Why We Write

This blog has always been a head scratcher for me. I wrote a book because I had something to say. I started a blog because that’s what authors are supposed to do. The problem was that the stuff I wanted to blog about wasn’t the kind of stuff writers are supposed to talk about, so I tried to blog like writer. I posted book reviews and other ‘writer stuff’ that seemed to fit the mold, but it was about as appetizing as plain oatmeal and as inspiring as the ingredient label.
It wasn’t me.
I still couldn’t resist writing about the mess going on in Iraq. Heck, in September of 2012 (two year ago!), I ask the question, “Is Iraq headed for civil war?” There were a few more posts like that as well. They felt right, but that isn’t what writers are supposed to talk about. So I held my peace and soon lost interest as this page gathered dust month after month. I had plenty to say about politics, foreign policy, society, etc, but no place to say it. After all, writers can’t be political. They have to be neutral as not to alienate readers…don’t they?
Then I asked, “What would the great authors blog about?” Would Orwell post pictures of cuddly kittens and host guest blogs by Faulkner about the differences between metaphors and similes?
I doubt it.
I can imaging Mark Twain’s thoughts on the subject. Maybe something like, “A neutral writer is a neutered writer.”
 
That brings me to last Friday morning.
I stood in the courthouse, my eldest son by my side, in front of friends, family, and the citizens of our county to renew my oath of office. As I recited those words, another oath taken in May of 1997 came to mind.
 
“I, Robert Mathis, having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of second lieutenant do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God." (DA Form 71, 1 August 1959, for officers.)
 
It was the oath I swore when commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.
That morning stirred something inside me that has been simmering for a long time, something that’s been tugging from a place I couldn’t see.
For years, I have been blessed to speak on behalf of our men and women in uniform on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day in schools, churches, and other venues. On these occasions, I have done my best to extol the virtues of honor, duty, and patriotism. When these opportunities arose, I spoke with passion and purpose because I believed in what I said.
In thinking about this, I came to realize what’s been nagging me all this time.
In a word: Duty.
To my knowledge, the oath I swore over seventeen years ago has no expiration date. It still binds me. It always will.
I have an obligation to promote America and the ideals that made her great, to defend them from all enemies, foreign and domestic…And two times a year just ain’t gonna cut it.
I now understand that I am not a writer who is patriotic. I am a patriot who writes.
That’s why I’m relaunching this blog under the name Steel on Target—to conduct a vigorous defense of liberty, justice, honor, and the other virtues that have kept America strong and free for 240 years.
This is not a place for rants, hatred, or demagoguery. It is, instead, a place to discuss the ideas and issues that face our country and society in an honest and concise way that is sorely needed.
I invite you to join me in this endeavor.
Our nation faces threats politically, militarily, and culturally from sources both foreign and domestic. We will apply logic, reason, and historical precedent to find and promote solutions to these issues.
So let’s identify the problems, arm ourselves with Truth, and put steel on target.