My Political Views

Random, I know, but because I like to think that ya'll care what I think about stuff, here are my political views:

So where do I stand on politics?

First of all, I don't claim any political party. I think the party system in our country has evolved into... a mess. Real issues, real character are lost in the midst of party politics and real messages are lost. So no, I don't really care what party a candidate belongs to. Doesn't matter to me one bit. I research each candidate individually, and make my decision based on that. Takes a lot more time, but I feel much better about my voting record that way. I go to bed with a clean conscience.

Secondly, I do tend to be very conservative. This is probably not a big surprise to anyone out there.

Thirdly, a party (or issue supporters) can win me over much more by presenting me with facts. Numbers. Statistics. Things that make sense. Emotional speeches & nifty catch-phrases make great campaign clips, but don't mean squat to me.

So I'm conservative. Does this mean I support the Tea Party?

Eh. I used to. I still support what they say they're about: fiscal responsibility. And I agree with their stance on most issues that I've come across.

But lately, at least for the two local chapters closest to me, they seem to have evolved their definition of "fiscal responsibility" to mean absolutely no increase in any taxes, regardless of whether or not the local government entity can show why the money is needed, how they've responsibly handled money in the past, etc.

The fact is that the vast majority of citizens, including those in the Tea Party, want & expect the government to provide certain services: fire service, police protection, water, sanitation, animal control, etc, etc, etc. And those things cost money, so somebody has to pay for it.

If the government entity in question can show that they have been responsible with past funds, and can logically show why the increase is needed, or why a cut is not feasible at this time, then, in my opinion, it's not "fiscally responsible" to continue to oppose the taxes, it's actually unreasonable and irresponsible as the ultimate result will be a lack of service to the citizen.

And I voted for McCain, right?

Nope.

You're shocked, aren't you?

Well, don't get too excited. I didn't vote for President Obama either.

As mentioned earlier in my post, I researched all of the candidates (did you know there were over 12 candidates!) and selected the one I agreed with most. Yes, he was some virtually unknown soul who didn't really have a chance. But yes, I was able to sleep soundly that night knowing that I had cast my vote for the person that I believed to be the best candidate for President.

So... where do I stand again?

Well, I believe in upholding our Constitution. Including the 10th amendment, which limits the powers of the federal government.

Do I think some of our basic freedoms are in jeapardy? Yep.
Do I think this is new or is specific to President Obama? Nope.
I do think it has been getting progressively worse over the past few decades and yes, I really do think that if the American public doesn't start fighting back we will eventually become a Socialist country. Which is fine for Socialists, but I'd really rather not happen.
Yes, I'm being serious. Look up the definition of Socialism, logically think about recent developments in our government, and tell me what you think.

I believe elected officials are accountable to their public, and that (generally speaking) the public needs to begin holding them accountable, not just by whining when you don't get your way, but by making efforts to effect change by voting or other means.

So what do I do to effect change?

Good question. One I've been thinking a lot about lately. I've considered a few options, including running for local office, becoming more involved in various political organizations, etc. Honestly, I've yet to find... a good fit. Sometimes I think maybe I just need to jump in and do it (whatever it is), but I can't get over the nagging feeling that if I haven't found that good fit then just jumping in is going to end in disaster. So I continue to consider my options. And in the meantime, I vote. I educate myself, and I vote. And that is how I effect change.

Thanks for checking in!