What This Blog Is Not

Sometimes the obvious must be stated, and this is one of those times.


"Articles of Secession" is admittedly a provocative if not outright inflammatory title, a choice based on search engine optimization, all-around attention-getting, and a metaphor I hope to develop over successive posts.


That metaphor must be separated from more literal meanings. Members of the intelligence and counterintelligence communities are as welcome as any other readers, but they will find little of professional interest.


I should explain.


First, to repeat and clarify, the title is "Articles of Secession," not "Articles of Sedition." This blog will not advocate the overthrow of any government, foment civil unrest, or encourage destructive activity of any sort. All those have been tried and found sorely wanting, and they are beside the point.


Second, this blog will not discuss the United States Civil War, which began 150 years ago. Historians have devoted their life's work to the subject, and I would not even know where to begin in critiquing or improving on their work. Likewise, anyone with tender feelings for the Confederate States of America or hope for its revival will have to look elsewhere.


Third, this blog will not the advocate the political secession of any part of any country. The only country of which I am a citizen is the United States, which I would just as soon keep intact (see the preceding paragraph), and I will not presume to say how other countries' borders should be drawn. What I can say is that political secession almost inevitably entails violence, for which I do not wish to bear moral responsibility. Moreover, for the purposes of this discussion political secession is beside the point.


What is the point, then, if it does encompass these common meanings? I will begin that discussion in the next post.