FIVE YEARS AGO, I was bored. I was winding down one project at work, and the next one wouldn’t start for several weeks. But I still had to come in every day, and log my eight hours.

most of my time surfing the web. I’d read the news, then post on some bulletin boards, and maybe do some virtual window shopping. Anything to make the day go by.

Then one day I came across an unusual website that looked like a one-man news and opinion page. It was chock full of interesting links and analysis, and appeared to be powered by something called “blogger.” I had never heard that word before, so I had to look it up.

Two weeks later -- with a lot of help from my wife -- I posted the following on my brand new web site, The Indepundit:

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

I am a liberal. I believe in keeping an open mind, and treating all people with compassion, respect and tolerance.

I am a conservative. I believe that Judeo-Christian values form the cornerstone of our society, and I practice the virtues of integrity, civility and personal responsibility.

I am a libertarian. I believe in limited government, free minds and free markets.

I am a progressive, because there is always room for improvement.

I am an environmentalist. I long for cleaner communities, clean air and clean water. I believe our natural treasures should be protected.

I am a capitalist. I believe that ambition, competition, and innovation can provide the answers to some of our greatest challenges.

I am a Republican, because my Governor is a Democrat, and I choose to exercise my right to vote and select his opponent in the General Election.

I am a Democrat - To be more precise, I will change my registration next year so that I may participate in the 2004 Presidential Primary.

I am an Independent. I am a free agent, split-ticket voter. I recognize that political parties exist for the benefit of politicians, not the people.

I am an American.

Like most first posts, it was a little self-indulgent. OK, it was very self-indulgent. But it did strike a chord with many people. Dean Esmay, in his "Who is Dean?" post, writes, "I believe the Indepundit's First Post should be required reading in our nation's classrooms."

t that goin' for me...

Despite the fact that many of those links are long dead, it might surprise many of my readers to learn that my outlook hasn't really changed much. It is true that, over time, this became a blog focused on one issue. And certainly, the person who wrote this almost five years ago has grown and matured.

But my basic political philosophy has remained the same: I owe no loyalty to any politician or party. Instead, I swear my allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, and strive to uphold the principles of Liberty on which our nation was founded.

That much, I don't think will ever change.