Political Philosophy

Here I’ll be sharing my political opinions, leanings and philosophy. I’ll be updating this as issues come up or as I consider their political, government, and social ramifications.

Party Affiliation: Republican Party

Religion: Agnostic (specifically Agnostic Theist)

I was raised Methodist and have read several versions of the Bible and Apocrypha, the Book of Mormon, the Torah and Tanakh, the Koran as well as Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and assorted indigenous, Pagan and New Age beliefs.

Political leanings/influences: Fiscal conservative, social moderate, constructive Constitutionalist, responsible capitalist, secular government, small government, Federalism, States Rights

Politics & Governance Influential Personages: Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, Dennis DeConcini, Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy

Suggested Political & Philosophy Reading: The Federalist Papers (should be required in all high school and college civics and government classes, IMO), The United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Magna Carta, Aristotle, Plato, and to understand differing political philosophy: Machiavelli, Spinoza, Kant, Nietzsche, Marx, and so on.

Political Positions/Issues

Abortion I call myself pro-choice/pro-life. That is that I am personally opposed to abortions except in the case of rape, incest, threatening mother’s life, or a seriously defective fetus that would not survive, but I believe the government should have no decision making ability or interference in the woman, her family, and her doctor’s discussion. Attempts by religious groups to define life for the sole purpose of banning abortion and by extension contraceptives is unwarranted, unprovable, and ultimately harmful to solving problems related to reproductive rights and unwanted pregnancies.

Emissions Trading I oppose cap and trade as it ignores the real problem: pollution, and the needed solution: cleaner emissions. I also oppose it on the grounds that it allows firms in a certain area to pollute above their levels by simply exchanging for cleaner areas, regardless of the impact of what the increased pollution may have on the local environment and individuals living and working there.

Energy Independence I support developing not only local energy reserves such as oil, gas, shale, et al, but also development and expansion of solar, nuclear, wind, hydrogen and other sources of alternate fuels so long as each is taken with careful consideration for unintended consequences. For example, we’ve already seen the disastrous effect of taking what were once food crops and turning them into fuel crops has done: high food prices and increasing levels of poverty and starvation throughout the world. Americans also need to demand greater fuel efficient vehicles while themselves looking for energy conserving appliances and lifestyles.

Equal Pay For Equal Work I am a firm believer that all people regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, affiliation, or socio-economic status should receive the same pay when compared to equally qualified and skilled individuals. One should not automatically be paid less simply because of their classification.

Gay Marriage I support gays having the right to be married and have such unions have the same protections, rights, and privileges of heterosexual couples. The government should have no place policing the bedroom and individuals relationships nor elevating one religious doctrine or belief above all others.

Gun Rights I am an adamant supporter of 2nd Amendment rights and firmly believe all law abiding citizens should have the ability to reasonably defend themselves as seen fit. That said, I do support the current instant check and 7-day waiting period. I also believe all people should be required to take and pass a weapons safety and basic marksmanship course before being allowed to purchase a weapon. I vehemently oppose any attempt to require national identification, registration, and permitting of private ownership as recently suggested in the draconian, constitution violating H.R. 45 currently proposed in Congress.

Health Insurance Health insurance is another problem is this country that needs to be addressed. The industry needs to be encouraged to make health insurance affordable for all Americans. In addition, the industry must no longer be allowed to discriminate against individuals that due become ill by increasing rates to levels impossible for people to pay. State governments also need to step up and better regulate state insurance programs to ensure waste is eliminated and their scope limited to needed medical concerns of citizens. Among things that should be eliminated: non-injury or non-disfiguring related cosmetic surgery and fertility treatment.

Health Care Reform The health care industry in this country has become out of control making foolish decisions based not on keeping medica expenses down but on maximizing the industries profits at the expense of the population. Like the financial institutes the health care industry has shown it is unable and/or unwilling to regulate itself. As such, despite my abhorrence to government interference and intrusion, some regulations must be put into place to bring about accountability. Such regulation must include forcing companies to support successful health and wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles and prevent unnecessary diseases. I’ll write more on the subject after further consideration of this complex issue.

Immigration The immigration policies of the United States are in need of reform. The current system is severely restrictive towards allowing qualified foreign nations in good standing to come to the United States. This has, in part, led to some of the illegal immigration problems suffered primarily in the Southwestern States. Some of the reforms I support are a national crackdown on employers who hire undocumented workers, a reasonable increase in legal visas, and a temporary guest worker program for cross border workers in the Southwest. Correspondingly, enforcement of visas must have absolute punishment for those who intentionally overstay their visas for the sole purpose of remaining in the country. Such punishment must include fines, expulsion for no less than five years for non-violent offenders/criminals, and permanent expulsion for violence and drug offenders.

I am torn on whether illegal immigrants currently in country should be given “amnesty” as I do not think they should be rewarded for violating U.S. law and draining state resources but I am also a pragmatist given their presence in this country. If given amnesty the should be required to face a background and criminal check and pay their taxes at the very least.

Outsourcing While I oppose business sending out of country unnecessarily, I support businesses rights to take measures to stay competitive. It’s a highly complex issue involving labor unions, globalization, and exploitation of developing nations. I’ll write more when I have a more cogent position for this issue.

Space Exploration I support space exploration by both the government and private corporations. Government related programs like NASA need to face some reforms to ensure programs are as cost effective as possible, encourage innovation and new ideas, and draw upon technologically progressive individuals and concepts. Development of commercial space should also be encouraged and not subordinated to political agendas. International cooperation should be encouraged and treaties modernized to show relevance to changing world needs. China in particular should be encouraged to sign the space treaties as other space nations have done.

Stem Cell Research I believe restrictions currently in place on stem cell research needs to be removed. The questionable reasons for limiting stem cell research has been based more on religious dogma rather than scientific efforts.

Taxes, Personal Income I am of the opinion that personal income tax codes need to simplified and the taz burden on Americans relieved. I propose 5% increments for each level starting at 0% for those below the poverty line and increasing with each of the current levels, capping at 25%. In addition, there should be no exceptions or deductions allowed except for the following: education and health care.

Taxes, Business and Corporate Payroll taxes on businesses and corporations need to be lowered. In addition, taxes should be restructured to punish companies that send U.S. jobs out of country (~35% taxes) and reward companies that create jobs here in the United States (~15-20%).