DISCOURAGED
Three years ago my close friend “Tadpole” encouraged me to share my thoughts with a larger audience. I had been rather vocal sharing local my professional observations with “Letters to the Editor” locally and regionally after I retired in 1994. With his computer talent, more patience and his youth (he is only 74) he set up my blog on WordPress. WordPress has been a wonderful way to share my knowledge and views. “TAD” is still is disappointed I do not use pictures like he does, but I am just a man of words. He has since moved away but if I beg hard enough he helps me when I get in trouble. You will find a link to his Outdoor blog on my blog. His homespun humor and great pictures are enjoyable for all ages. One other friend, Kenn Fong, has helped me with questions and designed my Constitutional background. He also set up my internet address I can never remember. I feel I have worn out my friend with questions and at 84 I am certain that I will ever be computer literate. If you ever need professional help you can connect with Kenn from the link on my blog.
God gave me a mind and two parents who taught me to be successful at anything I attempted. The 1930’s had limited resources for entertainment but a local Carnegie library gave me a way to learn as much as I desired free. So I decided to fill my mind with knowledge because money to do the things kids do today was not possible. I currently have 42 kids, grandkids and great grandkids that would have never been able to cope with having nothing but three meals a day, two loving parents and no car, cell phone, TV or pocket money until they were grown. Even then it was tough and I was 23, married and had two children before I could afford to buy a 14 year old car I was blessed with opportunity. Unlike most today, I choose to take advantage of those options. Now a car at 16 is demanded.
Opportunity was whatever you were willing to seek when I graduated from High school at 16 in 1947. Jobs were just not available so I joined the Navy at 17, spent 32 years working in corporate management and started my first of nine businesses at 52. I worked, enjoyed visiting or both, in 32 countries and 49 states. I have seen cultures that most Americans only read about or watch in the news, especially in the Middle East and Asia. Became a Registered Professional Engineer at 45, gained a Masters Degree at 47, became a member of Mensa and Intertel at 48. I list these facts for two reasons; One. I am proud that my wife and partner for 54 years, Norma, not only encouraged me but she raised our four kids to be a credit to society while I traveled the world to make a living; Two. I have learned and observed so many things in my lifetime I enjoy sharing them with anyone willing to read or listen.
Why in the world would I be discouraged? I spend some 30 hours each week reading or listening to world events as I love America and the freedoms I used to have. It hurts me deeply to see how our country has changed in my lifetime. My youth was so different than today as we were free from government controls that have destroyed our rights to religion, privacy and free enterprise and made the federal Government the enemy of the people. These are the things that I try to share with my writing. The sad part it is my efforts are free and few, even friends and family, seldom even acknowledge that they read the articles.
Let me share some statistical facts. I have posted 771 articles since we created the blog. 37,126 people have visited the site, 141 people receive a copy by E mail, 14 follow my work on Twitter and 97 friends are notified of a new article being posted on Facebook. I want to thank each and everyone that has had the opportunity to read my work. I have no idea how many people actually read the articles. I do know that I have logged 1028 comments which is what is so discouraging. Even worse, 128 of these comments were my responses to a comment. I try to make a difference for some who do not have the 30 hours a week to keep up with factual events that are distorted by the most biased media of my lifetime. Comments are what any writer needs to encourage their work. I enjoy my critics equally with my supporters as it give me a chance to possibly improve dialog, my own knowledge and debate issues to share with as many as possible. I know everyone is busy but just hitting the” like” icon on Facebook lets me know you read my work.
I will get maybe five people, I can even name them, that will comment and tell me to keep writing. I will get another five that will take the time to hit the “like” icon on Facebook. That my friends is why I am discouraged and considering that my work is probably a waste of time.
C Brewer
A Conservative View 
Clyde,
Don’t be discouraged. You wrote this column to express yourself and to give your opinion on matters of the world. It took a great deal of effort to do this and you should be proud that you have accomplished this. I know of several countries where you would not be permitted to do this.
Captain Joe, I assume you are or have been in the military. Thanks for reminding me that we both served to protect the right of free speech. I have worked in many countries that put me in jail for expressing my opinion and especially my political views. Thanks for reminding me although if we stay on the path we are on in America the right of free speech is in danger. I wish more Americans would care including some in my own family.
Donât be discouraged Clyde. It has never been easy to be a prophet in your own land. Or even as Jesus said in your hometown. It matters not that you donât get a whole lot of responses. Most people by far have lost the ability to correspond in writing. Unless it is to sit and compose rubbish about filmstars and such. There will be those who read and may want to respond but never get round to it. Anyway I like reading your blog evn if I may not agree with all you say. But that is life. If I am touched either positively or negatively I will be one who gets back to you. Besides it is a catharsis for yourself. I am sure it helps you in many ways straightening out your own ideas, keeps your mind active ( one of the things they say we should do to keep alzheimers at bay!) etc. Keep the words flowing old friend it keeps both of us going!
Baxter
Baxter, you have been the most loyal reader every since I started the work. Our opposing views have been very important like getting feedback. Learning is an experience that most people tend to focus on finding a writer that agrees with their views. When you or others take exception to my views it challenges me to make sure I understand all sides of an issue. I learn something every day of my life and I have never refused to listen or read opposing views. CB