When There's Nothing New to Say

It’s been over a month since my last article.

Regular readers will remember that I write here as a cathartic experience and as a way to contribute when I think I have something of value to say. In the less than two years I’ve been publishing on Substack, I’ve managed to put out a few dozen articles, albeit with fairly long gaps between some pieces.

Lately, though, I’ve found myself with little inspiration. The descent of Trump’s America into chaos and stupidity continues unabated, but even the critiques have grown repetitive and stale. One can only write about Trump’s idiotic choices so many times as the United States lurches from self-generated crisis to crisis on the international stage.

Similarly, but more positively, there isn’t a lot I feel that I have to say on the domestic front, especially in my usual area of commentary - defence. Gratifyingly, Ottawa appears to be translating its rhetoric into action; the pivot away from the United States umbrella seems genuine and seems to be moving extremely rapidly. There are major projects in the pipeline, most of which have my wholehearted support. The big one, submarines, is well beyond my area of expertise (I’ve been on them but am not qualified to critique a purchase) and I have repeatedly said my piece on the F-35 procurement and the potential for a shift to the Swedish Gripen jet fighter.

Aside from this malaise, life has also been rather busy on the personal and family front, with a significant amount of travel. There will be much more over the summer and my ability to sit down at the keyboard will be severely limited. Unless something dramatic happens on the international or defence fronts, I cannot imagine putting out a major piece until September, when the dust settles.

I am immensely grateful to have some 3000 people subscribe and read my thoughts here on Substack. The feedback I’ve received over the past 17 months has been almost universally positive.

I’ve never been one to write to a schedule. I’d much rather publish when I have something worthwhile to say than simply fill the page. But rest assured, I’ll get fired up about something sooner rather than later. I’m still here, still thinking, and still planning to write. I may broaden the range a bit rather than forcing another article on the same well-worn topics.

Thanks for sticking around. More soon.