We are here. We exist. We belong.
Popular depictions of the Hoosier State paint us as a conservative monolith, but progressives and leftists deserve a seat at Indiana's table.
The Island of Misfit Hoosiers
This space is by a Hoosier, for Hoosiers. Everyone is invited but, bear in mind, giant tenderloin will be served. Furthermore, this is an inclusive space. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and so forth will not be tolerated. Vegan giant tenderloin will also be served.
Indiana might be one of the most solid Republican states in the country, but this is also the state that gave us America’s original socialist curmudgeon Eugene V. Debs. This was still the home of unabashed liberal, Title IX author and the only man to write two Constitutional amendments since James Madison, our own Birch Bayh. I’m old enough to remember when Obama won Indiana in 2008. The Indiana left didn’t disappear and we can’t if we’re going to beat back the rising authoritarian tide. Who else is here with me? Who’s left? HoosLeft!
A blog? What is this, 2003?
Hey! It’s called a Substack and I know. I know. The last thing the world needs right now is another white guy with an opinion, someone who “doesn’t pull any punches” or “care about your feelings.” And it’s too bad; that’s an easy character to play. I can be that guy. And sometimes I will be that guy. Sometimes that guy is necessary. Sometimes speaking truth to power involves raising your voice. I fully appreciate that, as a straight white guy in America, it is socially acceptable for me to express anger in a way that may not be socially acceptable for others. It’s a bullshit double-standard, unearned social capital. Regardless, I find myself with an abundance of such capital, and intend to spend it well.
That is why I’ve come here. I’m a regular guy with a job and kids. I don’t have a network. I don’t have a church, bowling league, union hall, or other such communal group. I have a handful of friends I see far too infrequently. I work with two or three other guys on a small construction crew, and a good chunk of that time under a pair of headphones. And while I appreciate the conversations that Thom Hartmann, Danielle Moodie, Jared Yates Sexton, David Sirota, and others facilitate under those headphones, I want to keep the big conversations going. And I want to bring them home to Indiana. Home to you.
So this is me setting intention. Speaking my goal of connection into existence. Jumping into the abyss, vulnerable, open to criticism, rejection, or potentially worse, crickets. But I spend far too much time thinking about the big issues facing us all, far too much mental, emotional, and spiritual energy tied up in an anxious knot, to continue doing nothing. I’m going to use this space to facilitate big conversations about Indiana, America, and beyond. And I’m asking you to come with me, converse with me, and hold me accountable. None of us can change the world by ourselves, but maybe we can send tiny sparks out into our communities, and light others’ fires on the way.
What will you find here?
At least initially, this space will contain essays and podcast links. It is my aim to put NOTHING behind a paywall, though I have paid subscription options listed if you want to donate. Every donation is a deep honor and fills me with profound gratitude. If we actually achieve such a level of demand that it would be feasible to do this full-time, I may roll out a paid tier at that time with additional content.
That said, I’m trying to facilitate conversations that can help us realize our vision of a fair, inclusive, welcoming Hoosier state and America. The more perspectives we can loop into those discussions, the better. I don’t want anybody’s ability to pay to keep them from accessing content that may help them on their journey.
I will try to post at least one essay weekly, with additional thoughts during important events, or as they arise. The topics broached in these op-eds will be the jumping off point for deeper examination during the podcast. Do I want experts, historians, journalists, and other name guests? Yeah, absolutely! If you know somebody that would make a great guest, let’s talk! But mostly, I want to talk to other regular Hoosiers who go out there and try to get by every day. Please message me with your ideas.
Let’s build a community
Indiana can be a difficult to place to build solidarity with like-minded people. So, let’s make some sparks. Like, subscribe, and share. Please tell a friend and have them tell a friend too. Soon enough, those sparks will be starting fires.
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