Why a Blog? And Why Republican?

So here I am. This is my first blog ever. I’ve been kindly asked by the Swampscott Patch to provide my views of ongoing current events and especially everything that relates to the exciting 2012 election season.

Although anyone who knows me will attest that I’m usually not shy to share my opinions, a blog or anything to that extent still includes a number of risks. Any search engine (including those used by potential future employers, etc) will find statements. These may be taken out of context, misquoted and are open to any kind of attack from often anonymous posters on the web. This is even more of an issue if views are not necessarily the majority view. As a libertarian leaning Republican in the beautiful Commonwealth of Massachusetts I believe I know what I’m talking about in that regard — though I also notice that things are changing around here.

Other than commenting on current events and the campaign trails, I’m looking forward to explaining why a European immigrant and proud naturalized U.S. citizen (or to quote the great Ayn Rand: American not by birth but by choice) actively supports the Republican Party and (most) of its candidates. Many rather liberal friends or even family members are sometimes still rather puzzled by that — which often has to do with a rather romanticized view of the European welfare state as a role model that America should adopt. We’ll get to more of that.

I am a strong believer in active democracy that starts at the local level. Hence, I’m looking forward to a lively and polite exchange with anyone who feels so inclined.