SAM.I.AM About

Very simply, this site is for me. I enjoy producing it. It makes it easier for me to provide information to family and friends. It's another way for someone to get to know me. It provides history of where my mindset was at a given time.

If you stumble across it and like it, that's great. If you don't like it, that's okay.

Take care,
SAM

My beliefs are varied and mutate (sometimes daily) based on what I learn from various sources. I do have some beliefs that are quite static, but I am willing to discuss them and am not so proud as to limit myself by being unwilling to change my mind. As I grow, I find myself being more resolute in my opinions and more willing to share them.

I believe in the death penalty. I did not so readily support it years ago, but with the improvments in technology (i.e. DNA screening), I believe it is reasonable for extremely violent criminals. Now, trusting all police and investigators to be completely honest in these matters is another thing. Unfortunately, I believe investigations of the investigators are needed more often than they are performed.

I am pro-gun. I believe I should be able to own long guns and hand guns. I believe a background check is reasonable and does keep firearms from some people that have shown behavior inconsistent with that which is acceptable in our society. No, it does not prevent all such persons from possessing a firearm, but it does prevent some and is reasonable.

I am pro-choice. While I do not think I would choose abortion if I were female, I just don't know. There are too many known variables and many more unknown ones. I believe a woman should have the right to choose and should be allowed and encouraged to learn of her choices and the likely consequences of them.

I believe in birth control and that it should be easily accessible to all sexually active people.

I believe in sexual education and that it should be taught at an early age. Kids are learning about sex in uncontrolled environments and are learning incorrect information. Most early teens probably now know more than their parents did at twice their age. It is a fact. Accept it. Address it.

I do not believe illegal aliens should be afforded the rights and privileges of American citizens. If a person is in this country illegally, he or she does not have the right to enjoy the privileges afforded citizens because of the taxes paid by citizens. Some things simply have to be offered (i.e. police, urgent medical care, fire fighting, etc.) because they serve to the benefit of citizens even when not directly serving citizens. But, if one enters and resides here illegally, that one (nor his or her family) should be given what so many people have to work for. Procedures for naturalization are there for a reason and if one breaks our laws just to be here, one is certainly not desireable as a citizen. Follow the rules and enjoy the rights and privileges. Don't follow the rules? Leave.

I do not agree with governments and businesses adding foreign language (currently and prolifically Spanish) services and labeling to their offerings. If it is not required for life, do not cater to those who choose not to learn *and use* English. Medical care, police and government services intended to naturalize immigrants should offer foreign language support. Buying tires, using paper towels, getting money from an ATM and calling tech-support are not required for life and should not be offered in Spanish. Stop catering to people who refuse to learn and use English just so you can make another buck. If having luxuries is a priority to immigrants (legal and illegal), they will learn to acquire them using English. BUT, only if they have to. If I moved to Japan, Russia or Mexico, don't think I wouldn't do my best to learn Japanese, Russian or Spanish as quickly as possible.

# posted by SAM : 8:14 AM