Politics

Wow - OK - DISCLAIMER: The views expressed here are not the basis for debate or ridicule. This is MY blog, therefore MY thoughts. You are the reader, I am the commentator. This Blog is simply a place to gather my "Random thoughts".

Are we in a Democracy or a Republic - much debate on this one, but most everything I look at (google - Republic or Democracy) says that technically, we are a Republic, although both have many of the exact traits, there is one distinct difference: "In a republic the sovereignty is in each individual person. In a democracy the sovereignty is in the group." Also, in a Republic, people elect officials to vote on laws. So ends this debate, the USA is a Democratic Republic... moving on...


I consider myself a Republican. That being said, I am not an extreme right winger. In fact, I lean a little left on certain issues, right on others, and somewhere in between on the majority. For instance, I am pro-choice, but I don't think the government should pay for abortions - I support enforcement of immigration laws, but don't really think a big wall around the border is necessary, I do not support Government bailouts of private businesses, let them file chapter 11 like everyone else, restructure, and maybe be managed better - Health care - well, the current system needs to change, but I am not so hip on FORCING everyone to carry health care. I want smaller government, less taxes, and more freedoms. I also want to feel safe and secure in my own country, state, city, and community. I want my children to not inherit the gigantic debt that we have accrued, and to have an opportunity to get a good education. I think the government SHOULD help people who find themselves on hard times, but there has to be limitations, such as based on a person's body of work, and dedication to finding employment - in other words, help those that are willing to help themselves get out of the need for Government assistance. Socialism scares me, I am a capitalist... if you can make that money, go do it, and you shouldn't have to share it at an exponentially greater rate. A "flat tax" - maybe, haven't looked into that much, I'll save that for another day. I am pro legalization of marijuana, but not for an end to the 'War on Drugs" - I do not consider marijuana a synthetic drug. It is a plant. It grows wild in nature. It is not processed, distilled, or chemically induced in any way. It's physical harms are less than that of tobacco or alcohol, as are it's addictive qualities. Marijuana is not physically addictive, nor does it have a negative influence upon one's personality. (at least, I have never heard of a "mean pot head" - but many "mean drunks") Possibly the best argument for legalization is a monetary one. Literally billions of dollars of tax revenue could be earned, and billions of dollars in legal costs of enforcement, prosecution, and incarceration could be saved. We will see what happens in California this year, and if people agree with me. As for the new immigration law in Arizona - I am all for it. Illegal immigrants cost the US billions of dollars and are the basis for human trafficking and drug smuggling. (side note - another pro for marijuana legalization - take that game away from the smugglers) The federal government isn't doing much to uphold the laws already in place, so if the state wants to crack down, and it is approved my the vast majority of people in that state - then by all means, do what you need to do to protect your citizens and economy.... this is the same way I feel about Kansans coming into Missouri, but again, a topic for another day.... On Cinco De Mayo 2010, 5 students in Southern California were sent home for wearing t-shirts with American Flags on them, The Mexican-American students were "offended" it being "their National Holiday" - OK - listen - This is the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, and no matter what day it is, it is NEVER wrong to wear the colors of our country. Funny thing, the day after this all happened, the Mexican-American students and others, formed a rally and a protest, when the school district reprimanded the principal, siting FREE SPEECH - in other words, they exercised their right to free speech, by protesting an other's right to free speech.... really? Yes. Now Mexican and Latino leaders are FUMING! Actually calling for a revolt, an uprising, against what one radical called "the frail White people" - and they call US racist. This guy was praising Fidel Castro. Now, correct me if I am wrong, but haven't thousands upon thousands of immigrants fled the tyranny in Cuba to get here in the first place? As long as they go through the proper channels of immigration, I have no issue with that. And here are these very same immigrants, now protesting and calling for a revolt, against the very thing they came here for in the first place! Will we have another Civil War? - I can guarantee it wouldn't end pretty, way to many Americans have weapons. So, with all this said, (note -I didn't call out the president, or anyone else) do my views make me a Republican? I hope they don't make me a Democrat. Could I be a Libertarian? I think they are all crooked.... but ya gotta vote for somebody, and I will stay liberally conservative, for now anyway.