About LPJ

Before I begin with the background/history of this e-journal and my personal history, I would like to reveal the basic rules here, not out of choice, but necessity …

(1) All email received to the editor, (lpj_editor@earthlink.net) will be considered for publication unless the author of the email states otherwise. Anything published does not necessarily mean that I agree with or share the opinion or ideology of what is submitted. It is an opportunity for readers to provide their opinion, ideology and essay on what they are knowledgeable about or wish to convey. I enjoy relationship with readers via email, as well as commentary they write within the journal blog. Please do not send attachments - for security reasons I cannot accept them. If you would like to send a photo or two (not too many at one time because it takes too long to download), please paste it into the body of the email.

(2) Submissions are edited for clarity and sometimes reduced in length - unless you choose to send in an essay as a guest writer. Essays are an extension of the comments section provided at the end of each posted article. It is for discussion of the the topic material of the posting, and not just discussions with me, but each other. This practice is encouraged, so don’t be shy. I have been requesting to the folks of WordPress to provide a commentary section that is complete with a word processing menu to make it easier and a built-in spell checker.

(3) Friends of LPJ Mailing List: If you choose to be notified via email about certain important issues coming up and other things concerning LP Journal, just send an email telling me you would like to join “Friends of LPJ” and your email address will be added. This list is totally private, even from other members of Friends of LPJ because I take privacy (yours and mine) seriously and detest Spam. It is not intended to be a periodical mailing device or list gathering - strictly sent on occasion for regular readers [Friends of LPJ] and those who share the same views, philosophies, et cetera.

When requesting to join Friends of LPJ, please include the following to be added to my address book for informational/interest purposes: name (this could be a real name or a nickname; if you use a first name please provide the initial of your surname (last name) because there may be many “John” and “Mary” folks on the list; provide the name of the state or country where you are residing (this is purely to make it interesting where we all hail from or presently live).

No other information is required. If you have your own web site or blog, include the web address as well. Often I include links at my links page of Friends of LPJ, so feel free to include that information. It is private between you and I.

(4) Comments: Bandwidth is expensive. I would prefer that if someone has an essay-length commentary that they would submit it as a guest writer essay rather than a long comment. By being a guest writer, your name will be added to the guest writer list and your biography also added to the “Guest Writer Bio” page provided at the header of the site. Guest writers who are added to the list must submit a biography - photo is optional, but important for folks to see who they are actually reading - strictly psychological, of course; therefore not necessary. Submit photo or two photos to choose from within the body of email - no attachment email allowed for security reasons as stated previously.

Authors of comments are asked to provide links to their sources of information or submissions via email, especially for rebuttals. Please keep your rebuttals respectful. We can disagree with each other without using profanity or abusive name-calling to each other, and I insist on it. Even if you have a legitimate and well-written response, your material will not be published if you insult other commentators, the Editor, or whoever. Sorry, but there is enough of this trash in cyberspace now and giving the word “blogging” a bad name. Thus the reason why I categorize this e-journal as a product of citizen journalism.

Hoax comments will be found out and blocked from being allowed future comments. If profanity appears in a comment, the writer will be notified with one warning and that portion will be edited out. I do not consider using the word “damn” or “Hell” profanity, this is not a word police site. I am talking about, as an example, writing that another commentator (or myself) does sexual things with their relatives or disgusting word attacks. We all have our advocacies we feel strongly about and may get passionate (myself included), but this does not mean we have to be verbally abusive to others who do not disagree. For example, Ken Renner, Tennessee, disagrees with some ideas and thoughts presented here, yet he is a valued Friend of LPJ, as well as a permanent guest writer, hopefully no matter how “hot and heavy” we get on certain subject material. Issues cannot be resolved without looking at things from all sides, so to speak, and never will you show someone your side with any sort of agreement if you are derogatory and being to call each other names, et cetera. Description of one’s political views under the descriptive word usage of political science is not name calling. For example, I am often referred to as a “neo-Con” or neoconservative; a legitimate description of how they view my philosophy or ideology upon political subject material. However, I take offense, and most folks do, of being called a “Nazi” or “Neo-Nazi” - for that is not true, nor am I a proponent/member of the fascist element.

Above all - I do not ever want to make anyone who reads and comments feel intimidated from placing their own views in the comment space provided. If I do, without conscience or intent, forgive me forehand.

It is not just that I believe in freedom of speech, it is just good etiquette. I fiercely disagree with Gordo who publishes Appletree (not to be confused with the UK blog entitled Appletree House) - is a sarcastic, one-sided blog who only focuses upon the Republican Party (GOP) and who advocates Bush-hating rhetoric, instead of objectivity when it comes to American politics, but despite his one-sidedness he has every right to express his sordid opinions.

This is not to say that I am happy with the policies of the dysfunctional Bush administration, but at least I am objective in my disagreements and don’t set out to assassinate one’s character or provide insulting altered photos of those I am opposed to as far as policy and ideology just because I favor a certain political party.

Unjustified personal attacks and racism is not allowed here. I served in the US Army with many people of different backgrounds, ethnic origin and varied pigmentation of skin. We all had one thing in common - we were serving our country and wearing the same uniform. I have incorporated this view into my private and civilian life since then. I may object to actions of certain groups of ethnicity, but make an effort to avoid stereotyping (which is different than statistical profiling).

If someone or some group wants to change statistics, then they are encouraged to do so - but facts are facts. Such things are presented only to encourage a change in the overall view of a particular group and it is based upon character and personal actions, not by looks or ethnic background. I wanted to make that quite clear to readers. And this blog is not just for Americans. I have folks on my Friends of LPJ list that are from other nations, and it is thrilling to me to correspond with them. In terms of cyberspace via the Internet - it is a small world. I encourage other folks from other nations to join in on comments, it spices up the interest factor as well as making new friends. Here at LPJ you can discuss topics amongst yourselves, not just with the editor/publisher or contributing “guest” writer. Comments are welcome, whether they are agreeable to the writer or it is a rebuttal. The only real rule is that everyone conduct themselves like responsible adults and do not use “cuss” words or defame someone’s character because of their opinion. Freedom of Speech is encouraged at this website, but be aware that the freedom of speech does not mean that someone cannot disagree or must agree with what you write. Enuff said. {”Enuff”, “stuff”,”widgets” are a few of my favorite words that is not common to an ordinary dictionary}. And finally - no advertising. This is directed to those who post advertisement of their website - commercial or otherwise - and this does not include source links of information pertaining to what you are commenting about. Spammers are not welcome here.

And now for the background of Lighthouse Patriot Journal …

Searching for Truth in a Sea of Misinformation is the official motto of the e-journal and blog website – Lighthouse Patriot Journal. Established in 1999 as a newsletter/website entitled Keefer’s Korner, by 2000 it blossomed into a multi-page website designed with pages according to the subject material (Kritter Korner, Weird Science, Our America, World Around US, Theologium, Bibliotheca, Time Capsule, On Camera [Hollyweird News/Films], Tea Time [humor] and On Stage [Music/Performers]). Tea Time was dedicated to the memory of Benny Hill, the late British comedienne who made the world laugh, as well as Laurel and Hardy - the comedy team that began their career before moving pictures could “talk.” Once in a while you will see these original categories of subject appear in titles of postings, Time Capsule, for example. It is descriptive, but for me pure nostalgia.

As the change progressed the world of blogging became more popular where articles/postings could be archived more easily (and less expensive), groups forming according to subject material, et cetera – and blogging became a favorite because readers could actively participate via discussion using the comment widget. So, after a brief time off the Internet in late 2005, by 2006 Lighthouse Patriot Journal became an official e-journal/blog with web pages attached, but more briefly than before.

As from the beginning, the editor/author, me, Keith Lehman, is not partial or affiliated with any particular political party and the advocacy portion of the LPJ is really simple: (1) Promote reform of our nation’s government, specifically those elected from local level to the Capital; (2) emphasize the importance of compliance with the US Constitution; (3) wrestle away power from those who have changed our government system to something other than what the Founders established; insist through constant vigilance and personal attention that those we elect perform their duties as statesmen and stateswomen and leave the politics for election time; (4) return the power back to the people; (5) ensure that our educational institutions teach civic government courses (not just politics) and keep the American citizen informed to encourage responsible and knowledgeable voting, and above all to ensure that those in our government protect the interests of the United States, as well as being true to America’s allies. But there is more to Lighthouse Patriot Journal than advocacy for a return to the Founder’s plan for a democratic republic. As mentioned above, many topics are encouraged to be discussed, thus the reason why the introduction of allowing guest writers to submit essays and Op/Ed type of written thought. LPJ is presently a non-profit entity, in fact, I don’t even ask for or receive donations, at least until the expenses reach a point where I may have to. The rising cost will probably change this.

I would like to make some improvements, in the form of a commercial page (Lighthouse Shoppe) with quality and reasonably priced merchandise based upon the nautical theme, animal theme of Kritter Korner, lawn and garden items and other unusual household items and knick-knacks. Nothing huge, just provide a service as well as an opportunity to pass on unique merchandise at as reasonable of cost as possible and still come out in the “black” when it comes to profit. Maybe some special items like LPJ T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, et cetera. Will see how that goes and what the future brings. It takes funding to establish such a system, but in the meantime any suggestions/information is welcome.

Categories or bookmarks are listed to find posted articles concerning a specific topic, and there is no limit to what topic will be presented – this is not just a political discussion site, although it dominates because of important issues and events to be addressed. For example, I am deeply interested in history, archaeology, literature and general theology – so you will see these subjects being covered from time to time.

As stated above, you can also request to be a Guest Writer – where you send your essay (topic of your choice) to lpj_editor@earthlink.net and request it be printed. I only edit it for grammar/punctuation – not your content, unless containing profanity - allegations is not always based upon truth, but still printed with my own rebuttal. If I disagree with all or part of the content, I will merely post a paragraph at the beginning of the essay attributed to you with the fact that I do not agree with all or part of what a person wrote. But, most of the time folks write about what is interesting to them and feel others might be interested as well. I highly advise that you provide your sources/links to information that you base your essays or comments on. This is good practice and, after all, the motto here is “Searching for Truth in a Sea of Misinformation”.

Suggestions and constructive criticism is always welcome – and remember that here at LPJ it is the readership that makes this journal/blog what it is. If you noticed, readers contribute greatly here – and most welcome – it’s all about readership. Any email sent to LPJ is subject to be reprinted, unless you specifically state that you do not want it reprinted. It is easier and more efficient this way instead of requesting permission. [See Acknowledgements, About Publisher, & Code of Conduct]