The Occasional Dissident provides provocative but patriotic views of American issues, foreign and domestic. The aim is always to improve the situation. Patriots understand that we must be dissatisfied with things as they are no matter how proud we are of our country, no matter how much we love it. We warn, we admonish, we encourage, we support. We need not spend excessive time on what is right with the United States; that is as useful and necessary as remarking that the sun rises in the east. Rather, we look toward the day everything is right in the United States, recognizing it is journey that allows no rest, no unwatchful moments. And with the sunrise, we wake every morning thankful to be Americans.
Readers are encouraged to comment on the essays contributed to the Occasional Dissident, but rules apply. First, ad hominem attacks are unwelcome. A writer or responder who makes a point with which we disagree is not a “moron.” Dispute the idea. Do not attack the thinker. This is, first and foremost, a forum for the competition of ideas—the hallmark of Democracy and the best hope for a peaceful world.
Second, profanity is also unwelcome. Posts that feature profanity will be weeded out as strictly as possible. Responders who persist in profanity will be repulsed to the best of our ability.
The Occasional Dissident welcomes essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words that are thoughtful, deal with improving the situation in American politics or society, and are carefully edited and proofread. Errors in essays submitted are likely to become errors published. All work must be original. The true names of all authors must be included. Submit contributions to our ITAG sister site: submissions@iraq-itag.org. The Occasional Dissident does not pay for essays, but it will publish useful commentary that more established sites reject.
- Alan Howe