About the Author

In short, I am another political junkie but with almost three decades of experience and time invested in various political debate websites. Including some structured well enough to be more than just one-liner endless exchanges of what I call social media level rhetoric or uselessness. Rather, structured and well moderated exchanges. Speaking of, a time or two taking on a moderator or administrator role when called upon.

Most mornings are filled with news gathering from across the spectrum of sources doing my best to form my own opinions, after stomaching the often hyperpartisan take on some story or event throwing my skepticism in top gear.

At 54, I have voted in many elections and all with zero loyalty to any Party including the front running Democratic and Republican Parties. Which is to say I have voted for, and sometimes voted against, candidates from both the Democratic and Republican Parties from local level up to the Federal Government. An occasional third party candidate earning the vote. Being an active participant in our every challenging political system all based on these interests.

Over the years I’ve been called a rabid liberal, a classical liberal, an annoying independent, a RINO, and even a “lost conservative” that I took to mean left behind by today’s conservatism.

Regardless, I do not care about the label. Often laugh at them.

Not particularly highly educated, some college, but consider my knowledge based on a lifetime of experience in conversations and debate, critical observance of media, and as much non-fiction reading as I can fit in. Often leaning to academia such as Economics, Sociology, of course US History and Politics, and with an occasional Biography that caught my interest. Usually political biography like a prior President, Supreme Court Justice, Speaker of the House, something along those lines.

I’ve been accused of keeping cards close to the vest on personal matters, certainly not the one in the room that talks the most, but will occasionally become vocal about political matters of importance. Often finding engaging discussion and remarkably great reception.

Somewhere in that is a healthy dose of question and skepticism, and that translates to engaged curiosity with a willingness to have a good conversation despite feeling very alienated from the modern political climate.

My way of saying, I’d fail every litmus test offered by Democrats and Republicans these days but I will not shy away from them either.

In a time in US history dominated by our duopolistic political system determined to take civil divisions to new levels at each turn, a climate filled with negative commentary and ad hominem fallacy, elitism determined to keep people like us quiet and obedient, and of course tilted media contributions to those divisions I suppose the time is now to break rank, participate more actively, and write in the form of conversations with you.

Always with a desire for readers to form their own opinions, without any confines from duopoly, the media, me, or anyone else. Even if I am leaning towards an answer, some train of thought that took me towards a conclusion that seems viable, I am not after you blindly following me.

I am after you questioning every step I take, and in a manner that would terrify the most seasoned ranking party politician and annoy the most senior news commentator.

As I’m well known for saying, “all my best to you and yours.”

My way of saying I wish you all well,

Quentin Ritch