C.S. Lewis said we read to know we are not alone, and I am sure that is true. But I would say it is also why we write, or one of many reasons why I do. It is my letter to the world, like Emily Dickinson; my tossing of Eleanor Rigby s rice; the sounding of my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world like Walt Whitman. These are the best perks that come with writing this column: to find out I am not as isolated as I sometimes feel, and help others know they are not alone either.
Austin Bailey is an Arkansas treasure. I met her when she worked at the non-profit For AR People with my friend Gennie Diaz, educating the public about issues that concern us, and keeping lawmakers accountable. Now she contributes her genius through the Arkansas Times, and was kindly instrumental in publishing my work there on several occasions before I became a columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
A few months ago a reader reached out to ask: "After reading the legal notifications of the amendments that will be on the November ballot, would you be willing to write a column that lays out what is really at stake?"