Or not, depending on your point of view. Before I launch myself on another one of my patented unfocused rants, I thought that introducing myself might at least be the polite thing to do. So, without further ado…. My name is Jack Cluth, and as the sole proprietor of the (not so) world-famous The People’s Republic of Seabrook, I run what has come to be know as the (not so) Official Progressive Weblog of the Texas Gulf Coast©. Of course, if you think about it, that’s sort of like being the best ice fisherman in Phoenix…there’s not a lot of competition out there. Nonetheless, I’ll take what I can get.

I am a Liberal…there, I said it, and though I’m thoroughly outnumbered in this VERY red state, I’m not about to be silenced. This is America, damnit, and if I want to piss into the prevailing wind, that’s my right…and one that I take very seriously. Some would call me a rabble rouser, and they might be right. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with calling someone on their ignorance, prejudice, and/or bigotry. I grew up being taught that America is (or at least was) a melting pot, and I’ve always valued that. Now, though, my country is progressively (no pun intended) becoming the private playground of wealthy Evangelical White Christians, Social Conservatives, and Big Business interests who value lockstep ideology and theological conformity above all else. No, we may not yet be a theocracy, but we are not far from it.

My views reflect my belief that no one has the right to tell me what to think, believe, or how to live. A friend of mine once had a car with a bumper stick on it that read “THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH REPUBLICANS”. That person had no idea just how close to the truth that thought is.

Join me, then, as I attempt to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. You’ll need to bring an open mind and a healthy appreciation for Progressive ideals. Welcome, and please be certain that your seatbelts are fastened and your tray tables are in the upright and locked position. ;p)