Why the
Silence Dogood Approach?
By Billy H. Balian
Why the Silence Dogood approach?
by, Billy H. Balian
If you are looking for the historical record and the writings of “Silence Dogood” from the New England Courant, after you read through this simple message, I have included some links that you’ll find for further research. Many learned of these essays written by Franklin for the first time in the 2004 hit movie, “National Treasure” starring Nicolas Cage.
In a nutshell Benjamin Franklin wrote letters to the New England Courant under a pseudonym to submit his viewpoints. As I have pointed out in the Who is Billy section of this website, I hope you will focus more on “what” I am writing than “who” is doing the writing.
I have taken this approach for many reasons but, one main reason is protecting the names of folks I reference, and the stories shared in my writings. They are real, honest and others can learn from them so, I wanted to make sure the message and the story is what is taken from them, not the actual people who lived it.
It's not a mystery or some conspiracy, as I said in my bio, many people through years have done this so. I ask this of you. Read, ponder and reflect on the message and meanings of the writings and articles and books shared on this website and through social media posts, not on who I am. I pray you will glean something fruitful from what I am sharing. Enjoy.
As I mentioned in the beginning, here are some links if you wish to learn more about Benjamin Franklin and his many pseudonym writings including “Silence Dogood”.
Further Reading Resources:
https://www.masshist.org/online/silence_dogood/essay.php?entry_id=203
WANT TO COMMENT? ... please read this one, too!
Before you make any comments read this:
I know you probably think I’ve said or did something wrong. And that’s great. I’ve probably said something wrong or did do something wrong – maybe to you. Argue if you must I love discussions. I don’t think that your disagreeing with me means that you hate me and I certainly do not hate you either - should I?
First – Understand that I view this entire site as an ongoing project – you might be chiming in late, and you’re welcome to do that –feel free to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Just be prepared for me to refer you here, to this policy.
Second – This is my house. These are my rules. I’m happy to share with you as long as you extend similar courtesy, but that will be your choice. I reserve the right to edit your comment or delete them. If you really want to come after me, that’s fine too. I’d just prefer we did it in person, it’s harder to hate on someone to their face. What's the point really?
Third – Play the ball. Not the man. We’re hopefully all grown-ups here. Conversation can get heated. Arguments can happen. But make sure you’re not engaging in ad hominem fallacies, or conflating position and person – people have inherent value, arguments don’t always… I don’t buy into the idea that negativity or disagreement are, by definition, not loving or disrespectful.
Fourth – I like to think that this is a civil environment – but if your tone is consistently something I don’t appreciate, I’ll politely invite you to start your own blog or take the next available shuttle to Jupiter or similar planet, I kid I kid.
Fifth – If you really don’t like what I’ve said or done but can’t substantiate your complaint by showing me that I’m wrong or a fool, I’d like you to make your alternative case as passionately, forthrightly and clearly as possible – but don’t hang around whining and wishing I’d change. Change the channel. Go somewhere else. Nobody is forcing you to read or take part and no one is perfect - are you?
Sixth – I reserve the right to quote comments - I assume your comments are public to.
Seventh – If I’ve misrepresented you, please tell me. If I’ve “hurt your feelings” – please tell me, but don’t expect me to care all that much unless I’ve misrepresented you. Offense is almost completely subjective, and it’s not a great measure of truth or love.
Eighth – Interpret charitably. It’s possible, especially given point seven, that I do not mean what you think I mean. Ask. Preferably before taking offense. It’s possible I’m just wrong. Tell me. But assume that I, like all people, am completely fallible. I make mistakes. Don’t read looking for sarcasm, I try not to be sarcastic in anything I do or say, well generally speaking of course. Don’t judge me on the basis of one area of my life. We live and learn throughout.
These are my ideas, they’re my words, these are my experiences but, they’re not my whole life.
Ninth – Try not to say anything online that you wouldn’t say to my face. Try not to say anything about anybody that you wouldn’t say to them really, I mean right?
It is my belief that you deserve to know your rights and responsibilities as a visitor and commenter on this site. You also deserve to know my rights, responsibilities, and intentions as site owner with regards to the comment-related data you freely provide. Consequently, this Comment Policy governs your responsibilities and discloses my intent with your comment data and all that other stuff. If you are unsure what something means, please ask.
AND FINALLY: Visitors agree to “hold harmless” the site owner and from any and all legal repercussions, damages, and liabilities perceived to have been caused by participating within the pages of this site. While this may be a pseudonym, I will state I live in the United States of America governed by a little Amendment, well the 1st one in our Constitution.
Here you go https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript