Sparking the Blogger

I've never been one to shy away from tension, which is the spark behind this blog. It's coming to you after a heated disagreement with my roommate about something I'm quite passionate about. You guessed it: agriculture.

So here I am, funneling my emotions into a productive use of my sleepless time. I'm consumed by our argument, not because I want her to change her mind, but because I want her to at least see all sides of the issues. Her main interest? Animal rights.

Now, after two years living together and endless stories about the farm, why doesn't she understand how much I care about my livestock? How can she think animal rights groups are actually trying to make her dog's life better?

I'm scared to death to see my closest friends and family, who've grown up on farms or in rural communities, have been fooled by myths and untruths circulating around these days.

So what's the roomie's deal? A closed mind. (Ironic, considering that's the slam I always hear against agriculture.) She's not even willing to hear my side. Like I said, I'm not asking for her to reform to my beliefs. All I'd like is a civil conversation to learn from each other. I've come to find that's certainly not something she's interested in. Hard to believe, huh?

So here I am, turning to the Internet to tell my story in hopes that it will reach people who actually care to learn more. One thing's for sure, I'll learn more just by initiating and moderating dialogue. Not to mention, writing is my secret weapon when I get upset. So there you have it, when in doubt, I can post when I'm stressed or can't sleep.

Hopefully my interactions with family, friends, and strangers will provide educational and entertaining reading for anyone willing to join me on this adventure!