I think one of the goals I had, when I got into opinion writing was to be part of The Discussion.
I've achieved that, to a limited degree, but with a couple of realizations along the way.
* That I'm not the intellectual I'd like to be. That's not to say I don't have value. I just see my limits rather clearly these days.
* That a lot of intellectuals are as driven by their emotions and flaws and passions as anybody else, but they have a better vocabulary, and sometimes -- not always -- more self-awareness about it.
Obvious, perhaps. I think I imagined a certain level of smart people would be kind of like Spock -- rigorous, brilliant, and with an interest in putting aside their basest emotions to get at the logic of an issue. Nah.
