samiam.com

I just finished reading Ron Paul’s statements on various issues and, except for one thing, I’m in agreement with him.  While I do not like abortion and would not encourage a woman to have one, I still completely respect her right to choose what happens to her body.

I am strongly in support of his mainly Libertarian-leaning views on truly Constitutional government.  Lowering taxes and reducing (how about eliminating?) wasteful spending is a no-brainer.  Still, if it’s a no-brainer, why can’t our government do it?  Border security and immigration reform… Hallelujah!  Close the borders and enforce immigration laws.  AND, eliminate birthright citizenship; if the parents are not citizens, the baby is not a citizen.   I do not support a North American Union.  I am strongly against the PATRIOT ACT and am highly confident that government cannot be trusted to protect the vast amount of private information collected about citizens.  Our government has failed us miserably in abusing our trust in its powers regarding war.  We need much less of a presence of our military in other countries; our troops should be here.  Eminent Domain is being abused - blatantly.  Healthcare is in a shamble.  Take away HealthCo’s ability to lobby government by reducing government’s power - a good start.  I don’t know the statistical data on it, but I bet most people who use guns for committing crimes don’t acquire them legally.  Home schooling?  Why not?  Social Security needs to be left alone.  It is not a bargaining chip for politicos.

So, now my quandary is whether ROE v. WADE is worth more than these other things.  I have to determine if I believe the good this man could do is greater than the harm his beliefs about abortion could cause.  More to come…

I have to respect this effort. Tactlessly put: If you’re gonna be a dick, you can’t be a pussy, too.

In December of 2005, KnowThyNeighbor.org published the names of all 148,000+ petition signers and altered the dynamic of the petition process in several important ways:

1. Anti-gay marriage activists and supporters lost their veil of anonymity. KnowThyNeighbor.org believes that citizens who sponsor an amendment to take people’s rights should never be allowed to do so under the cover of darkness.
2. Gay citizens from all across Massachusetts were inspired to speak out in defense of their equal rights. Finding the names of friends, neighbors, family, co-workers, etc… helped trigger many into a state of activism. Uncomfortable but desperately needed conversations continue to take place every day as a result.
3. Putting the names online led to the discovery of rampant fraud in the signature collection process. Both civil and criminal investigators have been assigned by the Attorney General.

I just watched Blood Diamond. Much of it was very difficult to watch. I have purchased one diamond and six diamond “chips” - the one when I was about 20 (I sold it a few years later) and the chips with Greg about five years ago in two rings.

I will never buy another diamond. Never.

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 desirable 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.

Don’t believe the exorbitant figures the RIAA, MPAA and software industry spout as lost revenue due to piracy. Those who have downloaded music, movies and/or applications would, most likely, have never purchased them in the first place. How can revenue that would not have existed be lost? Yes, some sales are lost due to piracy, but are they possibly offset by the sales gained by people being able to sample new works?