About the Authors
Matt Benchener: Matt is the founder, editor, and primary author for TruPolitics. He also writes a bi-weekly political commentary column for The Bulletin, a Philadelphia-area newspaper.
In 2009, Matt was elected to the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors where he now serves as Vice-Chairman. The Board of Supervisors serves as both the legislative and executive branch of Newtown Township.
Professionally, Matt is a manager at a national financial services institution. He is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and lives with his wife Amy in Newtown, PA.
For more information on the election visit Matt Benchener for Supervisor.
Edward Mahee: Edward is a bi-weekly contributor to TruPolitcs. Writing under a pen name, Mr. Mahee boasts an extensive legal background and currently practices law in the Philadelphia area. He is an emerging conservative thinker. Mr. Mahee began writing for the site in July, 2009.
Guest Authors: TruPolitics also hosts a variety of guest authors, spanning the spectrum of political thought. We invite all viewpoints so as to further the discussion and challenge thinking. If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please contact Matt at mbenchener@gmail.com.
Podcasts: Joining Matt on the bi-weekly TruPolitics Podcast is Ian Franklin, a frequent conservative commentator and writer. The podcast can downloaded directly through iTunes (search “TruPolitics”), or through the site.
TruPolitics.net, quickly approaching over 20,000 visitors, has been featured on many websites and in various publications:
Websites: AdvanceUSA.org; DailyPaul.com (Ron Paul 2012); NewZingo.com; FreeRepublic.com; ConservativeHQ.com; Resistnet.com; TheOxpecker.blogspot.com; TheDailySwitch.com; RegularFolksUnited.com
Publications: Bucks County Courier Times; The Advance of Bucks County; The Bulletin; U.S Congressional Hearings on Agriculture, 2009 (Article cited)
…and many more!
Matt,
That was a pretty good look at the two views of America. What bothers me the most is that you have decided to print letters/essays without attribution. If we have the courage of our convictions, we should all be “John Hancocks” and provide our full names and identifying characteristics. If you refer to me again, please explain that I’m a Nebraska-born retired public school educator living in Eugene, Oregon. I would love to know who “Maker” and “Ender” are, and why they hide behind pseudonyms. I’m proud of you for speaking your mind and signing your name.
Your uncle and one of your staunchest supporters, regardless of political convictions,
Saylor Smith
I agree with your point about attribution–that is why I have chosen to print my full name at the end of each article. I think it’s important for authors to take responsibility for what they write. Otherwise, you get what happens on most other blogs, which is emotional, reactive, and unmeasured responses with little accountability. And we certainly get some of that here–I try to limit it as best I can to keep the site what it is meant to be: a fair and rational look at politics. However, some people can’t, for professional or personal reasons, use their actual names, and I understand that as well. It’s a tough balance to strike, and I appreciate the courage of anyone who writes under their real name.
I hope I’m never too old to learn — I think I’ve learned during this exchange that there are, indeed, viable reasons for an individual choosing to remain anonymous when putting his or her views out there for public consumption. I will hereafter trust that the blogmeister of TruPolitics will make wise and fair decisions regarding who may or may not submit a piece anonymously. As for me, I accept the sincerity and integrity of both “Maker” and “Ender” in the intelligent presentation of their views and offer no further complaint as to their decisions to withhold their identities.
Hi Matt, I read your OpEd piece the other day which prompted me to contact you. I would like to invite you to the Thomas Jefferson Club meeting on Tuesday July 14 at the Temperance House in Newtown at 8:00pm.
We are a group of conservatives from all parties who support the Constitution, individual liberties, limited government, and the values of Western culture.
Jeff McGeary is our President,whom I believe you represent in the 6th district. We would like to have your support and would welcome your considerable insight into the issues.
I hope we see you there!
Regards, Bill Hoffer
PS. Your blog is excellent. Would you consider helping us with some writing?
Hey Matt
It’s Orr. I sent a left-leaning friend your website and he liked what he read aside from one thing: he wanted more documented fact rather than what he sees as your thoughts. Although I know you, and I know you wouldn’t publish anything not well-documented, I think if your goal is to target the left then you should make it as black and white as possible so that far leftist people (like my friend) cannot rationalize their way out of listening to what you’re saying by simply saying “oh, it wasn’t documented therefore it must be just partisan hyperbole.”
Orr, thanks for sending your friend to the site and for providing some solid feedback. I think it’s a fair observation, and I try very hard to keep away from pure partisan rhetoric. I’ve said a few times that I’m not here to represent Republicans or Democrats (and I’ve come out against both), but simply to analyze issues from a Constitutional and conservative perspective.
Unfortunately, I tend to disagree with President Obama and the Democratic Party on almost all issues. This is, at its core, because they come from a political framework that is fundamentally different from my own (and from that of the Founders’). Certainly, there are many Republicans that I also take issue with for the same reasons. I try to walk the line of saying what I believe to be true through reasoned argument, and not appearing as another anti-Obama writer.
That being said, I find your friend’s observation interesting. I try to provide statistics and cut and dry facts on the site, but always tie them back into the overarching socio-political idea. In the end, politics is a question of human philosophy and thought, both of which are informed and supported by underlying facts/statistics. So, for example, there is no statistic that proves the injustice of large government. Rather, we can understand the injustice by elaborating on the loss of liberty, one citizen paying for another’s wants/needs, or the control of government over the choice of man.
I will be cognizant of your friend’s observation, and I hope we can continue to be a positive influence in the ugly and difficult world of politics.
hey matt,
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been following your blog and campaign a bit. Even though I disagree with just about everything you say, I love that you are thoughtful and passionate about it. I started my own little blog thing about a week ago. I may start responding to what you’ve written, maybe we can start a friendly debate back and forth if your interested.
http://meoutsidethebox.wordpress.com/