What we’re about
It's Thanksgiving, some people are eating, others watching tv, and the subject of politics comes up. As those around us begin ranting off in agreements or arguing you find yourself not sure what to do. You decide to contribute. Someone to your left agrees with you while someone across from you disagrees. You recede back into your chair and choose not to talk as those two bicker. Moments later you say something again, this time the vice versa happens. Once again you recede from the conversation and let everyone else argue it out. Whatever you say there's always one who agrees and another who disagrees. Or you say something that leaves both staring at you.
Does this sound familiar? This group is to bring together Illinoisians, urban and rural, who choose to categorize themselves as independents. You don't fit in anywhere because you ARE everywhere on the spectrum. Those around us who take sides just argue and argue. No one wants our opinion because we're a threat to both parties as wildcards. We just might even be a threat to each other due to our diverse ideologies and morals that influence our politics. What I do know is we can at least have discussions that generally lack bias or acting with herd mentality that do as the forces out there compel us.
Let's use this group to hold discussions about our conditions here in Illinois. Discuss politics, local and state, and independent politicians who often go unnoticed. If you're an aspiring journalist who finds a home among this group, we can create an opportunity for you.
I also hope to use to group to accomplish positive impacts in our communities. Weather is getting crazy. Your town has been devastated by a tornado and you or your neighbors have been overwhelmed by hopelessness. A helping hand reaching out can make all the difference. Maybe there's an organization nearby that helps homeless veterans and accepts food donations. Why not go further and cook for those veterans.
Does this group have rules? You betcha. No harassment or stalker'ish behavior. If you develop a reputation of turning conversations into arguments you will be kicked out and banned. If you're exposed as a poser when in reality you're devoted to one side or the other and this causes problems, ban.