Nowadays, keep their beliefs to themselves among family and friends or risk an argument to which there is no end. Political discussion, is, for the most part, reduced to vitriolic soundbites provided for us by either the media or our favorite politician. If ever we need a retort to someone who holds a different political belief than us then, by golly, it exists. Our leaders don’t debate each other, they trade soundbites so that, in the weeks that follow, people will be able to quote back their favorite.
So, here’s the deal: I’m going to lay out my beliefs in a clear and honest manner. I will do so without denigrating the other side. In the interest of spreading political discussion and not arguments or even debates, here is what I believe:
I believe that women should have the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. As a man, I feel it’s not my place to decide whether or not a woman can terminate a pregnancy.
I believe that religion has no place in government. Now, more than any other point in history, I feel it’s important to not tread on the beliefs of our citizens. One of the most enduring strengths of this country is that we’re not some homogeneous culture, but a blend of a hundred different peoples. Prayer, creationist theories (without scientific evidence) and a Judeo-Christian teaching of history do not belong in our public schools.
I believe that the death sentence is not an effective method of reducing crime. For more on my thoughts about that, check out this earlier entry and this one as well.
I believe that marijuana should be legalized, if only so people will stop talking about it.
I believe that gay men and women should be allowed to marry each other, simply because I do not believe it is the government’s role to legislate whether or not two consenting adults can marry one another.
I believe that everyone should pay taxes based on their income. If you make more money, you pay more taxes. This society, as we have built it, cannot survive without a constant influx of money. We are currently engaged in two wars. We have a huge number of social programs to support. We have an infrastructure to support. Cut the wars, the infrastructure costs, or the social programs and then, and only then, consider reducing taxes.
These are my core political beliefs, for the most part. There are other things, but we’re already at 400 words. So let’s leave it at this for now.
Dylan Charles
I agree with everything you’ve said. Could you expand on your points, and discuss the ones you didn’t have room to mention?
During past elections, the political writing in your blog became a sanctuary, where all the crazy rhetoric in the media was locked outside for awhile, and my mind had the opportunity to look at facts, arranged and presented in an cohesive, succinct argument that made sense. You usually articulated what I’d been mumbling and muttering in my brain for weeks or months. And though the orcs and trolls rattled the gates, for awhile I was safe to think and to even respond calmly and intelligently to those friends and foes around me. Thank you for that gift.
Of course, as I stepped out into the real world, my mind froze again with some combination of disbelief, fury, desolation, and the desire to kick someone. And the only words out of my mouth were inevitably on par with my 17 year old self–sputtering, flushing, twitching and finally, resorting to the ultimate weapon in my arsenal: PPPPPFFFFFTTTT.
In reality, I am 47 years old. Please help me avoid this sad scenario in the future. Untangle the knot of reality concocted of hemp, green wool, blue cotton, black, white, red, and yellow silk, and crochet it into a beautiful cape of truth, justice and the American Way.