A Thank You & A Goodbye

(Author's Note - 11/29/06: By popular demand and my weakness for ego-stroking, the New Nebraska Network remains open for business. The below may thus seem silly and over-dramatic, but - I assure you - it was written with great conviction and total honesty in the moment.)

With a heavy heart but a telling sense of relief, I am taking leave from the New Nebraska Network, perhaps permanently. Although I recognize the need for a site such as this, I'm no longer willing to make the personal sacrifices that sustained it these last 20 months.

I'll be writing no new posts for at least the next several weeks. And, beyond that, I make no assurances but that this site will never again be what it has been - in terms of both production and personal investment.

Of course, I feel like I'm letting down many of the wonderful readers who've found this site somewhere along the way. To all those who have contributed their own voice to the New Nebraska Network and who have shown me such kindness and respect, you will always have my deepest gratitude for making this experience rewarding and (hopefully) worthwhile.

I am proud of the work we've done at the New Nebraska Network. That's a large part of why I feel compelled to give it up. When it gets right down to it, I have expectations of commitment and quality that I'm no longer able to meet at this site. If I'm going to do something, I want to do it right. Readers deserve no less. I don't want to waste your time or my own with a half-hearted effort insufficient to fulfill the goals and the vision to which I've always adhered.

There is such a need for independent and progressive voices in Nebraska. Whether writing letters to the editor, making phone calls to your state or Congressional representatives, or even starting a blog like this, my greatest hope for this site is that it might have inspired (and yet inspire) others to speak out with courage and conviction. But, having opinions isn't enough. Those of us who respect the power of ideas and trust in democracy must recognize our responsibility to persuade others if we truly believe in change.

It's easy to know you're right. It's easy to speak "the truth" if you're willing to accept the consequences. But, persuasion is an art - one that requires enough confidence in yourself to actually respect those who disagree or share different principles.

The truth is our guide. But, in places like Nebraska, persuasion must be our work. I promise to continue working to win the hearts and minds of the people of Nebraska to new possibilities and a progressive vision for this state we love. For some, this struggle is a political one, but that isn't its essence. Elections, registration numbers, and roll calls are just manifestations of forces far greater than partisan concerns. As I seek new avenues for my passions and skills, I look forward to new voices stepping-in where this site leaves off.

Again, I don't know what - if anything - the future holds for the New Nebraska Network. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has any bright ideas. I just know that, right now, I have other priorities that must take precedent and other interests I must pursue.

Thank you for reading. More importantly, thank you for believing.

Wishing peace and love,

Kyle L. Michaelis