My quarterly check-up - I want to hear from you

I have been writing this column for about three months now. It is time for me to take stock, evaluate, and reflect on what impact, if any, I am having. I recently had a visit with my doctor at the Veteran’s Administration Clinic. My health is bad, and it will probably only continue to worsen. I was shocked that the VA now asks questions about my sexual activity and orientation. Later, I was questioned about my mental state, “Have you been depressed lately?” I know that suicide has become an epidemic among veterans, and I will admit that I have had those thoughts at times. With that said, I would be worried about the mental health of anyone who looks at the world around us and isn’t depressed.

I was recently accused of being a racist because I dared to say that people should be judged on their ability, attitude, and character. In truth, I suppose I am the very worst kind of racist. I discriminate against the entire human race. I have seen so much of the ugliness of humanity that I almost always assume the worst when I encounter new people. I get physically ill when I am in crowded spaces, and I do my best to avoid them. I don’t really believe I am superior to anyone, but I think most people are too busy counting grains of sand to recognize they’re in the desert, not at the beach.

I have been pleading for you to think for yourself, but I was recently told that people don’t want to think for themselves. I was asked, “Why can’t you just tell people what they should think?” I am not a shepherd, and I don’t want to tend sheep. I want to inspire people to abandon the herd mentality. I am not afraid to voice my opinions, but I would rather my readers decide for themselves. If people believe something just because I say it, then they are likely to abandon those positions when they are inevitably disappointed with me. A friend asked me to write about the controversy surrounding the baccalaureate service, and I could have written an in-depth and expansive article on the topic, but I write a 650-word opinion column. There are individuals whose opinions on the subject would have much more weight than mine.

Recently, someone asked me if I thought anyone paid attention to my column. I don’t know. I know that Troy Smith reads my column sometimes because he mentions it in his column. I am honored that he reads it and that he recommended I be considered to write it, but I conversed with Troy regularly long before this column. A couple individuals mentioned that they read my column, but they are people who I already interact with on a regular basis. I guess that person’s question about my column has me wondering. I don’t need or want my ego stroked, but I would like to know that my time and effort are not wasted.

To that end, I am asking you to contact me. You can tell me what I have gotten wrong or ask me to expand on something that you want to hear more about. You can ask me a question or tell me your own thoughts. I just want to hear from you. That way I will know that I am not just wasting my time shouting into the wind. If you are willing to have your comments or questions mentioned in my column, I would appreciate it if you would include your permission. I will not mention anyone’s name even if permission is given.

You can reach me on Facebook at “Chris Godsong” or “Think for Yourself.” You can also email me at jgottlied33@gmail.com. If you send an email, please put Expositor as the subject. Thank you and remember to Think for Yourself.