Why Seeking Clarity?

Seeking Clarity is a blog devoted to helping to clarify the ways in which our social and political environment impacts the lives of everyday people.  In particular, Seeking Clarity is concerned with growing economic inequality and the loss of political and social power by ordinary citizens. 

We live in a time where information comes at us at record speed, and corporate media allows only a very limited range of acceptable political opinion.  Moreover, our economy, politics, and personal lives are being transformed by a variety of forces, many of which, on the surface, seem disconnected from one another.  This leaves us vulnerable to the manipulation of those who benefit from a citizenry that has trouble "connecting the dots" of the events of our time. 

This blog is about discussing and understanding the events that are currently shaping our lives, our world, and our future possibilities.  I hope to create conversations about contemporary events, how they are impacting us, and how we might begin to build an alternative future that is equitable, just, and sustainable.  Seeking Clarity is about, among other things, ideas that can help us create new kinds of social structures that include those who are left behind and excluded from participation in the economy, the culture, and our political decision making process. 

To this end, the blog will feature essays about current events through the lens of its author, a Midwestern democratic socialist who is concerned about the ways in which ordinary citizens are left out of political and social decision making.  I also hope to post links to relevant news stories and other forms of media which I think can bring a clearer sense of the forces which are shaping our lives.  I will also include practical suggestions, links to relevant social change organizations, and in general am looking for thoughtful and pragmatic ideas about how we can act on the issues facing us today.

Important Note: A core idea behind the blog is to increase our understanding of the world through conversation and disagreement.  I don't pretend to have the answers to the serious problems facing us today.  The blog's title, Seeking Clarity, was chosen as a reminder to myself that I don't have the answers, nor am I trying to dispense political wisdom or prescribe how others should act.  I don't fancy myself the provider of clarity--instead, I am hoping reading and discourse and suggestions from readers can help us think more clearly and act more effectively.

Blog submissions and critical responses are welcome, particularly those which maintain a civil tone even when registering disagreement.  Only through dialogue can we create the solidarity and critical consciousness needed to collectively construct institutions which can help all of us to be our happiest, best, and most fully realized selves.


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