The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

I started blogging when George W Bush got “elected.” I was so angry. I’d majored in philosophy in college, and had always enjoyed writing. It helped me alleviate the anger. I was a stage technician in theater for 20 years, but now I’m disabled and try to work full time as a writer and internet marketer.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

Oh, sure. Writing is like anything else, you get better with practice. It’s important because it helps me think. If I didn’t write, I think my head would explode! When I get it out there, it makes me feel like maybe, in some very small way, I’m making a difference.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

I remember some of the arguments I’ve gotten in with Bush lovers. They’re always so much fun. And they make me seem calm by comparison!

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

I blog on the Daily KOS occasionally. I read that site daily. I have other blogs I read and comment on. I like the Freakonomics blog at the New York Times.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

Fundraising. Without a doubt, Barack Obama was elected because he used the technology, all of it, well. The blogging, the databases, the text messages, and the fundraising. Collecting small amounts from millions of people through the internet, which Howard Dean originally showed us would work, is one of the major reasons Obama will be president.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

Absolutely. My 19 year old daughter voted for the first time this year. When I asked her why she was voting for Obama, she said, “Are you kidding? Have you seen his web site?” Apparently, every speech he ever made is available there. In depth details on all his policy positions are there for the browsing. It makes it hard to lie about what he wants to do. And it makes it easy for him to convince people like my daughter to get out there and vote, not just for him, but for all the other Democrats, and issues, that matter to us.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

Not much. I might go a little further than most by accusing Bush and Cheney of treason. But I back it all up with facts. I like to be reality based. So, I’m not a big conspiracy theorist. But when you break the laws as much as these clowns, and do the kind of harm they’ve done, treason seems like a pretty fitting word.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

My intelligence, and continued dedication to improving it.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Wedding, birth of children, and Obama’s election are the happiest. Bush’s “election” and finding out I had osteoarthritis were the gloomiest.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

Italy, Holland, The Czech Republic.

What is your favorite book and why?

Anything by Kurt Vonnegut, but probably Breakfast of Champions. Because it’s more than funny, it’s advice to take to heart and giggle at.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Their use of language. I can tell a lot about a person by how they speak, like how intelligent they are.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
Just some jerks who wouldn’t know good writing if it hit them in the head. Wait, did I hit them in the head with my writing? I don’t remember….

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

Not much. I put some ads on my blogs, make a few dollars here and there, but if you’re in it for the money, you’re doomed!

 

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

No. I know very busy people who manage to post once or twice a week, and people still read them. One post a day doesn’t really take much time. If you really want every post to be an in-depth article with lots of research and care, then yes, you have to spend the time on it. But blog posts don’t all have to be perfect essays.

 

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

By trying to keep reality infused with the arguments. If we can agree on the facts, then figuring out what to do about them will be easier. One big problem with the right wing is that they just make crap up. I guess that’s to be expected from people who don’t believe in global warming or evolution.

 

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Markos of the Daily KOS, along with Hunter and Meteor Blades over there. I like the Freakonomics guys, Leavitt and Dubner. And the Rude Pundit (especially during Katrina).

 

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

9-11.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

I think they’re like every one else. They want good things for themselves and their families. They are struggling for rights and justice like the rest of us. I believe they would honestly like our help with problems like poverty and education, instead of constant incursions into tribal areas where we just anger potential terrorists more.

I believe you have a history of intelligence and reason and that those forces within your society need nurturing and care in order to blossom, and that, like here for the last 8 years, that care and nuturing hasn’t been happening much.

Maybe things will change now.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

Yes, I love the Rude Pundit. Very blunt and powerful.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

Poverty. We have had a big increase in poverty here in the US lately, and it is shocking to me. I remember going to Mexico when I was younger and being appalled at the conditions, and now I’m starting to see more of that here. When I hear how many people don’t even have access to good drinking water, it’s astounding to me. I see it as a failure of capitalism that no one wants to help those who have little.

 

What is the future of blogging?

Bloggers will become more important and accepted, especially on the local level, where they can make the most difference. I hope that we will help make the world more reality based.

 

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

Not that much. It’s like a small newspaper I used to run, only more people can read it now.

 

What are your future plans?

Right now my health issues are a big drain on me. Financially, it’s hard. If I can get that settled into some kind of treatment where the pain is manageable, I plan to continue to write, to grow as much of my own food as I can (I love gardening), and to try to help the planet survive it’s human infestation as best I can.

 

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Be reality based. Try to make sure you have the facts right. Don’t believe everything you see or hear. Think for yourself. Find out how to get the facts, and then use them to draw logical, reasoned conclusions. Even then, keep some doubt so you can self-correct when necessary. And help the planet.

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