The thing I like about blogging is the ability of everyone to write about whatever they wish. Some blogs, like mine, are ways to release frustration at daily events. Others are to discuss specific topics or hobbies and bond with other people. There are aspiring writers who have gained some fame from blogging who have a lot to say but had no previous outlet. There are blogs by paid writers that have been exposed to a greater audience than writing in any newspaper or magazine could have. Prior to reading blogs, I couldn't have cared less about Australian politics or a Target in Minneapolis, but every night I look forward to reading about both. Although I have never had any issues with homosexuals or lesbians, their politics, or lack of, had no bearing on me. Now I read a blog by a gay, Catholic, conservative, every day.

What's my point? The blogoshere has opened alot of minds and given people an outlet to share what they're thinking. There's good and bad in this, just as in everything. The point is that normal people, people such as auto mechanics, doctors, environmental health and safety management types, such as myself can be a part of the big debate. In some cases the writing, grammar, or spelling is atrocious, but the thought and feelings are there real.

We have seen blogging from a warzone, from the coalition side, to the Iraqi side, and everywhere in between. We now have blogs for every candidate for president and a front runner (for the time being) who has used the internet in general and blogging in particular to surge ahead.

I think the true power of blogs is the ability to parse the words of political figures as well as pick apart inane ramblings of op-ed columnists when we read them. Bloggers have forced the media to get a story right whether they wished to or not. It's true that blogs will never replace the big media such as the NYT, WaPo, or WSJ, but fact-checking every article published is a helpful community service.

I may not post long thoughtful screeds since I have neither the time nor writing ability to do so. However, if one person reads my blog and decides to look deeper into the issues of the day, that to me is what it's all about.