I was amused at a look back at an old article I "bumped" recently. It was my first featured article, and in one reply, the comment was made "man, you bang the same drum over and over". Well, after months of blogging on JU, I have a reply to that, one that is much better than the one I initially gave (incidentally, no ill will to the individual who made that statement: I respect his views greatly).

Yes, I bang the same drum over and over, and for many reasons. I bang the drum of freedom, the same drum they banged at Valley Forge, the same drum they banged on the road from Selma to Montgomery, and the same drum we will bang over and over until we find the freedom we crave.

In noting great historical freedom fighters over the years, I note one very common thread. Almost to a person, they were individuals who initially tried to live free, then, when they discovered the government to be an oppressive element prohibiting their freedoms, they reacted. They were often pushed for years and years until they were pushed against a wall, and mustered the courage to fight back.

I am no different.

In ways I cannot fully reveal, I have had my freedoms removed without due process, I have had to live with the very real fear of the negative repurcussions of our "democratic" government. Because I do not have the insular barrier of expensive legal representation, my free speech has been stifled, and I'm unable to fully elaborate on the rationale for my VERY JUSTIFIED anger against the government's attempts to stomp out and silence dissent.

Politically, this is entirely the reason I am a Libertarian. I found no safe quarter among the Democrats; in fact, their party more than any bears responsibility for pushing through much of the legislation that has been used to harass. I found no safe quarter among the Republicans, either, as my beliefs are often too progressive for the umbrella of the GOP (There are a few notable exceptions to this rule, and I thank them). The only place where I found safe quarter was the Libertarian Party, and I am, if anything, loyal to those who have been loyal to me.

So, yes, I bang the same drum over and over. And I will bang it proudly until the world hears the music.