I have always enjoy reading blogs which provide an alternative medium for people to comment on a range of issues affecting their lives or the country they live in. Traditional media is invariably owned by vested interests groups or as in the case in Malaysia, interests tied to the ruling National Front. As such blogs can play a role in shaping public opinion and provide the forum for citizens to engage with each other on issues affecting them.
Commenting on issues of the day is one thing but the discipline involved in putting up regular entries is another. For the last two years of so, I have contemplated starting a blog but kept deferring it because of other pressing demands on my time and also the fact that I would not be able to sustain my interest in it. Time has changed and my resolve is a bit stronger. Accordingly, I am starting this blog to express my thoughts on everyday issues affecting Malaysians but from someone who subscribes to Humanist values.
Blogging also brings with it the added challenge of keeping the blog relevant and appealing to its readers. To this end, it will not be my intention to do likewise. I will put in regular entries or commentaries from time to time as long as it does not greatly affect my daily routine. Also, if you happen to come across this blog and wish to comment on any of my postings, be my guest.
Soon it will be Christmas. Will I be celebrating Christmas? Of course, I will join in the festive occasion but Christmas does not have the religious significance for me as it would have for others. For me, is just another significant event, an opportunity to indulge in uncontrolled feasting and the public holidays which accompanies all significant religious occasions. Am I being hypocritical for doing so? Nahhh because I don’t live in isolation. Most of us would have been brought up in some religion of sort. I myself have been brought up as a Taoist Buddhist with an added focus on ancestor worship. Human beings enjoy relating to one another and festive occasions provides the opportunity for them to engage with each other.
Wouldn’t it be great if we also celebrate occasions like Darwin’s Day and events which reinforces and nurtures the human spirit and values such as sharing and tolerance. Maybe we can have a "Godless Day" or an "Evolution Day". We can all be "good without god" you know?
