With all due apologies to Mick and the Stones for plagiarizing, my name is Dave. Since my last name is often mangled, you can just call me Dave. As a rare blue man in a red state (Alabama, if you must know), I am, as Hubert Humphrey would say, "proud and pleased as punch to be here" with all you folks.
I applaud Markos for starting this "electronic soapbox". Correct me if I'm wrong, but London's Hyde Park (I believe that's the one) has had a long tradition of the open air soapbox. Why we didn't borrow that from them, I'll never know. God knows Washington could use one.
Truthfully, my first foray into politics was at 13 supporting Barry Goldwater. I came to see the light with the help of a civics teacher four years later.
I still admire Goldwater, as I do anyone who lets you know in no uncertain terms where they stand. Besides, he told Nixon to hit the road, said "every right thinking Christian should kick Jerry Falwell in the ass" and sid Ronald Reagan "doesn't always think things through".
So I hope I have said enough to be made welcome and look forward to passing on my thoughts, as well as getting yours. Years ago, there was a wonderful but failed sitcom based on the works of James Thurber called "My World...And Welcome To It". So watch this space for "My Mind..And Here's What's In It". Keep calm and laugh loud.