New Old Guy

By Ron Beasley

I'm the new old guy on the block, Ron Beasley. Some of you may know me from Middle Earth Journal, a blog I retired on it's fourth anniversary. I say the new old guy because I'm new here and a bit older than most of the blogosphere. At 62 I represent the leading edge of the baby boomers. I came of political age during the Vietnam war. I remember the 1968 Democratic convention and Kent State. I graduated from college in 1968 and became a member of the US Army in November of that year. I worked as an interrogator in military intelligence. Ironically the unit I belonged to was the organization in part responsible for Abu Ghraib almost 40 years latter.

Following my three years in the military I spent a couple of years living the 70s hippy lifestyle. I woke up one morning and found I had a wife, family and responsibilities. I cut my hair and became a member in good standing of the establishment. I spent over 30 years working as an engineer and manager for some of the largest multi-national corporations. Shortly after 911 I found myself with no wife, grown children and few responsibilities and set out to re-discover that inner hippy.

I started Middle Earth Journal so that I could look at the events today through eyes with over 40 years of experience. I consider myself a progressive but as you will see I don't always agree with my progressive friends. Perhaps it's my experience or perhaps I'm just a cranky old man.

Comments

[Jim Et Al]

Good to see you're still "out there" Ron. After reading your farewell post at MEJ, I had thought you were giving it up for good. And then (surprisingly) you re-appear at Newshoggers, one of my frequent daily stops. Hopefully, you'll find the new digs agreeable.

[fester]

Ron --- welcome aboard and I am so excited to be working and writing with you!

Fester

[Libby]

RON! Welcome aboard from the other old hippy here. I'm thrilled to be working with you as well.

[wufnik]

So there's another one over 60 out here. Whew! That's a relief. I look forward to some wisdom. Right Now! People our age still need instant gratification.

[PW]

Good! You're still in the game!

[Steve Hynd]

Welcome to the crew, Ron, from this young whippersnapper of 43.

Regards, C

[Rudi]

Oh no, another dirty smelly hippie. Didn't your type cause the US loss to USSR and Vietnam. It's heroes like W and Cheney that make us strong...