It is hard to believe that a year has passed since I started williamstewart.org in earnest. What a year it has been.
When I started my blog, it was just me and — well, it was just me — even my mom wouldn’t visit. Now 15,000 visitors come each month, many of them West Virginians.
This year has been one of controversy. Throughout my commentary I tried to call it like I saw it, but that did not keep many of you from challenging me. Sometimes you were right and I admitted it, but then sometimes you were wrong and I just bunkered down until the firing stopped.
Either case, I was always grateful for your honest comments and taking the time to discuss the issues. It kept my words responsible. I couldn’t do it without you.
I have a challenge for all 15,000 of you: email this article to one friend encouraging them to visit the site. If you like what I’m doing perhaps the email could go like this:
“I though you might want to read the commentary of a conservative West Virginian in the Charleston area. He gives a unique perspective on the issues facing our state.”
If you can’t stand my site, your email can rip me:
“This guy is a despicable cad. He is living proof not all mentally ill are institutionalized.”
Just make sure you send the email. I have included some of this year’s best articles below to help you pitch the site. To the mercenary among us: no, you won’t get a commission.
Thanks for a great 2005! I’ll see you on the other side.
Byrd on Rice: an unsavory combination
January 26th — Senator Robert C. Byrd has done all he can to block a minority woman from being Secretary of State. While there is no doubt Condoleezza Rice has widespread popularity and support from both sides of the aisle, that does not stop the incorrigible Senator from joining radical liberals like Senators Barbara Boxer and Ted Kennedy in grandstanding before the U.S. Senate. The Senator’s hour-long, ranting speech was so generic, so sporadic in topics, it was difficult to even discern who he was speaking against. Was it Mrs. Rice, the President, Republicans or maybe just life in general?
West Virginia Patriots for Peace in error
May 26th — It was my distinct misfortune to happen upon the “What We Believe” section of the website of Patriots for Peace. Out of curiosity I started reading and had a good laugh. Although I can laugh at their ignorance of the facts, of the meaning of common words, and understanding of United States law, it is also sad.
Say yes to Joe Manchin or else
June 20th — During his remarks at a local AEP event, Governor Joe Manchin proceeded to threaten local millionaire, Don Blankenship, for purchasing $250,000 worth of ads criticizing the Governor’s pension bond proposal.
Morally right and morally wrong, Congress style
July 29th — When I heard a Democrat in Congress — the name escapes me — declare yesterday that Justice Roberts’ nomination process is “morally wrong” it got me wondering just what Congress views as morally right and morally wrong. A quick review of what has been said during the 109th session in both houses is an eye-opener indeed.
Bailey’s boldness
August 27th — I spoke to Senator Russ Weeks regarding his recent mistake in unwittingly awarding $25,000 to Wyoming County Council on Aging and Bob Graham. The Senator told me in no uncertain terms that he had “put a stop to it.” Obviously his promise to the Daily Mail to withdraw his portion of the budget digest funds was not an empty one.
I am convinced from working with Senator Weeks that he has a genuine desire to use his position to do all he can for his constituency.
Senator Billy Wayne Bailey, however, is refusing to withdraw his $30,000 award to a department that has squandered thousands of your tax dollars.
West Virginia Democrats claim to support fixing eminent domain
September 23rd — Ignoring the fact that Governor Manchin refused to put the issue of eminent domain on September special session’s call and that any resolution introduced by Republicans on the issue were summarily voted down my Democrats, the Monongalia County Democratic Executive Committee published an full-color ad in the Monongalia Times, misrepresenting the Democrat’s true record.
Democrats threaten to fire Sprouse employees
September 29th — Knowing that Senator Sprouse is considering refiling his lawsuit with the Supreme Court against the Governor and the legislature, the Democrats threatened to fire the employees of Senator Vic Sprouse if we participate in the lawsuit’s preparation.
The significance of 2,000
October 26th — Why are the liberals infatuated with round numbers? They announce with a sickening mixture of pompousness and forced piety that 2,000 soldiers have died in Iraq and that is proof of the United States’ failure.
The insanity of perpetual failure
November 29th — I had the privilege to speak to the West Virginian Council of Churches at their yearly forum to compare their agenda with the Republican platform. Even though they have a history of supporting liberal causes, they were very gracious and hospitable.
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Comments
Excellent “Year in Review.” Be sure to check mine out.
Here’s to 2006!
Jim
I used to skip over the majority of WV bloggers who weren’t at the college level, but since I’ve found your blog, it’s required reading for me. Here’s to a great year and another one yet to come! I promise I’ll have more posts for you and my other readers soon…certain obligations have delayed my normal schedule for months now, but I believe it’s all getting rolling again!
-UB
Good stuff here dude. It was great to finally get to meet you in person at the blogger round-up. I’ll pass your address on to several buddies of mine, as well as some family. Take care!
Hi UB: Thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement. It’s good to hear you will be writing more frequently — I’m a daily visitor.
Hi Stacey: I had a blast at Taylor Books and enjoyed meeting you. We are definitely going to have to do it again. Thanks for passing my link on — I need all the help I can get!
For those who don’t know what we are talking about, we had the first annual capital-area bloggers meeting this morning at Taylor Books.
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