About ia

The Internet is full of Republican and Democrat political news blogs. But few political blogs exist dedicated to bringing the latest news and the news analysis important to independently minded voters—the fastest growing voting bloc in the nation.

Independent Advocate is a new political news blog that ‘thinks outside the headlines,’ offering independently minded news analysis and the latest news headlines you care about as a critical thinker.

The following essay written by Jared Patterson, a principal contributor to IA, further discusses independent thought and the ideal IA shoots for. 

Advocacy is only considered noble or misguided in the eyes of the individual. Whether it is that of the advocate, the spoken for, or silent observer, the view is determined solely by that individual for that individual. His perception is only wholly useful in his own eyes and only slightly informative for another. Still, advocacy rings fair and honest even if we consider it misguided based on our perception of their conviction. Most of the time we see this as an admirable action despite the cause. It imprints the idea of taking sides, usually with a minority, and while sometimes this is an appealing option, it is hard. Therefore we find simple respect, if ever so quiet, for whom we perceive to be earnest in their convictions or at least with an honest motive in their dishonesty.

But if advocacy is rooted in individual perception and manifests itself in the aching ribs from taking sides, then how can we dare call it independent? Perception cannot be independent as it is based on what is taken in. Reaction is necessary; our subject, our object is forcing choice and with it, change, leaving us affected. Even those with first hand accounted information are shaded by the lights in the room. They are distracted by their wife, their watch, by their eyesight and past lives. Be assured that no writer could claim to have grip on objective reality beyond what already influenced him and what will continue and come to influence. Those who try to recreate the original perception tend to curve in into their own. They are already one step removed from the truth.

Then does this independence come from ignoring the established ideas, rejecting them and with restless spirit and dismissing those first person accounts? No. They can only be closer to the truth that our own perceptions, if written about at all in earnest. Rejecting all in sacrifice for what is only yours leaves you with the opinion that happens to be left.

Thought, as we understand it, can only be independent through the individual’s specific perspective. His influences can only tip his thoughts through what he experiences and what he believes to be the experience and perception of others. Advocacy inside of that idea, staying true to the individual’s consciousness, and seeking to improve that perception, is key to this conviction-lead independence. When sides are taken they are taken with this kick to the ribs. This shrewd decision-making is what is considered individual thought. This is independence; not what is considered factual or what is seen firsthand but the honesty of what is perceived in the mind beyond what is considered doctrinal by others.