The Black Republican

This day has come - and it isn't even September yet.

Many moons ago, I invited Steve Johnson - one of my best friends and the inspirational kick-in-the-pants who got this blog started - to come on board and participate in our commentary as a contributor. I had speculated that it would take almost a year for his bio to be posted on our About Us page, but he surprised me by coming up with one in just under half that time. He has written the following as an introduction:

OK... about a year ago, Chris asked me to write up a short bio to let readers know who I was, and a convergence of events has finally prodded me enough to actually do just that. The events I speak of directly relate to me, to the fact that I am a conservative, to the person to whom this site is dedicated, to Chris himself, the person who worked so hard to make this site a reality.... and to today's date - April 15th.

First, of course, it's Tax Day. As a conservative, this day always serves as a reminder that government takes far too much of what we earn, which in turn encourages me to fight wherever I can to limit government intrusion into all our lives.

Second, it is the anniversary of my commissioning in the Army. That event added me to a fraternity of inspiring individuals, and has given me a great appreciation for all those men and women with the courage to wear a uniform.

Third, it is also the anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln, the "Black Republican" himself, who paid the ultimate price for daring stand up for the principals on which this country was founded!

Fourth, and not the least, an increased bit of vitriol being aimed at Chris today for himself daring to thumb his nose at the liberal elite and take up the mantle of "The Black Republican." Anyone can carp and whine when no one dares challenge them, but the people who believe in their ideals are not afraid to give their full names and stand to face the fire. I would no sooner abandon Chris when he is attacked in comments on this blog than I would abandon my command and fellow soldiers in battle.

Well, that's about it. If I think of more I'll add it later... sometime in the next few years, I'm sure! Oh, and as soon as I find a good picture (I'll ask my wife) I get that posted too!

I can hardly begin to thank Steve for his friendship and patience, especially when I incessantly pester him for his opinion of my work here.

I would be remiss not to make one more comment, especially to reciprocate the kind words above. In the spirit of (not quite) full disclosure and as a fair warning to all who may visit here, I urge anyone with malice in their heart not to make grand presumptions about race and prejudice based on ideology (or any other criteria) when dealing with Steve. His compassion knows no boundaries and his commitment to interracial understanding is beyond question, but he is quite capable of defending his interests with surgical wit and a brutal intensity. Doubt any of this at your own peril.