I’ve never been quite mainstream, usually classified as a bit of a nerd. I’ve loved science since I was a child, and my wonder and fascination has not waned over the decades. A basic tenet of science is skepticism, searching for facts instead of beliefs, rational thought instead of reactionary emotions. That I tend to be skeptical about almost everything irritates some people: “Can’t you just accept it? Why do you have to question everything?” Yet, that didn’t make me extreme, just not-quite-mainstream.

In the past few years, I have, by association, been declared an extremist by government agencies and by ‘unbiased’ media institutions, and they’ve lumped me in with terrorists and the lunatic fringe. Why? First, because I’m a veteran. Second because I actually believe the Constitution has a critical role in the welfare and future of the United States. Third, because I believe there is room in the world for diverse opinions, an attitude not shared by elitists at both ends of the political spectrum.

Consequently, since I’m now banished to the fringe, I’ll post my musings as much to express allegedly extreme opinions as to vent, sometimes to enlighten, and sometimes to be educated. This blog will not focus on politics, although political subjects may be discussed—I’ll try to keep that to a minimum. Almost any subject may be lovingly caressed or laughingly shredded, depending on the subject and my mood. Since I have to work for a living, I won’t be able to post as often as I’d like, but I’ll try for a few postings per week. You’ll be able to tell when I have little work—I’ll post more.

Beyond nerdiness, or science, beyond skepticism or other personal quirks, if you do not toe the correct party line, as established by those who are trying to force all Americans into a single mold, then you, too, are likely to have been banished from the mainstream of society for your heretical views. Welcome to the New Fringe. We may not always—or often—share opinions, but at least on the Fringe, we will share in the time-honored ability to have our own thoughts and beliefs, to be individuals.

As part of the group trying to force us to accept and retain only approved viewpoints, the news media have become one of my favorite subjects. It’s quite amusing to observe how their lack of journalistic ethics has pushed their credibility to new lows. But then, nothing is really new. For those who think biased, inaccurate news is a recent phenomenon, I leave you with a quote from over 100 years ago:

“If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed.”

—Mark Twain

Richard George, 2014