I think it depends on how close you are to the light.

After the Clemens hearings--I would call that a spiral into darkness. You have nothing to worry about Michael. Your goals are true as far as I can tell.

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Go into the light...or was it DON'T go into the light....I can never remember.

It depends if you were watching the movie Poltergeist or reading the book Life After Death.

There are two types of people who post on this forum which is a microcosm of our nation.

The first category is one in which the members believe that the government is the solution to all problems.  Individuals belonging to this group look to and become dependent on the government to provide for their needs as they are incapable of or unwilling to provide for themselves.  They support the creation of programs that provide basic and extended services to the public.  They espouse the need for increased spending to support social programs.  Individuals in this group support increased taxes to pay for growth in the size and the cost of government.  That is, increases in taxation for everyone but themselves because they believe that others, who they perceive as having more than they do, don't deserve to keep what they have earned through hard work.  Members of this group believe that the free enterprise system should be penalized for success. They believe that the government will make better decisions about spending, family values, education, etc. than private citizens are capable of.  Many of the members of this first group are recipients of some type of public assistance.

The second category contains members who are self-sufficient in most areas of life.  They generally view the government as being the cause of many of our problems, rather than the solution.  Individuals in this group provide for themselves, bear personal accountability for their actions, and don't fault others for their own misfortunes.  Members of this group don't look to the government for a handout in the form of a taxpayer supported program.  They prefer a smaller, less intrusive, and less expensive government.  They believe that government spending of public revenues (taxes) yields less return on investment than private investment because, among other things, of the cost of the bloated government bureacracy and the corruption of those involved.  Individuals in this group often work multiple jobs to satisfy their debts and to pay the taxes that support those who belong to the first group above.

I am proud to admit that I am a member of the second category.  I believe that I am more capable of and committed to providing for my family and raising and educating my children than our elected officials.  Ask yourself this, in which category do you belong?  

I'm glad to say that I'm in the second group as well. That was a great description of the difference between the groups Brad.

Brad, that was an excellent depiction of how this country is divided. And may I also say that I am very proud to be a part of the second group. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in government bureaucracy of over taxing and government programs! But I'm an optimist and believe change will happen.

That's a fact Brad---NO ONE puts food on my table but myself,,,and if that means I have to move somewhere else to get the food then that is what I need to do. If the whole clan wants to come fine,,but ya'll cant fit in my car......NYS is taking up the whole backseat and hasn't given a red cent for gas money >

I love doing things for myself. I love to pat myself on my back for my accomplishments. And I will always take responsibilities for my bad choices. They too are mine!

Well, my time appears to be up as the big hand sweeps past twelve midnight.  Periodically, I like to enter a self-imposed exile to reflect and replenish.  I'll still be paying attention, participating at public meetings, and posting my views on my blog occasionally...but you'll likely not see me interact on this forum again for some time.

Fight the good fight and remember...there is always hope.

Good luck with your campaign Michael

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How about some of you running for public office?  Based on past posts to this forum, many of you appear to have conservative values.  Shadow, Bumble, Michael, MobileTerminal, JoAnn, Cicero et. al.  Care to serve?  Soon, the Conservative party will be open to all who share in the traditional Conservative ideology.

My time approaches, Brad.    But though my views may overlap those of Conservatives, I prefer to sleep alone...for exactly all the maneuvering currently going on.  I doubt my intended party will cause much of a stir, let alone an effort to hijack it.  The luxury I'll enjoy is being able to create the underlying ideology and won't have to worry about rankling any membership.

I have not decided yet whether a run for office is appropriate for me, but no matter what I decide, I'll stay actively involved.

Sometimes Brad, people can be more "influential" or "caustic" if you will, outside of party guidelines and not responsible to a party boss. I choose to retain anonymity to remain a thorn in their sides

I don't know how much political weight a party of one would carry.  It cost a lot of money to get the message out.  Unless your last name is Bloomberg, I don't think our hometown newspaper is going to be much use to you.  I can understand wanting to transcend politics, but I think that's just a catch phrase that is nearly impossible to achieve if you want to accomplish anything.  I'm sorry if I seem negative or cynical, it's just the way I see things.  But good luck with your endeavor, hopefully you can create a new political dialog in not just Rotterdam but Schenectady County politics.

I understand and respect all of your positions.  I wish you well Michael.  I would be interested in speaking with you should you wish to run for office.

For me, I chose to remain with the Conservative party in which I have been a member for 30 years.  If I am successful in my run for the party committee, I will try to change the tone of politics from within.

I have been an idealist all of my life and continue to believe that government can work FOR the people.  I am beholden to no one and will act as such.  I have long held principles and ideals and don't plan to abandon them or compromise in my beliefs at this point in my life.

Like MT, I suspect that my role may also be more effective working from outside the system.  I will, however, contemplate a run for elected office in the future should I be approached by
a party that is interested in endorsing me.  There is little civility in politics.  Though I have "no skeletons in my closet", I will have to consider if I want myself and my family dragged through the mud with those who prefer to wallow there.

Michael, you are yet another, among many, who are somewhat dissatisfied with our present political system. One of many that are looking for transparency and accountability from our elected officials in local, state and federal government. And to hopefully create a government that serves the people. Not 'self serving.' My best to you!

I'm back from the dead...at least for a while.  Many of my previous doubts have been cast aside or reaffirmed since I last posted to this thread.  I made a decision recently, obtained a blessing I didn't expect, and answered some questions I didn't expect but should've.

So I re-read this thread from the beginning.  I was right...and I was wrong.  But I found a way forward nonetheless.  Even I don't know for sure which is the best path, but I definitely know the destination.  One decision will be made by others; one decision will be made by me.  And all the what-if's will have been answered for the clear way forward.