Why Blue Flame?

I have created this blog with a two-fold purpose in mind. The first reason is that I will be teaching an online course beginning in the new year, and this will be a convenient spot to post topics which my students can then comment on. Secondly, I need a place where I can discuss my passion: politics. So why the title "Blue Flame?" I was driving home a few weeks ago and heard a local talk show host describing how she had heard a radio show where the guest said that he ran a business because it was his blue flame. He went on to say that the blue flame was the hottest part of the flame and that when we feel passionately about something, that is our blue flame and we should do whatever it takes to keep that flame alive. Politics is my blue flame. I am both fascinated and often disgusted by it. I care deeply about the direction our country is going, but sometimes it's hard to watch as it goes the wrong way. It's like a bad car accident as you drive by it on the freeway. You can't look away. Whatever's happening in politics whether locally or nationally, I can't seem to look away. So I may as well watch, and participate! I teach Political Science and American Government at a local ground campus and will now begin teaching online. Additionally, I am active on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I also regularly call my elected officials and voice my opinions, I talk with my friends and family about the issues, I volunteer, protest, and get involved when possible. And of course, I vote. This blog will serve as another place to fan my blue flame.