First Blog of a New South Socialist.

Howdy, folks. Welcome to the first post of the Red Dixie Journal! But before we get started, let me tell you a little bit about myself. (Prenote: It's kinda late, and I'm kinda tired. If this doesn't make a lot of sense, I'll edit it later. But it's time this damn thing had a post.)

First off, my name's Poncho. I was born in Asheville, North Carolina, and I lived most of my life in tiny Madison County. (The North Carolina one, not the one in Wisconsin with all the bridges.) My father is very much a southern man, and a lot of what I am today comes from him (mostly, from arguing until we're both blue in the face).

On political issues, I am a Libertarian Socialist. Some folks think this is a contradiction; it ain't. The term "libertarian" was first used in France by socialists, communists, and anarchists. In the 1880s and 1890s, the French government passed a large number of anti-radical laws, specifically naming Anarchism. The anarchists responded by then saying they were Libertarians.

The word "Libertarian" is derived from the words Liberty and Liberation. This, in a very basic sense, is my goal.

"Modern" Libertarians (as in, members of the Libertarian Party) make a very convincing case against an oppressive, authoritarian government, riding roughshod over the people. However, in their opposition to an oppressive government, they tend to ignore other oppressive social structures, particularly capitalism. Therefore, my support for a Liberal Democratic Republican form of government is aligned very closely with my strong opposition to what I consider an unjust, undemocratic, oppressive economic system that affects the lives of average people every day.

I will (of course) expand on my political ideas, along with my religious views, my cultural beliefs, and opining on the news of the day, as this blog blooms and grows like a fine mountain rose. But that's all for this evening.

Seek Peace, Fly High, Find Love,
Poncho.