Bring Out Yer Soapbox

Each Friday evening, on my way home from work in the nation's capital, I walk by a group of opinionated individuals gathered by my metro (subway) stop. The supreme leader passionately expounds on the merits of his point of view and on the plentiful shortcomings of the opposition's. Generally, but, not always, his oratory is directed at issues of faith. Some days, he warns about Judgment Day (I'm told it's on its way); on others, he rails against [insert name of religion]; yet other times, he assures us that [insert politician's name] is the devil's favorite child. The scene is the same each week: a handful of intent listeners surrounding the head ranter, a gaggle of bemused onlookers milling about (actually, waiting for their bus), and the vast, silent majority of passers-by, going dourly about their business as usual. Every Friday, I am reminded of the time I went to Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, London, during a brief visit to that city ten years ago. Soapboxes and orators have a long history in that corner of the world; I trust that that noble tradition continues to this day.

I admire those that have the passion to stand up and boldly proclaim what they believe, regardless of the quantity or quality of their audience, undeterred by inclement weather or the Thought Police. When ideas and beliefs are vigorously debated, I think the world is the better for it. Some might see blogging as the modern-day equivalent of speaking on a soapbox. We articulate, debate, gesticulate, and pontificate in an online community (sorry for going all Jesse Jackson there). More power to those that are secure enough in themselves to lay their thoughts out in the public domain.

But, surely blogging is just a pale imitation of the real thing. Unlike in Hyde Park, we don't have to face our critics in person in the internet world; such an encounter might temper our more extreme opinions and improve civil discourse. On the other hand, you might be assailed by sputum or pies.

So, here's to "soapboxing" in all its forms: may it continue to keep us sharp, engaged, and slightly drunk.