bleechers's Blog

My father has been writing to and for the News & Record for a number of years. In that time he has built up quite a reputation. This is of interest to me on several levels. Above everything else, I am proud of my father’s communications skills. My dad has always been an insightful writer and an excellent public speaker. He regularly brought home the “Toastmasters Club” trophy for being the best speaker when he was involved with that organization. I inherited, albeit imperfectly, his love for writing, his passion for political justice and his concern for people. I also inherited his name!  

Some day I’d like to write the story of my family; a fascinating group to say the least. Unfortunately on a blog, I’m limited to short topics. Today I’d like to quickly address the joys, sorrows, trials and tribulations of sharing a name with a local writer of some reputation.  

My father’s letters and columns are generally written from a more liberal perspective. I am very careful to leave room for interpretation because I do not pretend to speak for him. But I think he’d be comfortable with that assessment. Those who have read my work here or on other blogs would agree that my writings are generally from a more conservative/libertarian point of view. Sharing the same name makes the differences even more interesting and apparently more confusing.

Seeing Things From the Other Side

Having such a close relationship with someone from a different perspective allows us both the opportunity to look beyond stereotype. I’m a conservative, yet the image of an uneducated, book-burning racist just does not apply. Similarly, I know my father is a patriotic American who understands the place values have in a well-ordered society. We suffer the fools on our own side as we defend our respective viewpoints.

Obviously, we often confront the worst elements of the opposition. But when my father rails against elements on my side that need a good railing, I can't complain. After all, I have almost as much distaste for the "blue blood Republicans" on my side of the aisle as my father does. Conversely, I hope that when I confront certain America-hating elements on the left, patriotic Democrats can understand my disgust (even if they don't agree with every element of my analysis).

Country and Ideals Above Party

I find it interesting when we both see the inherent failures in systems or people; even if we see different solutions to those problems. I have learned from my father that ideals and values are greater than any man or movement. For example, I have never been a fan of George W. Bush. I don’t care how many “Rs” you put after his name, he has never struck me as a particularly bright or strong leader. John McCain is another man in whom I find little to get excited about.

John Adams had ideals. Despite the strong calls for war with France from the members of his party, Adams travelled a different path. He knew that such a war at that time would be disasterous for the young United States. He also knew that he was committing political suicide. But country came above party. Adams lost in 1800, but America won.

Answering the Phone

I have been amazed over the years at the varying responses to my dad’s writings. Since we have the same first and last name but different middle names, I try and use my middle initial when possible. Not because I am ashamed, but merely to make the distinction. Some people love what he writes, others are not so enthusiastic. And just as I wouldn’t expect him to have to answer for my opinions, I don’t think he expects (or wants) me to have to answer for his.

I’ve had people yell across parking lots or take the time to make a phone call to tell me how much they enjoyed “my” letters. I’ve also received nasty phone calls and one occasion a rather disturbing letter was sent to my house. A white supremacist group wrote to inform me that evolution “proved” that Africans were inferior to “whites” (on that measure they agree with Darwin). Well, they sent the letter to the wrong guy on two accounts: I didn’t write the editorial that offended them and I don’t believe in evolution!

In the last year or so I’ve turned my attention away from terribly specific political or theological battles to topics that cover a wider, more historical spectrum (even if the trigger is a specific news item or issue). However, I would find it fun to be regularly featured in the N&R next to my father’s work on certain issues. Should anyone at that paper be interested, you already know (most of) my name.