don’t want to be the writer who writes the same old blah-blah-blah all the time.
I want people to see things in a perspective that makes sense.
I want to know that people read my column and nod their heads in agreement or call me crazy out loud.
But what I don’t want is to have my arguments or opinions refuted because I was illogical in my thoughts. We may disagree on issues, but my view will always be well thought out.
What I enjoy most about writing this column is that this paper allows me to put out an opinion that may not correspond to the current “politically correct” environment.
I want to call things like I see them — no sugar-coating or beating around the bush. The issues we face today are serious ones that need to be addressed.
And as opposing voices to the majority opinions are silenced, fewer and fewer thinkers are allowed to express their thoughts.
That is scary because it makes all those novels that predicted societal mind control a reality. We are steadily becoming a group of people who don’t protest — who accept whatever is put before us.
That is not what the Founding Fathers wanted.
If we could go back in time to 1776 or 1861, you would find a Congress filled with vigorous arguments and debates.
From the words used to establish this country to those used to go to war to preserve the Union and end slavery, it took spunk.
As I watch the way our namby-pamby politicians now tip-toe around all issues, holding their fingers to the wind to see which direction the country’s mood is flowing, I’m glad they weren’t in power 150 years ago or else this country would not have become the nation it did.
This Saturday, May 11, the Westside branch of the NAACP will honor me at their Freedom Fund Banquet: Your Power, Your Decision. It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 733 W. Madison St.
For more information, give them a call at 773-261-5890.
