One of my firm intentions upon rebooting this blog was to write a post at least once a week. Two weeks into January, I’m finally here again.

A week ago, I did write a post — a long one — right on schedule. It addressed my thoughts about the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords and the others attending her Congress on the Corner event. After all, this happened here in my hometown, at a grocery store I’ve been at, in front of someone I know personally. It was all rather personal, to me, as it was to many people in this town.

I choose not to upload that post for many reasons, foremost of which was the feeling that nothing I could say would add meaningfully to the discussion. Let me note that a discussion of politics, per se, was not even my core point, and in retrospect I was actually saying something a little different from most. Still, my words would never have been heard and understood in the contentious atmosphere that has followed this tragedy.

I am a die-hard believer in free speech. I also believe that common decency, good judgement, and self-restraint are equally important. By not posting, I chose to exercise the latter.

And that’s all I intend to say about it.