Running this blog is not always fun. Sometimes I have to deal with lonely Internet freaks or irate surfers and disgruntled naysayers who read one post and have a stroke. Every now and then I have to deal with readers who want to use my blog as their own personal forum. Or trash dump. But I must say, most people are civil most of the time.

Last week I reached the 2 million unique visitors mark. Didn’t notice until yesterday. It’s great. I appreciate the readership, but what’s important is being a much-needed voice, one you don’t hear very often. I’m not always right, but God has given me this forum to share, learn, and grow. I’m thankful every day.

By the way, around this time last year, I gave up a steady paycheck to escape the 9-5. And I still have a roof over my head. It hasn’t always been smooth. In fact, at times it’s been rough, but I have no regrets. I highly recommend self-employment. It’s very…satisfying.

I’ve posted a couple of hate e-mails in the past, but since the good stuff outweighs the junk, I thought I’d share a few of those:

Hello La Shawn,

I just found your blog yesterday and last night I was thanking the Lord for you. I have often felt that I am all alone being a black, female, conservative christian, and political independent. Most of the blacks I know align themselves with the Democratic party even though they are conservative Christians and most of my white Christian friends align themselves with the Republicans. My non Christian or liberal Christian or Catholic friends are staunch liberal Democrats. I have a couple of close friends who say they are independent but always, always vote Democrat…I am soooooooo glad that God has given you this forum. I will be praying that He continues to bless you with wisdom, discernment, and courage and for His protection.

Thanks again for not being ashamed to speak up.

Sincerely,
Rhonda B.

Hi LaShawn:

I am one of those people who discovered your blog while researching the Duke rape case.

What a rare find! I find your writings insightful, factual and well crafted. You are an articulate voice for conservative philosophy. I also think you deserve a lot of credit for having assembled such a thoughtful and cordial group of regular commentators.

That being said, do understand that I am a moderate Democrat, and likely to remain so, in spite of my respect for conservatism. Your blog, as well as the American Conservative, are publications that I value highly
and whose opinions I look to cogent thought that deserves serious thought. Even though we don’t agree on every point, we have a great deal in common.

I just wanted to let you know that you have a “lurking” Democrat fan who admires you. I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer.

Wishing you continued success,

Laurie

I have only this to tell you. Say it! Say it loud and clear.

All I know is this. As a “white” man…no matter what I say, no matter how I say it, no matter what I do, no matter how I do it, everyone is going to bitch about it.

So I might as well say what I think, do what I want, and let them bitch.

Words cannot [express] the admiration I feel for you for expressing the exact same sentiment. You, ma’am, are an exemplar for your sex and a credit to the whole human race.

Oh, and by the way, I’m also a Romantics scholar whose only concern is for what is beautiful and what is true. You, Ms. Barber, are beautiful, because you speak the truth.

Scott C.

I came as a legal immigrant to this country in 1961 due to communism in Cuba. When my parents wanted to get my sister and myself out of Cuba to come into the U.S. they had to jump through several hoops. When I came into the U.S. in 1961 I arrived as a legal resident with the green card. I am thankful for this country and am a proud American. I am against illegal immigration 100% I do not need for these Hispanics who support
illegals to speak for me as they do not speak for me one iota. There are many Hispanics out there who like me are against this illegal immigration. It is unfair for those who have applied to come into the U.S. in a legal fashion to be ignored because of these illegal immigrants. Yet under the proposal in Congress they would allow most illegals to stay in the U.S. in a path for citizenship. What about those who are complying with the laws to come into the U.S. Anything related to allowing the illegals to stay I do not care what ever term is called I call it appeasement pure and simple.

Al G.

What a beautiful woman!!! INSIDE AND OUT!

Consider this a rave review. I am most impressed by everything I saw and read at your web site. I do plan to be a regular…Sincerely from an instant FAN,

Dan S.

Thank you for reading my blog.