"The Power of The Pen"

I've been writing for most of my adult life.  I've attempted and abandoned a couple of novels, written hundreds of poems and short stories, but I'm finding much so much enjoyment in sitting down every day and writing this blog.  It allows me to "vent" when I'm angry about a particular national issue, affords me the opportunity to praise excellence and heroism and it serves as a forum when I want to write something humorous.  The icing on the cake has been the reception I've received from my readers.  Some leave comments on my blog and some choose to email me separately at my email address.   With the exception of those who promote hate speech or drop the F-bomb (which I delete),  I enjoy receiving feedback from whatever source;  none of us are going to agree on everything and that's alright.  I wouldn't have it any other way...and I've learned alot from my readers too! 

Although your Internet address is blocked to me, my program does allow me to "see" my audience.  I can see where my page views are coming from and it is such a thrill to know folks all over the world are reading my blog.  The vast majority of my readers come from the U.S., with thousands of visits.  Thank you!  But I also have 34 readers from Malaysia, 31 from Hungary, 41 from Canada, 33 from Mexico, 26 from Saudi Arabia with smaller numbers from the Philippines, Japan, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Morocco and 7 from Denmark!

This is pretty heady stuff for a guy that's not that "tech savvy!  It is such a thrill to be writing my blog and see that a past blog is being read by someone on the other side of the world!  This "participation" helps me to keep a world view; to remember that life is not centered, nor does it emanate from the U.S.  I'll often take off on flights of fancy to wiki "Nigeria" or "Denmark" or "Hungary" to learn a little of my reader's world. 

It's ironic that I spent twenty-two years of my life serving in the military where one's study and one's life is about the practice of war.  Yet, I am also an avid student of history and I know that the pen is truly mightier than the sword.  The power of ideas is limitless and the power of the pen, whether digital or otherwise, is a mighty thing and must be used responsibly.  I try to do that with my blog.  I try not to be too circumspect nor too pointy-headed, nor bore my reader with statistics he can ferret out for himself.  Rather, in my writings, I try to present an idea for the reader to consider and accept or reject as he or she chooses.  I can only hope that objective is being achieved.

I just want to thank everyone who drops by and visits.  I especially want to thank those who leave comments or have emailed me to agree or disagree with my blog.  Those comments are like that little night light in the hallway for without them I'd be stumbling about in the dark.

So thanks, America, thanks Hungary and Morocco and Nigeria and all you folks reading me from Denmark!

Peace.