This political season really made me think about where I stand on the most popular issues. I feel alone in my political views because I've never been a die-hard fan of a political candidate, and I don't seem to align with either party. I used to consider myself a Libertarian, and I still like the Libertarian concept, but the reality is that it won't work unless people are personally responsible and smart. They aren't. There's a reason we have tags on hair dryers telling people not to put them in the bathtub. Regulation is needed in some areas.
Abortion - I'm pro-choice because I believe making exceptions in the case of rape and/or incest is wrong. This means a woman would have go to trial and have the perpetrator convicted. She shouldn't have to prove something in court that often doesn't have enough evidence to warrant conviction. Trials dates are frequently in the distant future, and they can last a long time, depending on the case. The more time that has passed makes things more complicated. Additionally, making exceptions for rape and/or incest removes the focus from the unborn child and moves it to punishing the mother. I actually think the people who are 100% pro-life with no exceptions have more credibility. Also, if the mother's life is at risk, then the abortion should absolutely be permitted. I don't believe there are many people who disagree with that. Unexpected risks and new information can arise at any time during the pregnancy, even later in the term. Putting a stop date on when an abortion can happen really complicates the matter. Additionally, I believe that if, as an expecting parent, you find out your child will have lifelong complications, and you aren't willing to make the necessary and unconventional sacrifices, you have the right to abort. And finally, the religious argument falls apart when you actually read the Bible. God killed more babies than any abortion clinic.
Guns - We should be able to own our guns but there should definitely be stricter laws. For example, I think licensed firearm dealers should be the only ones allowed to sell. Private transactions should be illegal. Additionally, a lot of really stupid people own guns and guns don't come with the tags that hair dryers do.
Government Spending - Out of control. We need to stop sending money overseas and fix our own problems first. Illegals and foreign countries shouldn't be getting more money than the American people. Once we've fixed our own problems, we can talk about helping other countries. We need an evaluation overhaul to see where we can make cuts to get the deficit under control.
Taxes - We need a consumption only tax. You buy it and you pay taxes for it one time. You want to buy a yacht? Cool. You'll pay the taxes on it. Want to save money? Don't buy a lot. Abolish the income tax, property tax, and get rid of tax returns.
Jobs - Workers should be hired and paid based on their performance and experience rather than their sex or color.
LGBTQ - Let them live their life. There is absolutely no justifiable reason to discriminate against someone for their sexual preference. If you don't feel comfortable with trans people going in the bathroom with your kid, then be a decent parent and go in the bathroom with your kid. Hormone blockers for kids and any type of gender surgery should be outlawed. If they want to be a different gender, they can do it when they're adults and have the same rights as every other American.
Religion - I'm an atheist but I support people's right to believe anything they want, as long as it doesn't violate someone else's rights or cause harm to another person. Separation of church and state is important.
Borders - We need secure borders but the path to citizenship needs reduction in red tape. I believe a merit-based system would work well. If you have a history of crime, especially violent crime, it's an automatic decline. If you're going to be a benefit to our society, and don't have a criminal record, then you should be expedited for approval.
Price Gouging - It should be illegal for companies to price gouge on items essential for survival. This would include basic foods like bread, milk, eggs, etc. I would support a limit on how much these companies can profit on essential goods.
Healthcare - Government should use our tax dollars from the consumption tax to provide healthcare for all citizens. The government is now paying for your healthcare, and they'll have to get smart about negotiating prices. People in lower income classes would qualify for assistance. Lifesaving drugs like insulin and epi pens would be 100% covered with no questions asked.
Education - It's important. That, along with healthcare and military, should be the top 3 items where our government spends the majority of money.
Military - The military should be used to defend the USA, not fight in foreign wars. A strong military is important in keeping America safe and secure.
Are those views Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or something else? I’m not sure. I believe there’s a little of all 3 mixed together
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