What we can do about this mess

In the original essay for this site I stated that the solution as far as I could tell was for us to actually come together and start talking to each other again and not yell at each other across partisan divides. Upon reflection it seems that if I'm going to proffering this is a solution then I should probably do something to make it a reality. I'd like to try to do just that. I refuse to just sit by as my country sinks towards a second civil war.

So I would like to create for all who are interested a place online for us to come together and work out our differences; someplace where we can actively move towards solutions.

"OK Rob", you say, "nice intentions, but there are a few million such places out there already. What makes you think this one is going to be any different?"

A good question. While I can't guarantee miracles, I have good reasons for thinking this can work.

For starters, the point of the community will not just be to discuss matters. The point will be that we need to find a solution that we can all live with. Those who are just interested in bitching will not be participating.

To that end, the moderation will be airtight. This does not mean that I won't let constructive conversations run their course. It also won't mean that emotions will be outlawed. It will mean that if we do this, we come to each other in respect. Because really, there's no other way we're getting through this. So there will be no hijacking of the community by loudmouths: everyone will be able to feel comfortable and be an active part of it.

To add my credentials into the mix, I've been on the net since the 80s, am in my 9th year working for a web hosting provider, are currently running mutliple lists, and have been on more of them than I count. Basically what I'm saying is that I feel confident that I have a good enough graps on this that it can work. All we need now are the people to be interested in it, and to be willing to try. As I stated before about this, we have more to lose by not trying.

I believe I'm going to set this up as a LiveJournal community for technical reasons not worth getting into. I'll do this in a day or two. In the meantime, if you are interested in being a part of this (and all that is necessary is a willingness to work together with people you disagree with), then drop me a note, and when I set it up I'll include you in.

I think this is the only logical next step. If you agree with me, then I'd love to see you be a part of this.