About

In November 2018, I watched the midterm elections in America with partIcular interest. There was a sense of urgency. It was different for me this time because I voted. Actually, it was the first time I voted after moving to Japan almost 20 years ago.

Living abroad gives you a special perspective, being on the outside looking in. You see your home country through new eyes and also how others view it. I’ve never liked the term expatriate to be honest. It makes it sound like I don’t love my country anymore. Quite the contrary, I care very much about what’s happening in America and America’s place in the world.

So what changed? What was the catalyst? Mostly, it was a result of the 2016 presidential election. Since then, I’ve watched the news more closely. Another reason may simply be I’m getting older and growing up. I worry about the future. I fear the world my children will grow up in will be environmentally and economically less rich than the world I grew up in. Since the election, I’ve felt a political awakening inside myself. I'm much more aware of what's going on. 
Of course, there are certain issues I've always felt strongly about; the environment and climate change, gun control, and equality, both economic and social. There are many things I see in America and the world I don't like and I want to do something about it. I want to make my voice heard. 

I started this blog for three reasons:

1) First and foremost, I want to learn. I want to read more about politics and society. I want to understand the issues of today more deeply and and the history behind them. get the facts and go beyond the headlines. 

2) I want to clarify to myself what I believe and be able to defend it.

3)  Lastly, I want to express myself. I wish to better articulate my beliefs and share my opinions with others and I want to improve my skill as a writer.

I’d be happy if you join me on this journey to educate and clarify myself and I’d appreciate your comments and opinions. 

Jason C. Winter