User Profile

I'm an American, and a human, and never quite sure how much I'm proud of those two facts, and how much I'm ashamed. There's a lot to like about humanity, and probably a lot to like about the United States, if someone would only point them out to me.

I am a religious atheist, which, I contend, is not a contradiction by any means. My first ever published work was an essay on being a religious atheist, in the book "Godless for God's sake."

I'm also a fervent pacifist. I firmly believe that we are all born innocent and good. It is circumstance, as much as anything else, that shapes people into whatever they become, good or bad. I pity those people who become killers and monsters, for they are victims as well. I also firmly believe that no matter how evil they may be, they are not beyond redemption.

I am a very big Star Wars fan who feels that Dark Journey (the title of one of the New Jedi Order books) is an immensely apt title for what the Expanded Universe has gone through since the previous book (Star by Star). The whole thing's gone to hell and worse, especially with Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice. Someone has got to do something about this travesty.

My other favotire fictional universe is the Discworld series of comic fantasy novels by British literary genius Terry Pratchett. His incredible characters, powerful emotions, keen insights, simultaneously cynical and upbeat storytelling, and laugh-out-loud humor are a joy to read.

My interests also include writing (I am always in the middle of several writing projects), and amateur criticism of other works. I regularly post to the Anti-Guide, which is all about the stupid cliches that so many people have utilized, and about having fun mocking them.

I presently attend Antioch College, a small liberal arts college in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Antioch is truly a unique college, with an august history, excellent academic program, and a rich, welcoming cultural atmosphere. In June 2007, Antioch's Board of Trustees voted to suspend operations in 2008. Months of campaigning by alumni, faculty, staff, students, villagers and other friends of the college ultimately failed to dissuade the Board. For the next couple years at least, Antioch College will be officially closed. Unofficially, faculty, alumni, and students (myself included) are continuing the college in all but name (and campus) in various places scattered around the village of Yellow Springs. The Board has done their worst, but we're still here, and working to get the college back. I'm feeling optimistic.

Friends (14):

Friend of (11):