In defense of the comfort zone

While it can be easily argued that one cannot experience something new without leaving one's comfort zone, it is not as easily argued that new experiences are necessary to a positive existence. The widely held notion that one must have a broad range of experiences so as to be of value to society is inherently arrogant and, frankly, elitist. While I personally value new experiences as an integral part of my life, there is much to say for those who desire a comfortable existence within the boundaries of what they understand. Exploring the unknown is a choice that no one is under an obligation to make; since a person only answers, ultimately, to himself, he can make or not make the decision to push his horizons as he pleases. I think there was much value in the LEAPS exercise in exploring the topic of the comfort zone and venturing beyond it, but we must keep in mind that although such activities may have benefits, one is not inherently bound to partake in them.

Peter King, a member of the Republican party and former chair of the House Committee on homeland security, is my congressional representative. Important electoral issues include foreign policy regarding genocide, close examination of the merits of capital punishment, and a long term plan to promote American preeminence in global affairs.