Ok, I'll beg.

I thought long and hard before writing this post.

Blogging is still a relatively new phenomenon in our society. I do it primarily as a hobby, but also because it gives me an opportunity to express my beliefs. It provides me with an opportunity to use my training in a way that, hopefully, adds to the debate.

As one might expect, writing this blog, or any blog, helps one create the ire of others where it was previously unknown. Of course, there are any number of people in this community who disagree with the things I write, and disagree with me and the people who agree with me.

It has become a common tactic in our community and society to attempt to marginalize one's political opponents. Certainly, the Citizens for Clean Energy understand what I am talking about.

We are fortunate in our community to have at least three events planned where citizens can learn about our local government candidates. I am fortunate to be able to participate in the local bloggers' debate. Additionally, the Tribune will hold a more traditional candidate forum, and another local blogger is sponsoring a town hall meeting.

I didn't want to beg. There are, however, those in our community who would like to see the two, less traditional debates fail. How easy it would be, for example, to marginalize those who write and read the local blogs if, say, seven people show up for our debate tomorrow night.

So, I'm going to perform the figurative equivalent of begging you to attend our debate tomorrow night. Please, if you get the slightest bit of enjoyment or satisfaction from the local blogosphere, help us to make this grass roots event succeed.

No, it isn't the money. While I would certainly like to recoup some of my investment in the venue, I didn't plan this event as a fundraiser. I was sincerely surprised at the level of resistance to what I thought was a reasonable admission charge (I'll be $400.00 out of pocket tomorrow night when we open the doors). I was even more surprised at the resistance to the $10.00 per vote idea, an idea I thought would help make the event more fun and interesting.

It's not the money. I just want you to participate. If you haven't noticed, I am truly infatuated with the idea of citizen interest and participation. If that pisses some people off, so be it.

Participate. Just come.

Wednesday, October 17. 7:00 p.m.

Northwest Center, 2201 Northwest Bypass