I'll just lay my political beliefs out there in a nutshell:
1. Taxes: of course I want to pay less, we all do. But I realize taxes are necessary to fund important programs, therefore I want them spent in the most efficient way possible. I don't believe "charity" would ever be enough to cover the programs that help make America what it is.
2. Education: As a public school teacher, I'm a proud supporter of public schools. However, like everything it isn't perfect and should strive for constant improvement. I'm also ok with people sending kids to private schools as long as it isn't on tax payer money (see #1).
3. Abortion: I want to see it go away. It is a sad and tragic thing for any person to go through. But as a father who potentially had to face a decision about my wife's high risk pregnancy, I understand that when hard decisions need to be made to save lives of mothers and babies, the govt should have no role in those discussions. Only doctors, parents, and clergy if wanted. I believe programs that lower unwanted programs should be utilized around the country to lower abortions. I have no problem with the laws that say "optional" abortions are illegal after the 1st trimester.
4. Immigration: I want secure borders. I believe investing in technology and equipment is the way to go. Yes, walls/fencing are needed in areas of high traffic. But there are better things to spend money on than one continuous wall. I think it should be easier for high-skilled immigrants to gain citizenship and low skilled workers to get a seasonal work visa. I also believe companies should be punished more than the workers when hiring undocumented immigrants. I'm also for the DREAM act that allows people brought as children, that don't have a criminal past, and are pursuing college and careers to stay.
5. Healthcare: This one is tricky. "Who knew it would be this complicated?"
But I'm not for the status quo. There is no humane reason that people should have to choose between paying the mortgage or life saving medicine.
6. Environment: I believe climate change is happening and humans are a significant part of that. Policies surrounding energy, construction, manufacturing, and conservation should be aware of the impacts on the environment. Now it would be awesome if every individual could be responsible and make good choices, but that isn't how the world works. Sadly, we need regulations to reign in both laziness and greed.
7. Religion: I don't think anyone should be persecuted for their religious beliefs. I feel they should be able to assemble and pray and live life without the worry of judgement. I also strongly feel this means religions outside of Christianity also.
7. Government: In general I don't see the govt as "bad". I see bad people we elected to our govt. I'm a strong believer in Lincoln's words: "a government of the people, by the people, and for the people...." I, like many others, see the the government as a reflection of the American people. When I pay taxes, I don't see it as paying a third party; I see it as chipping in to pay for my part of society. When my government wants to exclude people because of religious beliefs or sexual orientation, I take it personal because that is "MY" government. I want to live in a nice community, in a nice state, in a nice nation; that takes a concerted effort of people working together to raise and spend funds in a responsible way and creating an environment were people can grow and be successful if they put in the effort.
Overall, I'd say I'm a right leaning Democrat. Although I am a registered Republican. My wife, however, jokes that she is going to buy me a MAGA hat when we talk politics: she's much further left than I am :thumbs
