As we begin a new year, it is natural to look both forward and back, to review the mistakes made and aim to avoid them and do better in the future.  In this spirit, I humbly resolve to:

• Write more.  The entire purpose of this blog is to voice my opinion, and to participate in a dialog that shares opinions and rallies support for causes we collectively believe in.  By using facts and logical arguments, my intention is to educate and convince, and to show people that minds can be changed with words instead of just through force or threat of violence.  But, this cannot be done at all if I do not do my part.  So, I will write, as often as I can, and I encourage others to do the same, either in the comments here or on their own (but I would ask you to share a link to any writing, so that others may find it and continue the discussion).
• Learn more.  I should claim no real expertise on matters of the world or of politics, but I often forget that.  I have a basic understanding of many facets of this country and those who govern it, but I can (and should) always seek to have a greater understanding.  I can never know all there is to know, but I should strive to learn as much as I can.  For some of this, I will have to rely on you, the readers and commenters, to point the way.  Show me what I do not know.  Correct me when I am wrong.  This is a collaboration, even if I am the one leading the discussion.
• Do more.  Words are only a small part of the battle.  The rest depends on action.  So, I will try to be more active.  I will volunteer in my community.  I will write to my elected representatives.  I will sign petitions.  I will vote.  Instead of merely shouting into the abyss, I will engage in the world and make my actions match my words.  I will be part of the solution, rather than just a voice in the crowd.

These are simple resolutions, and I don’t know how successful I will be in keeping them.  But, they are my goals for this year.  And, if I can accomplish them, I will be a better man at the end of this year than I am now, and I will have contributed more and done more than I did in years gone by.  And, that will make this year a good year.