And so it begins...

That initial post to a new blog...a blank page asking the question "Why am I writing this?"

I've dabbled in political activism for a while now. Been a precinct judge, volunteered on campaigns, participated in the verbal jousting of news site comment boards and worked with different activist groups over the years. But when I moved to Davidson, I thought I'd put that behind me and gotten it out of my system.

What I found out though is that politics is like malaria. Once it's in your blood it's difficult to cure. It often comes back with unexpected vigor, and if you live in a swamp it's almost impossible to be rid of it permanently. Davidson is that "swamp" for a political junkie like me.

Davidson is a fascinating (and wonderful) place. If you are into local politics and want to be involved, it has everything you need - a highly educated population, truly interesting characters, a college, a spirit of community like no other, and enough small-town intrigue to keep things interesting. All of that and a few chance meetings reignited my fever - to the chagrin of my dear wife.

In my short time here, I've been fortunate enough to meet people of all political stripes. Many, I now call good friends. Others, may wish I never showed up. All of them interesting.

So to answer that question..."Why am I writing this?"

That's easy. Davidson is a community. I'm part of it. This is my contribution.

This next year will be interesting to say the least. On the horizon we have the Red Line, a State marriage amendment, a national convention, Legislative and Federal elections, numerous other Town decisions, and certainly a few unexpected surprises.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I will.

Starting later this week, the Red Line Chronicle.