The Disenfranchised Curmudgeon has a navy blue Blogspot template of the simplest style. Our author describes himself thusly:
“I am a Christian whose politics do not fit too well with…well, with nearly anyone. I am a Dad, a Computer Programmer, a Lawyer, and a dedicated homebrewer who was born a century too late, yet wouldn’t give up antibiotics in exchange for the wealth of Midas.”
His page has a minimalist approach, with very little in the side bar. Points from me for simplicity. Though I would suggest one thing. That he actually archive his archives. There is a spot for it. It’s empty. Right now, all the entries he has ever written are on one page. Makes for a long scroll. Too long.
He began his blog in December of 2003. He is not a frequent poster, but when he does write, his entries tend to length. And in more recent times, he has garnered a respectable number of commenters. A testimonial in itself. In the comments there are often quite long and detailed discussions between the author and his readers.
Now to the writing style. Our author tackles an impressive array of subjects, political and social. They are rarely light in nature. He describes himself as a disillusioned voter, conflicted, and well, a curmudgeon. The fact that he has decided to abstain from voting in effect sidelined his angst on many levels for me. It’s so easy to criticize when you are not in the game. The old argument that people can’t bring themselves to vote for the “lesser of two evils” grows thin. One runs the risk of getting stuck in the “whiner” category when you do not engage and commit.
I read extensively on this site, and found that he is cynical about American society, but it bothers him that he is cynical. This state of affairs produces overall a rather melancholy tone. While the writing is erudite, it also tends to be a bit convoluted, and occasionally, he forgets what his point was. I found myself at times working very hard to sum up what I had just read, and understand his point.
It is a true art to be able to focus one’s thoughts, and distill them into something laser-like and clear. But I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that he does take on some very weighty subject matter, and manages most of the time to avoid slogans and ranting.
I must indulge a comment on a pet peeve of mine. This author often refers to President Bush as “the shrub”. I find this kind of name calling infantile and distracting. It weakens one’s reasoned arguments to stoop to this kind of junior high mentality. I would be just as annoyed if I was reading Senator Kerry described as “horse face”. If you want to be taken seriously, dump the name calling.
This site would appeal to those who prefer complex arguments and detailed discussion. And I will say that the author is quite willing to engage his readers in said discussions, which are quite interesting to pursue. Curmudgeons aren’t ALL bad you know!