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Saturday, September 01, 2007

I Sign Autographs

Today I left work for a bit to get some lunch down at McDonald’s (doing my part for the nation’s “health care crisis) and while standing in line a nice man named Steve came up to me and asked if my name was Rob Port.  A bit confused, I answered in the affirmative at which point he turned and walked back to his table to retrieve the latest issue of the Dakota Beacon (a North Dakota-centric political magazine I write for).

Steve promptly flipped the magazine open to my column and asked me if I signed it.  I was...taken back.  And slightly embarrassed.  I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything making me worthy of this kind of treatment, but I obliged with my autograph regardless.

What really interested me, however, was that Steve isn’t actually a North Dakotan.  He actually lives in Duluth Minnesota, and said that he was put onto this blog via a friend in South Dakota.  He learned of the Beacon through my references to it in posts and makes a point of picking it up whenever he comes through the state.

My point in posting on this exchange is two-fold:

First, I wanted to invoke the humorous and rather absurd image of yours truly standing in line at McDonald’s and signing an autograph so that you could all laugh at me.  I can only imagine what the other people in the restaurant where thinking.  “Who the heck is this guy?”

Second, and a bit more seriously, it’s rather gratifying to know that things like blogs and the Dakota Beacon are breaking through and actually reaching people.  Though I must say that I never planned on becoming any sort of a public figure.

Comments

I think you’re a terrific writer and debater, Rob.

RoxanneAkimbo on September 1, 2007 at 02:09 pm
Rob
Rob
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Well thanks for that!  Mostly I just try to have fun.  That anybody reads this stuff is just gravy.


The war against illegal plunder has been fought since the beginning of the world. But how is… legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime. Then abolish this law without delay … If such a law is not abolished immediately it will spread, multiply and develop into a system.

Frédéric Bastiat, The Law

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

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Rob on September 1, 2007 at 02:24 pm

you deserve the acclaim.  You have worked hard to get to become a noted opinion maker in Dakota and I am proud to have met you.

Well done man.


the AVATAR
Old Tigers are more dangerous when they believe this could be their last hunt.

From , “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”
Old tigers, sensing the end,
they’re at their most fierce. 
And they go down fighting.

Gene on September 1, 2007 at 02:44 pm

I agree with Gene.  Kudos to you Rob for not only putting the time and effort to post interesting subjects but also for having your blog be an open forum for comments and guest articles.

Actually, you shouldn’t be surprise on the diversity of your audience since many of the commentors and guest posters are from other states.


Being liberal is never having to admit you’re wrong

docdave on September 1, 2007 at 02:51 pm

Don’t let it go to your head.  See, I know Steve and he’s not just a blog-fanatic—he’s an Identity Theif.  I’m sure he has big plans for your signature…

rasberry


[Feet make good soup!]

Marty on September 1, 2007 at 03:59 pm
Avatar for HG

Way to go Rob.  Keep up the good work.

HG on September 1, 2007 at 08:43 pm

I was just as star struck when I saw you at the Dakota Beacon banquet, Rob...but then you introduced me to Brett Narloch and I forgot who you were.

Just kidding smile

Cf

Clint F on September 1, 2007 at 09:01 pm

That is so cool. Uh, Rob, Will you send me your autograph? I live in Texas and I think I am one of your biggest fans!…

Zsa Zsa on September 2, 2007 at 05:22 am
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