OK. I'm a 44 year old man from the western shores of the Pacific north-west. I relocated here from Southern California this past January, and LOVE it here. And as time will reveal, you'll begin to see that I'm a strange individual. But peeling back the layers will be half the fun, agreed? Ah, but I digress. I was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes back in 1969, when I was but 4 years old. Today the condition is managed far better, but in those days the methods are pretty crude and ineffective. We did what we could, but now there is no excuse for what has happened to me. After forty years the disease has had a progressive toll upon me - I'm basically blind in my right eye from something called diabetic retinopathy", or bleeding in the eye from something called neovascularization, or new vein growth. What happens is that as the circulation in the eye drops off from excessive blood sugar levels over a lifetime, the eye screams out a need for more oxygen. The body's response is new veins - but alas, they are always defective, and rupture in little to no time at all, bleeding into the vitreous fluid (the liquid that keeps the eye inflated and the retina pressed against the rear eye wall). I've been going through horrific surgeries to try and save both eyes; it seems to be working for the left eye, but the right eye seems destined for failure. I may never have 3D vision again, and boy do I miss it already.
There are many blessings in my life, but health isn't one of them. I am a believer in Jesus Christ, but before any assumptions are formed, get to know me - I doubt that you've met anyone with my views. Try me, talk to me, but don't assume about me. You'll often feel embarrassed; it happens all too often. But God blessed me with a adequate mind, to say the least. I completed my schooling far earlier than many, and worked in an industrial computing and robotics field for decades. I was removed from work for medical reasons. I am an avid musician, though lately my hands are in such pain as to all but stop my playing (I have bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome). My mind exceeds, but my body languishes.
I am VERY open minded, as conceited as that may sound. It is simply true - I can easily debate either side of most issues, and respect those of differing positions. As an example, though I believe in God, I was an atheist for 23 years of my life - I changed my mind (something I can still do, with the proper evidences), but still respect those who are atheist, for I shared that mindset at one time as well. And there is nothing conclusive to show that I'm right, either. I do not require a background belief in your theology in order to respect your opinion, however. Over the years I've really learned to be compassionate of others' thinking, though as with all things, I can still learn more. That's the goal of being here - not to teach you (though I may), but to learn from you. You will convince me with facts and logical conclusions, not by insulting me and my current belief system. I live by these words, best that I can.
I was a registered republican for more than 20 years, but left the party over the way it's representatives were behaving - not because I don't believe in some of the conservative positions (but not all). Today, I am a strange mix of both parties, as many others are as well. My desire is to see a VIABLE third party, to prevent bulldozing in the house and senate. Two parties battle strategy is simplistic: we have more votes, so we don't listen to the other side. Three parties would require compromising between parties in order to move things forward. Assuming three viable parties, with relatively equal representation. But as always, I'm open to different ideas, especially the "out-of-the-box" thinking.
That's it - just a tease! You'll learn more, if I'm interesting enough to pull you to the side for a chat. We'll see what happens.
John
