I don't think about it much - or often. Although I do pay close attention to political / world affairs, contradictory though that may sound. I've made the statement here a time or two, but please allow me to repeat myself: I'm 70 years old, and life's experiences have molded me into who I am. For better or for worse.
I have both some conservative and liberal philosophies / beliefs / ideals. Better and more simply said; a way of living.
I'll touch on some inarguably important issues and expound a little on others - leaving religion till last:
Through the evolution process, I'm fiscally conservative. If I don't have the money, I don't buy it - I don't take the trip or indulge in the adventure. Ergo, I stay in the black. Simple arithmetic - government(s), just how hard is that?
The Constitution is remarkably clear, and goes directly to the point. All Amendments. I have absolutely no argument with with any Article. And if I happened to; I would promptly get over it. Rules of Law: read the meters and don't fight the system. But still, somehow some **** gets thrown into the game. I'll address a few things that weren't specifically covered in the Perfect Document:
The death penalty: I'm adamantly opposed. I personally have no problem with killing mothereffers that need to be killed. But the system is imperfect and genuinely innocent people have been executed. If indeed they did it, I can think of no worse punishment than life in prison. And if they didn't, they didn't and hopefully they will be exonerated before it's too late. And just how much sense does it make to kill somebody to show them that killing is wrong?
Abortion: I am personally opposed, through evolution. I once believed that it was all okay. I changed my mind. I have a beautiful, wonderful, precious 23 year old grand daughter. My daughter got pregnant at the age of 16. I suggested abortion, but I didn't push it. She said I can't Dad. Had my daughter had an abortion, there would be no Lauren Marie. Having said that; I'm pro-choice, the decision rests with the woman and the man and God. Period. Government(s), stay out of the way.
Same sex marriage: I do believe that genders should marry opposites. But I don't really care as long as they don't do it in the street and scare the horses. As with above; that's God's business and I'm unqualified to arbitrate the matter. I am not the slightest bit homophobic. (Chuckle) with women, perversely, I find it kinda hot and most men do too, although they won't say it out loud.
Drugs: Decriminalize, regulate and tax. Alcohol and tobacco kill more people and kill more people every day that illegal drugs do. Prohibition is the only Amendment that has been done away with; because it was a dismal failure. Prohibition was both the mother and the father of organized crime. Certainly some drugs are bad and will kill you, but people will do them anyway. I do drink in moderation and yessir, I do smoke a little dope from time to time. In moderation. Everyone that enjoys a drink is not necessarily a drunk, nor is the occasional toker a pothead. I will use myself for an example: Neither have disaffected my life in any manner. I've never been out of work, my income is in six figures,my credit score is somewhere between 825 and 840 and I still enjoy remarkable health at the age of 70. An open mind is an open mind is an open mind. I suggest those with closed minds simply try it for a little while.
Social / assistance / welfare programs: I've been blessed with at least average intelligence, a few talents and a desire for fun and materials things - and most importantly, good health. Some are not so fortunate. I do believe that those of us that have blessed with such things should help out those that haven't. At least until they get back on their feet, after that, they're on their own. Some will have health / disability problems that will never go away. Compassion is not a weakness, it is a strength and I don't think that we should leave them in the sand to die.
Religion: I've already covered a few things that seem to be an issue with a lot of folks and I don't condemn nobody's line of thinking / beliefs / convictions. Once again,
God's job. I am Catholic by choice, raised Baptist. Us Catholics believe that we were all saved some 2000 years ago; when Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God died so all us mortals stated at Square One at birth. Baptism is a ritual, the child does not have to know what is going on; God, The Son and the Holy Spirit are clear on the concept. While attending classes to be a confirmed Catholic, Father Mike said: Take away the church laws and we all believe the road to Heaven leads through Jesus Christ, there ain't no other route. I have some disagreement the the church laws and I break them. I am am divorced (twice) and I do date when the mood hits and my checkbook balance suggests that I'm overdue to spend a little time with a pretty woman. Catholic Church law says otherwise, but I betcha God is forgiving. I can say that because, I don't lie to them or mislead them and the right amount of money is in the envelope, should that be the situation. Heck, when I feel that I'm way past due to take Communion, I go to an Episcopal mass; Episcopals don't let religion affect business or religion. The baptistry is a hot tub.
Liberal, conservative, democrat, republican, libertarian? I don't really know, nor I do I care very much. I have to be okay with whichever I am or I ain't because I really don't have a choice. Probably, I guess - closer to libertarian than anything else.
Thanks XBowHunter, and I admire you for sticking to your principles in the face of about 90% opposition in this particular venue.
Not proofed for spelling, punctuation, for repeating myself or anything else.
Bob Lee
I have both some conservative and liberal philosophies / beliefs / ideals. Better and more simply said; a way of living.
I'll touch on some inarguably important issues and expound a little on others - leaving religion till last:
Through the evolution process, I'm fiscally conservative. If I don't have the money, I don't buy it - I don't take the trip or indulge in the adventure. Ergo, I stay in the black. Simple arithmetic - government(s), just how hard is that?
The Constitution is remarkably clear, and goes directly to the point. All Amendments. I have absolutely no argument with with any Article. And if I happened to; I would promptly get over it. Rules of Law: read the meters and don't fight the system. But still, somehow some **** gets thrown into the game. I'll address a few things that weren't specifically covered in the Perfect Document:
The death penalty: I'm adamantly opposed. I personally have no problem with killing mothereffers that need to be killed. But the system is imperfect and genuinely innocent people have been executed. If indeed they did it, I can think of no worse punishment than life in prison. And if they didn't, they didn't and hopefully they will be exonerated before it's too late. And just how much sense does it make to kill somebody to show them that killing is wrong?
Abortion: I am personally opposed, through evolution. I once believed that it was all okay. I changed my mind. I have a beautiful, wonderful, precious 23 year old grand daughter. My daughter got pregnant at the age of 16. I suggested abortion, but I didn't push it. She said I can't Dad. Had my daughter had an abortion, there would be no Lauren Marie. Having said that; I'm pro-choice, the decision rests with the woman and the man and God. Period. Government(s), stay out of the way.
Same sex marriage: I do believe that genders should marry opposites. But I don't really care as long as they don't do it in the street and scare the horses. As with above; that's God's business and I'm unqualified to arbitrate the matter. I am not the slightest bit homophobic. (Chuckle) with women, perversely, I find it kinda hot and most men do too, although they won't say it out loud.
Drugs: Decriminalize, regulate and tax. Alcohol and tobacco kill more people and kill more people every day that illegal drugs do. Prohibition is the only Amendment that has been done away with; because it was a dismal failure. Prohibition was both the mother and the father of organized crime. Certainly some drugs are bad and will kill you, but people will do them anyway. I do drink in moderation and yessir, I do smoke a little dope from time to time. In moderation. Everyone that enjoys a drink is not necessarily a drunk, nor is the occasional toker a pothead. I will use myself for an example: Neither have disaffected my life in any manner. I've never been out of work, my income is in six figures,my credit score is somewhere between 825 and 840 and I still enjoy remarkable health at the age of 70. An open mind is an open mind is an open mind. I suggest those with closed minds simply try it for a little while.
Social / assistance / welfare programs: I've been blessed with at least average intelligence, a few talents and a desire for fun and materials things - and most importantly, good health. Some are not so fortunate. I do believe that those of us that have blessed with such things should help out those that haven't. At least until they get back on their feet, after that, they're on their own. Some will have health / disability problems that will never go away. Compassion is not a weakness, it is a strength and I don't think that we should leave them in the sand to die.
Religion: I've already covered a few things that seem to be an issue with a lot of folks and I don't condemn nobody's line of thinking / beliefs / convictions. Once again,
God's job. I am Catholic by choice, raised Baptist. Us Catholics believe that we were all saved some 2000 years ago; when Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God died so all us mortals stated at Square One at birth. Baptism is a ritual, the child does not have to know what is going on; God, The Son and the Holy Spirit are clear on the concept. While attending classes to be a confirmed Catholic, Father Mike said: Take away the church laws and we all believe the road to Heaven leads through Jesus Christ, there ain't no other route. I have some disagreement the the church laws and I break them. I am am divorced (twice) and I do date when the mood hits and my checkbook balance suggests that I'm overdue to spend a little time with a pretty woman. Catholic Church law says otherwise, but I betcha God is forgiving. I can say that because, I don't lie to them or mislead them and the right amount of money is in the envelope, should that be the situation. Heck, when I feel that I'm way past due to take Communion, I go to an Episcopal mass; Episcopals don't let religion affect business or religion. The baptistry is a hot tub.
Liberal, conservative, democrat, republican, libertarian? I don't really know, nor I do I care very much. I have to be okay with whichever I am or I ain't because I really don't have a choice. Probably, I guess - closer to libertarian than anything else.
Thanks XBowHunter, and I admire you for sticking to your principles in the face of about 90% opposition in this particular venue.
Not proofed for spelling, punctuation, for repeating myself or anything else.
Bob Lee
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