March, 26, 2004
by Brian Goodman

I have been asked to write regularly for this newsletter and I am trying to think of the best way to start off my first article. I figure that a brief introduction might be a good start.

Quick bio: My name is Brian Goodman. I did the whole small-town, hockey-loving, ideal childhood thing on the Canadian prairies. Went to Quebec to learn French, finished my degree in Manitoba. Went to Costa Rica and Chile to learn Spanish and business. Plan to go to China in the fall to learn Mandarin. I've got a diploma in International Business at Red River College in Winnipeg and I've gotten involved in politics. Blah, blah, blah

Now the important stuff: So why do I have any right to comment on the things I plan to discuss in articles that I write for this newsletter? Well, let's just say that I have way too much time on my hands to think about things. That I've given up on the Simpsons and now devote my TV time to the History Channel and PBS. That I like to read and that I have an overwhelming desire to contribute positive change to my country and to my world. And that I did learn a few things in school and I've picked up a few things in my travels.

But most importantly, I'm young. All of this is new to me. I haven't yet accepted things as they are. I still think that things can and will change. I want to comment on this society that my parents and grandparents and ancestors have built. Big words from some punk kid from rural Manitoba? Well, I have big dreams.

Besides the topics that you ask me to write about, here is what I'm thinking so far: How unfettered capitalism is destroying our world. How politics have become nothing more than a game for the big boys to play to impress each other. How we oppress minorities in our society despite all the rhetoric about political correctness. How I have no freaking idea what to make of religion and how it drives me crazy. And a lot of other things as I continue on my path to wherever it is I'm going.

I hope that although you may not like some of the things that I write, you will at least be interested by them. That you will take a few minutes of your time every once in a while to read what I have to say about different subjects. That maybe you, being a young Canadian, can relate. That maybe you, as an older Canadian, will have a little better idea of what may be going on in the minds of your sons and daughters. I just want the same thing as you. To live in a society where I feel I belong and to which I can contribute. To live with the knowledge that things are as they should be. And to be happy. And free.

I hope that you will get to know me while I write for this newsletter and will give me a chance to get a few things off my chest. I thank you sincerely for this opportunity and I hope that you will be able to bear with me on my learning curve.