Back on July 28, 2009, I wrote this on my blog and on social media:
“I have no intention of becoming political on this blog, but just in terms of writing, did you see or hear Sarah Palin’s farewell speech from yesterday? In terms of the writing, which is what I typically deal with here, take a look at these two paragraphs, the second and third, from her ten-minute address.”
I go on to analyze Palin’s inability to construct complete sentences.
“Nearly incomprehensible,” I wrote.
But the first part of that post is hilarious.
“I have no intention of becoming political on this blog…”
Oh, younger, more innocent Matt…
Little did you know that in less than a decade, you’d be writing relentlessly about Donald Trump’s destructive Presidency and eventually join a lawsuit against him that would reach the Supreme Court.
While I wouldn’t characterize what I write as consistently or even frequently political, it’s at least sometimes political in nature, and depending on the state of the world at any moment, it can be scathingly and relentlessly political when necessary.
My children will never wonder why I remained silent in the face of rising authoritarianism and injustice.
But looking back at that post, written 14 years ago, it serves as a good reminder of how quickly things can change, including your view of yourself, the world, your intentions, and your work.
It’s a good reminder that certainty is almost certainly a mistake, no matter how certain you may feel. Hubris is a balloon just waiting to be popped. Open-mindedness about your own possible future open-mindedness – as unlikely as it may seem – is recommended.
Otherwise, you end up looking like a fool to your future self.
