I started Logan's Podium as an alternative to "The Hazard Chronicles" (THC), a blog that is more-or-less a family history. The principal audience for THC is my own extended family, close friends, and eventually my own children. In putting together “The Chronicles” I would occasionally find myself wanting to write on topics that did not fit neatly into the family themes that make up the bulk of THC. Sometimes I posted these thoughts anyway. In doing so, I inevitably felt that I was offending someone or exposing too much of myself to an audience who was reading for a different purpose, and who weren't wholly interested in my off-topic digressions.

This is where Logan’s Podium comes in. I love to write, and I love to explore the world by questioning assumptions and challenging the status quo. These things are exciting to me and I wanted an outlet for my thoughts. Therefore, the principal audience for this blog is really myself- a series of posts for me to work out my own thoughts and ideas. It would be appropriate, therefore, to think of it as personal therapy for someone who feels the need to express his opinion, but who finds himself (understandably) without a willing audience to listen to his endless tirades.

The main topics of this blog will probably be those of culture, politics, faith, and family life. I care about these things and think about them often. The underlying premise of every post is that the world is not cast in shades of black and white. There are two sides to every story, and sometimes getting to the bottom of things isn't as straight-forward as it might seem. What I have found however, is that in exploring this world of gray I have occasionally come across flashes of color- moments when things actually start making sense to me and I am able to see reality through its apparent complexity. These moments are the substance which make up my posts.

As a note to readers- If you and I are normal people then we will probably arrive at different conclusions on a few things. If you think you know me, you may be surprised (but then again, maybe not). And if you think that we can be close friends even though we are two different people, then you are absolutely right. My aim is not to put anyone down, or even to persuade you to my way of thinking- rather to explore and arrive at conclusions that seem appropriate given my understanding and my personal background.

That said, I would encourage you, or anyone for that matter, to have an open mind. Check yourself for bias or misconceptions that may be coloring your underlying assumptions. Allow yourself to dispose of preconceived notions for just a little while and see the world with a fresh, new set of eyes. And if you disagree, then by all means make it known in a respectful manner in the comments section (or the next time you see me). I'll do the same. Contrary to popular belief, I do not appreciate arguing, and I will probably not engage if I sense disrespect or hostility. On the other hand, I love a good open dialogue which I believe furthers the understanding of all parties involved. Let's strive for that ideal.

Happy reading,

-Logan