The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

My initial reason for starting this BLOG was because the local newspapers would not print most of my opinions.

I comment about the things that interest me most or are the happenings in the world that are of real concern.

Everything I want to reveal about myself is in the About The Author page on the BLOG.  Read two or three of my opinion pieces and you know about my views on world and national affairs.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

My writing style has probably changed in some ways although I do not know any specifics.  I find that the outrageous and unusual pictures and comments draw more attention to the BLOG.  Thus Why are most Mexicans in Mexico so poor? posted on September 20, 2007 is still the most read column I have written.

The cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated magazine continues to be a popular item to view.  It was meant to be a funny commentary.  I wonder how many men from countries that hide their women in burkas looked at that picture.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

The U.S. Election day in November 2008 and an inauguration 2009 brought the most viewers to my BLOG.  Recently posted photos also brought the BLOG significant attention.  Comments have been few.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

I have not had any significant communication with other bloggers.  I have posted my opinion on their sites but there have been no on-going discussions.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

Tweeter is the thing now.  Although tweeting seems to be a rage at this time I do not expect it to survive.  My reasoning is that most people are too busy to bother with the technology.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

No.  One of the fastest growing populations in the world is the seniors.  Many of them are not tech savvy at all.  Television will continue to be the primary source of communication.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

In the U.S.A. commentators want to eon hole people as “liberals” or “conservatives”.  This is totally unrealistic.  Most Americans are not part of a specific ideology.  I am part of that group that does not hold hard conformity to any group view.  As noted in my columns I am not a member of any political party.

I am looking for real solutions.  I do not care about the source.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

Optimism about the future.  I prefer to avoid looking back.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

Happiest was the day I graduated from college.  Close seconds are the day I was married and the day my son was born.

Since I do not look back this was hard to recall.  Not terribly gloomy but in a tie.  The day I had to refinance my home with a loan that would help avoid bankruptcy.  That is tied with the day I was laid off from my very best job because the company was going out of business (no fault of mine).

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

• London
• Mumbai
• Hong Kong

What is your favorite book and why?

The book is titled “1776” written by David McCollough.  It is a well written tale of the roots and struggle for America.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

Frowning or smiling

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

No one.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

My blog is done for my pleasure.  I would be happy to write for Newsweek, Time, or a newspaper.  It’s not likely.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

Probably true unless they also work for a major publication.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

Talk and communicaton is better than war

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

# All That Natters
# An Alternate View
# Crooks and Liars
# Nouriel Roubini’s Economic Monitor

There is no number 5

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
Why are most Mexicans in Mexico so poor?

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
Sorry to say this but they are poor and too many are very backward.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
No one.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

I have only traveled to Canada (a developed country) and Mexico (a developing country).  The difference is the level of opportunity in the developed country.  The prerequisite is education for all citizens.  The opportunity to create business is the avenue to a developed country.  Mexico’s monopolies prevent the country from evolving into a developed country.

What is the future of blogging?
The Wordpress success speaks for itself.  The desire for communication and the opportunity to speak to the entire world makes blogging along with texting the communicaton path for at least the next decade.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
Blogging has provided a window to many people.  It has given those in other places both in the U.S and. elsewhere to learn about the real concerns about a real American.  This communications path helps bring worldwide understanding.  It’s better than war.

What are your future plans?

Keep trying to convince the world that Californians are just people trying to make a living and enjoy life.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

Read the United States Declaration of Independence.  Work towards achieving the objectives it promotes.

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