In the two decades since Ira Katz first contributed to Lew Rockwell’s site on October 12, 2004, he has penned over 170 articles exploring a myriad of topics including economics, travel, personal reflections, and more. Katz reflects on his motivations for writing, likening it to an uncontrollable urge akin to scratching an itch. He finds richness in the act of writing, even without professional affiliation or payment from Lew Rockwell. Katz underscores a deep appreciation for having his work featured among other significant voices on Lew Rockwell’s platform, which he recognizes as an instrumental influence on his worldview.
Katz’s initial article tackled the parallels between the Global War on Terror and the war on communism, an analysis that still resonates with him today. He expresses growing awareness of the pervasive nature of deception in warfare, concluding that while terrorists might be misguided, the actions of their own government pose a more substantial threat to the fabric of society and the safety of its citizens. This insight indicates his evolving perspective as a writer and citizen, shaped in part by the publications on LRC, which helped him identify the underlying motives behind major events, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His writings have occasionally taken on a more personal tone, serving as a narrative meant for his daughter. Katz shares insights about his life, family, experiences in France, and spiritual musings, areas he once presumed might be unwelcome among the more traditional discourse on LRC. The variety of his work reflects an introspective journey through the years, revealing the myriad of insights he has witnessed firsthand, particularly during the upheaval brought about by COVID-19. He mentions that he was quick to identify flaws in government responses to the pandemic, calling attention to the arbitrary nature of lockdowns as early as March 2020.
Katz acknowledges the ambivalence he feels toward reader engagement, having originally found fulfillment in writing letters to friends rather than posting online. However, he admits that the feedback he has received from readers is genuinely gratifying. This duality highlights his inclination toward personal expression while simultaneously reveling in the community surrounding LRC, which has provided him with a space to share his thoughts and reflections in an ongoing dialogue.
Within the landscape of his writing, Katz has categorized his contributions into themes such as family, life in France, and spirituality. He has written about the intricacies of his heritage, his journey as an expatriate, and his experiences within the context of French culture. These personal narratives often bridge the gap between global affairs and intimate reflections, showing how broader social challenges affect individual lives. Through it all, Katz weaves a narrative tapestry that connects the universal to the personal, allowing readers a glimpse into his life while simultaneously addressing larger themes.
In essence, Katz’s journey as a writer is deeply intertwined with his understanding of the world, shaped significantly by the platform offered by Lew Rockwell. Over the years, he has not only chronicled his evolution as a thinker and a member of society but has also maintained a steady commitment to addressing the pressing issues of the day. From the personal to the political, his body of work serves as both a reflection of his experiences and a call to consider the implications of those experiences on a broader scale. Through his voice as a “non-writer writer,” Katz has carved out a space for honest discourse that resonates with his audience and continues to reflect upon the world around him.