Fantasy

Any place that is not here and now, resides in the realm of fantasy.

Purpose of Government and the national debt

The government isn't here to make money. The government's job is to funnel money. From citizen to corporation

Human Nature

There are things about humans that are beautiful. There are things that are nasty.
There are things we can change. There are things we need to acknowledge.
You can rename aspects of human nature. Those aspects will still work the same way with a new name.
You can say those aspects are not scientific. That they are social. Those aspects will still work the same.
Tribalism. racism, jingoism, patriotism, nationalism, ethnocentrism,

The other
The Us vs. Them.
It is human nature. And it is nasty. Destructive. But it is our nature. When we wish to change it. It changes names and works the same way with a different name.

Essential U.S. history

13th

Everyone is oppressed by the oppression of fellow citizens.

False Ownership

Colonialism spread the idea that a human could own land and own people. Both ideas still persist to the detriment of the land and the people. 

Necessary Non Profits

There are some industries/services that should not be profit driven.
Education
Information
Health
Military
Justice
Government
Basic shelter
Basic nutrition

Immigration policy

Immigration
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted legal citizenship? 
Yes, if they were born here

Immigration Healthcare
Should illegal immigrants have access to government-subsidized healthcare? 
If they do community service
Yes, if they pay taxes

Immigrant Laborers
Should working illegal immigrants be given temporary amnesty? 
Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for immigrants with no criminal record

Illegal Immigrant Detainment
Should local law enforcement be allowed to detain illegal immigrants for minor crimes and transfer them to federal immigration authorities? 
No, only if they are convicted of a violent crime

In-State Tuition
Should illegal immigrants be offered in-state tuition rates at public colleges within their residing state? 
Yes, and they should also be eligible for financial assistance and scholarships

Border Security
Should the U.S. increase restrictions on its current border security policy? 
No, and we should implement an open border policy

Immigrant Assimilation
Should immigrants be required to learn English? 
No, we should embrace the diversity that immigrants add to our country

Skilled Immigrants
Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? 
Increase
unfortunately, our economy relies on businesses hiring the highest skilled workers at the lowest cost

Muslim Immigrants
Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? 
No, banning immigrants based on their religion is unconstitutional

Immigration is a discriminatory system.
Costly and time consuming for the immigrant.
citizenship in exchange for public service.
Government assistance in exchange for public service
open worker visas

Social Issues

“Progressive”
we should be a nation that values personal freedom, expression, and diversity. vs Traditional

“Multiculturalism”
we should celebrate and embrace cultural diversity. vs Assimilation


Gay Marriage
Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage? 
Yes

First Amendment
Should the government support a separation of church and state by removing references to God on money, federal buildings, and national monuments? 
Yes, but do not waste money removing existing references

Religious Freedom Act
Should a business be able to deny service to a customer if the request conflicts with the owner’s religious beliefs? 
Yes, but the owner must post a sign stating their beliefs and what they refuse
The business should not have any government protections. They should be held personally liable for all their action

Niqāb
Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? 
Yes, we should respect all cultural traditions

Confederate Flag
Should states be allowed to display the Confederate flag on government property? 
No, and ban any public display of the flag

Planned Parenthood Funding
Should the government continue to fund Planned Parenthood? 
No, and the government should not give funds to any organizations
NGOs should be fully funded by the communities they support and donations

Women In Combat
Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? 
Yes, as long as they can pass the same physical tests as men

Gender Identity
Should “gender identity” be added to anti-discrimination laws?
Yes

Lgbt Adoption Rights
Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? 
Yes







Anyone should be able to enter into a consensual contract with anyone else
allow anyone to marry

Abortion
legal in all cases
government should not be involved
family and medical issue
provide affordable birth control

Muslims
should not be scrutinized more than others
If person immigrates from terrorist supporting country, scrutinize more

Diversity
makes country better

Environmental protections
everyone must be involved
govt may not be taking right measures

Hard work and determination to get ahead
networking, it’s about who you know
there are people who work over 40 hours a week and can’t get ahead
it’s about having a talent/resource that people will pay a lot of money for.

Why blacks can’t get ahead
perpetuated situation
racial discrimination or personal responsibility
It depends on the situation
Both could be a factor

It is not necessary to believe in god to have morals and values
It is necessary to value the lives/worths of others

marriage and having children
is an individual decision
should not be prioritized
community should be a priority

success in life
considering the nature of this economy
your power to succeed
forces outside of your control

sexuality
Mind your own business
it’s not your place to discourage other people’s behavior if they don’t hurt others

privacy and freedom
safety
not mutually exclusive

equal opportunity
there is more work to be done

Domestic Policy

“Multilateralism”
policy decisions should be made collectively with support of everyone who may be affected by the outcome of the decision. vs Unilateralism

“Populism”
decisions are best made when everyone has a say. vs Elitism

“Privacy”
the government should not undermine the rights and privacy of its citizens under the guise of national security. vs security

“Decentralization”
administrative power and decision making should be handled at the local level and serve the best interests of the local community. vs Centralization

“Small Government”
the government is overly bureaucratic, inefficient, and wasteful. vs Big Government


Patriot Act
Do you support the Patriot Act? 
No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

Affirmative Action
Do you support affirmative action programs? 
I support equal opportunity
quotas are business way of saying they don't think a minority is good enough so they have to force themselves to hire them.
It prevents them from putting the work in of actively searching for qualified minority candidates.

Gun Control
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun? 
Extend car ownership laws to guns.
Yes, but only by closing the gun show loophole
All guns need to be registered. Any time a gun transfers ownership, the new owner should transfer registration

Campaign Finance
Should corporations and unions (Super PACs) be allowed to donate to political candidates? 
yes, All donations to candidates should be transparent and reported

Term Limits
Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? 
Yes

Gerrymandering
Should the redrawing of Congressional districts be controlled by an independent, non-partisan commission? 
Yes, gerrymandering gives an unfair advantage to the party in power during redistricting

Net Neutrality
Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? 
No, this would allow them to remove competition, create artificial scarcity, and increase prices
Honestly, in order for this to work, internet access should be public, not private.

Edward Snowden
Should the U.S. government grant immunity to Edward Snowden? 
Yes, he should be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act

Nsa Domestic Surveillance
Should the NSA (National Security Agency) be allowed to collect basic metadata of citizen’s phone calls such as numbers, timestamps, and call durations? 
No, only with a warrant showing probable cause of criminal activity

Eminent Domain
Should the government be allowed to seize private property, with reasonable compensation, for public or civic use? 
No, and the government should never be allowed to seize private property

Iphone Encryption
Should Apple unlock the iPhones of suspected terrorists for the FBI? 
No, backdoors can expose innocent owners to malicious hackers
If the government wants information so bad, they have hackers on staff.

Scotus
Should the Senate hold hearings and a vote on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee? 
Yes, the Senate should follow their Constitutional responsibility

Muslim Surveillance
Should local police increase surveillance and patrol of Muslim neighborhoods? 
No, this decision should be based on crime rates instead of race or religion





Government involvement in domestic affairs
All issues should be solved at the lowest level possible
Then through Non government organizations/charities/non profits
Then through local government
Then through state government
Then through federal government

Health care coverage
The main source of health care coverage should be from adequate wages
look into why health care costs so much
private insurance…
There should be a voluntary government option
if you cannot afford private health insurance
govt health care or
govt health insurance

government benefits
should be community service program
The mantra is create jobs.
How about freeing up resources to allow people to support themselves and their communities

Government waste/inefficient
there are better ways
dealing with issues on local and private levels
What should the government be doing
what the constitution says it should do
With full consent of the people

govt aid to poor
should be community service
basic needs have to be met
how are those needs met
by community
through work
NGO

those in need
helped by community
not government

Health Care Issues

Government Mandates
Should health insurance providers be required to offer free birth control? 
No, it should be covered like any other prescription
NGOs should campaign through outreach and donations to make birth control free

Euthanasia
Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? 
Yes, but only after a psychological examination to show they fully understand this choice

Abortion
What is your stance on abortion? 
Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and more social services will help reduce the number of abortions

Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
I support a government option.
The first thing to do is to find out why health care is so unaffordable.
Why can health care bankrupt a family?
Community health
health provided by employer
affordable coop health care coverage

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? 
consumers should regulate the prices
Patents should be limited
People should be allowed to copy drugs but pay a percentage to the entity that created the drug. For a limited time~ 20 years from discovery.

Do you support the legalization of Marijuana? 
Legalize all drugs

Should the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid)? 
Provide funding as needed. In exchange for public service. If patient cannot work, family member can provide service in their place

Crime policy

“Tender”
believe in showing compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation for small-time criminals or those struggling with addiction.
vs tough


Solitary Confinement For Juveniles
Should prisons ban the use of solitary confinement for juveniles? 
Yes, and we should create more social programs to help prevent and rehabilitate criminals

Felony Voting Rights
Should convicted felons have the right to vote? 
Yes, every citizen deserves the right to vote
All Rights should be restored after person has served their sentence

Police Body Cameras
Should police officers be required to wear body cameras? 
Yes, this will protect the safety and rights of police officers and citizens

Death Penalty
Do you support the death penalty?
No, too many people are innocently convicted

Drugs is a health issue not legal issue.
Release all non-violent drug offenders and clear their records.
End the war on drugs

Drug Policy
Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use? 
Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time

No-Fly List Gun Control
Should people on the “no-fly list” be banned from purchasing guns and ammunition? 
No, it is unconstitutional to deny someone’s rights without due process
No fly list...you should not be restricting anyone's freedom of movement without charges.

Gun Liability
Should victims of gun violence be allowed to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers? 
No, manufacturers and dealers should only be held liable for negligence

Marital Rape
Should marital rape be classified and punished as severely as non-marital rape? 
Yes





community policing
Police should make positive effort to know every citizen in the community they patrol

Police should always have a partner

Community service first line of reparations.
fine is the next.
Only people who are a danger to the community should be jailed.

Economic Policy

“Laissez-faire”
believe government intervention in economic markets leads to long term negative results. vs Keynesian
Government is controlled by economic powers. Any intervention is in the interests of the powerful

“Deregulation”
believe that government regulation stifles innovation and economic prosperity. vs Regulation
Government regulation is controlled by economic powers. To serve more powerful interests
Markets should be regulated by communities, workers, and consumers

“Capitalism”
support an economic system that features private ownership of wealth. vs Socialism
I do not support government ownership of wealth. If wealth must be owned collectively, it should be locally and by consent of all involved.

“Individualism”
support free market policies that create opportunity for personal liberty and success. vs Collectivism
I'm actually collectivist in the sense that communities should come together to create opportunities instead of the state.

Farm Subsidies
Should the government subsidize farmers? 
No, end all government subsidies and let the free market run its course
Subsidies used by economic powers to control market

Minimum Wage
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? 
No, and eliminate all federal wage standards
Wage standards should be set by workers
government should support workers in determining their wages.

Pension Reform
Should pension plans for federal, state, and local government workers be transitioned into privately managed accounts? 
No. Government employes them, government should provide their benefits.

Economic Stimulus
Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? 
Yes, but in the form of increased spending on infrastructure
Government can provide work that will benefit the country.

Corporate Tax
Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?
Lower, but eliminate deductions and loop holes
Transfer to a sort of sales tax or Value added tax. Possible tariff

Welfare
Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? stats discuss
All welfare programs should be converted to public service programs in exchange for basic needs.
Food, education, housing, child care
community service

Government Spending
Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? 
Yes, and eliminate federal agencies that are unconstitutional

Property Taxes
Would you favor an increased sales tax in order to reduce property taxes?
No, but decrease tax rates for senior citizens

Labor Unions
Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy?
Help, in theory but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limited
Unions have valued power over the workers. Unions have cooperated with companies to the detriment of workers
workers directly should be heard. Unions should be more democratic. Committee. The hierarchy should be abolished.

Equal Pay
Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? 
No, the government should never determine what a private business should pay employees
Workers should come together to fight for fair wages. There should be more transparency in wages.
People should do more research before they take jobs and demand a better wage upon entry.

Trans-Pacific Partnership
Do you support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)? 
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a trade deal that would make it easier for American companies to sell their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries. The deal will benefit American service companies who will be able to open up operations in Asian and South American countries.
Opponents argue that this bill will incentivize US companies to move service and manufacturing jobs overseas.
Proponents argue that it would make American companies more successful at selling their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries, leading to a stronger economy, more jobs and higher incomes for American workers.
If this were the jist of it. But, like any other government policy, I'm sure there are things written in the legislation that are harmful to workers and consumers

Capital Gains Tax
Should the government increase the tax rate on profits earned from the sale of stocks, bonds, and real estate? 
Yes, if income tax is abolished

Welfare Drug Testing
Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs? 
No, this is a waste of time and money
Welfare should be replaced with benefits for community service

Government Pensions
Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? 
Yes, but only for low-income pensioners
pensions should be in line with cost of living.

Paid Sick Leave
Should businesses be required to provide paid leave for full-time employees during the birth of a child or sick family member?
No, private businesses should decide the amount of competitive incentives they offer to employees instead of a government mandate
Employees should collectively fight for paid leave

Bitcoin
Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? 
No, classify it as a commodity

Federal Reserve
Should the Federal Reserve Bank be audited by Congress? 
Audit by an independent agency
Yes, we deserve to know who the bank gives money to

Offshore Banking
Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? 
Yes, as long as offshore income is reported

Puerto Rico Bailout
Should the U.S. government bailout Puerto Rico? 
Yes, this is necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis
The U.S. and Puerto Rico should decide on P.R.'s status. State or independence.

Overtime Pay
Should the government require businesses to pay salaried employees, making up to $46k/year, time-and-a-half for overtime hours?  
No, and the government is currently over-regulating private businesses
workers should collectively fight for overtime pay

Online Sales Tax
Should an in-state sales tax apply to online purchases of in-state buyers from out-of-state sellers? 
No, the federal government does not have the authority to impose state and local taxes

Estate Tax
Should the current estate tax rate be decreased? 
Yes, and we should eliminate the estate tax
only tax sales

Corporate Mega Mergers
Should the government prevent “mega mergers” of corporations that could potentially control a large percentage of market share within its industry? 
Yes, if the merged corporation would have more than 25% of the market share

Gender Workplace Diversity
Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? 
No, board members should be the most qualified regardless of gender

Social Security
Should the government raise the retirement age for Social Security? 
eliminate the income cap on taxable earnings instead





Economic system
built by powerful interests to benefit powerful interests
at workers and consumers

Business profit
at the expense of what?
If consumer is protected. safe products
If worker gets percentage of profit

government regulation of business
Transparency above all
Business accountable to workers and consumers and communities they operate in
in order to be protected by govt., expect regulation
if you are willing to be fully liable for your practices, then you can enjoy more freedom
regulation should happen by community, consumer and worker

Undocumented workers
allowed to stay.
no government assistance unless provide community service
If they threaten life, liberty, or property of others, they get sent back

economic power in the hands of few large companies

Foreign Policy

“Isolationism”
we should focus attention on our most pressing issues at home instead of involving ourselves in non-threatening issues abroad. As opposed to imperialism

“Globalization”
globalization is necessary in order to increase the economic strength, prosperity, and standard of living of the nation. As opposed to protectionism
I don't begrudge a company the right to operate in several countries. I do recognize that this is imperialism. These corporations find ways to get around laws. They strip resources from locals and misuse labor. Not allowing a laborer the ability to fully provide for their families and communities.

“Pacifism”
we should use non-violent diplomatic discussion to resolve conflicts.


Israel
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel? 
No, we should be less involved
Concentrate on human rights violations.
Concentrate on diplomacy

United Nations
Should the U.S. remain in the United Nations? 
Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect our interests

Terrorism
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights? 
Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay
Constitutional rights to a fair trial are international human rights

Drones
Should the military fly drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists? 
No, the military has no right to do so without a Congressional declaration of war
Government should not be able to kill anyone unless it is in self defense or the defense of others.

Nsa Surveillance
Should the U.S. continue NSA surveillance of its allies?
No, spying on our allies severely damages our reputation abroad

War On Isis
Should the U.S. formally declare war on ISIS? 
No, we should not legitimize ISIS as a sovereign entity
They are international organised criminals and should be treated as such. Mafia.

Cuba
Do you support President Obama’s move to lift the trade and travel embargo on Cuba? 
Yes

Foreign Aid
Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending? 
Foreign aid should Not in the form of money. Food, infrastructure
Foreign aid should be headed and funded by non-government organizations

Syrian Refugees
Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? 
Yes, but only after extensive background checks and continuous monitoring to ensure they have no terrorist connections
Use them to help solve issue in Syria

Russian Airstrikes In Syria
Should the U.S. prevent Russia from conducting airstrikes in Syria? 
No, we should let the Russians take out ISIS
We should watch closely and act if Russia violates human rights

Isis Ground Troops
Should the government send in ground troops to fight ISIS? 
No, not until they attack us on U.S. soil

Military Spending
Should the government increase or decrease military spending? 
Decrease
Government should audit the military budget. Money is being mismanaged.

Mandatory Military Service
Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? 
No, service should be a choice instead of an obligation
Public Service should be a requirement to receive any government assistance

Overthrow Of Assad
Should the U.S. overthrow President Assad of Syria? 
only if we join an international coalition
only after the decision is made internationally

North Korea Military Strikes
Should the government conduct military strikes against North Korea in order to destroy their long-range missile and nuclear weapons capabilities? 
No, and I am not convinced that North Korea has or is capable of developing a long-range nuclear missile
only use violence against North Korea if they become an immediate threat. Show Opportunity, capability, and intent.

Guantanmo Bay
Should the U.S. close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? 
Yes, and it is unconstitutional to indefinitely hold suspected terrorists without trial

Torture
Should the military be allowed to use enhanced interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, to gain information from suspected terrorists? 
No, torture is inhumane, unethical, and violates the 8th amendment

Nato
Should our country defend other NATO countries that maintain low military defense budgets relative to their GDP? 
Yes, and refusing to defend other NATO countries sets a dangerous precedent for the balance of global power

Ukraine
Should the U.S. provide military assistance to defend Ukraine from Russia? 
No, we should pursue diplomatic options instead

Yemen
Should the government provide military aid to Saudi Arabia during its conflict with Yemen? 
No, we should stay out of conflicts that are not an immediate threat to our security


U.S involvement in foreign affairs
only if asked to help
do not give arms to others
violence only in self defense and defense of others

military force
only in self defense or defense of others
use diplomacy first and always

intervene with diplomacy when asked
ensure peace through diplomacy

no efforts to replace governments
unless government oppresses people
and majority of people ask for help

Purpose of government

To protect the interests of economic entities through controlling citizens and other foreign government entities.
Government is the enforcing agent behind corporate power. Government is the protecting agency that allows corporations to act without consequence.

The new politics

You can't force people to give a shit about each other
But there has to be a way to persuade them
By convincing them that their personal well-being will increase when they ensure the well-being of others

The future

To live in a world of persuasion. Not coercion

Petroleum is Death

Said a speaker at the North Dakota pipeline protest.
Fossil fuels.
We are fueled by death.
Our energy is from death.
We are putting death in the air.
Another form of cannibalism
Without the spiritual aspect.
What are we doing?

Unite

Why is everyone so worried about who had it worse
instead of confronting the motherfucker who is killing all of us?

What is systemic/institutional racism

It's when colonizers come to a country and use the indigenous people as labor. Creating laws supporting that endeavor. Creating laws to take land and resources away from them.
It's a slave trade, bringing people in from other continents for forced labor, then creating laws to sustain that.
When forced labor is abolished, laws are created to separate and deny rights to a certain group of people based on their race.
When you are no longer able to legally segregate or deny basic rights, A War on Drugs is created which affects poor drug users and low level drug dealers. While people bringing in the drugs rarely get prosecuted.
Then to exacerbate it, the CIA supports drug flow into communities and gives harsher prison sentences to those it funnels the drugs to.
When that wasn't enough, A crime bill is created. One that is said to address the awful crime in drug riddled neighborhoods. Only to send more poor people to jail.
To this day.
Stop and frisk.
Now, things come to light. Police have been summarily executing people since the inception of a U.S. police force. Cameras bring it to the public.
A right to bear arms, supposedly protected by the constitution, will get a person killed by the government even when they are not exercising that right. Just the suspicion meets death.
Systemic. Institutional. Death.

What is systemic/institutional racism

It's when colonizers come to a country and use the indigenous people as labor. Creating laws supporting that endeavor. Creating laws to take land and resources away from them.
It's a slave trade, bringing people in from other continents for forced labor, then creating laws to sustain that.
When forced labor is abolished, laws are created to separate and deny rights to a certain group of people based on their race.
When you are no longer able to legally segregate or deny basic rights, A War on Drugs is created which affects poor drug users and low level drug dealers. While people bringing in the drugs rarely get prosecuted.
Then to exacerbate it, the CIA supports drug flow into communities and gives harsher prison sentences to those it funnels the drugs to.
When that wasn't enough, A crime bill is created. One that is said to address the awful crime in drug riddled neighborhoods. Only to send more poor people to jail.
To this day.
Stop and frisk.
Now, things come to light. Police have been summarily executing people since the inception of a U.S. police force. Cameras bring it to the public.
A right to bear arms, supposedly protected by the constitution, will get a person killed by the government even when they are not exercising that right. Just the suspicion meets death.
Systemic. Institutional. Death.

What is systemic/institutional racism

It's when colonizers come to a country and use the indigenous people as labor. Creating laws supporting that endeavor. Creating laws to take land and resources away from them.
It's a slave trade, bringing people in from other continents for forced labor, then creating laws to sustain that.
When forced labor is abolished, laws are created to separate and deny rights to a certain group of people based on their race.
When you are no longer able to legally segregate or deny basic rights, A War on Drugs is created which affects poor drug users and low level drug dealers. While people bringing in the drugs rarely get prosecuted.
Then to exacerbate it, the CIA supports drug flow into communities and the government gives harsher prison sentences to those it funnels the drugs to.
When that wasn't enough, A crime bill is created. One that is said to address the awful crime in drug riddled neighborhoods. Only to send more poor people to jail.
To this day.
Stop and frisk.
Now, things come to light. Police have been summarily executing people since the inception of a U.S. police force. Cameras bring it to the public.
A right to bear arms, supposedly protected by the constitution, will get a person killed by the government even when they are not exercising that right. Just the suspicion meets death.
Systemic. Institutional. Death.

Deep Thought

The free market would never allow anarchy.
or even small government

The market needs government. The market creates governments.

The lie of Scarcity

We live in a society that perpetuates hoarding and waste.
We see people without and say there isn't enough for them. Or that you can't take from others to give to the poor.
All bullshit. There is enough for all.
Amongst the waste and holding on to things no longer useful, there is enough for all.

My Political Themes

From https://www.isidewith.com/

TraditionalvsProgressive

48

You side moderately towards “Progressive”, meaning you believe we should be a nation that values personal freedom, expression, and diversity. 

CollectivismvsIndividualism

28

You side slightly towards “Collectivism”, meaning you more often believe policy should protect and support the best interests of all citizens. 

PopulismvsElitism

92

You side extremely towards “Populism”, meaning you very strongly believe decisions are best made when everyone has a say. 

Everyone should have a say in policy that controls their lives

MulticulturalismvsAssimilation

90

You side extremely towards “Multiculturalism”, meaning you very strongly believe we should celebrate and embrace cultural diversity. 

UnilateralismvsMultilateralism

84

You side strongly towards “Multilateralism”, meaning you strongly believe policy decisions should be made collectively with support of everyone who may be affected by the outcome of the decision. 

IsolationismvsImperialism

74

You side strongly towards “Isolationism”, meaning you strongly believe we should focus attention on our most pressing issues at home instead of involving ourselves in non-threatening issues abroad.

EnvironmentalismvsAnthropocentrism

66

You side moderately towards “Environmentalism”, meaning you believe in sustainability, environmental protection, and improving the health of the environment. 

The world and it's products are not ours to own or control. Unless we create it by the work of our hands, it is not ours.

CentralizationvsDecentralization

62

You side moderately towards “Decentralization”, meaning you believe that administrative power and decision making should be handled at the local level and serve the best interests of the local community. 

ToughvsTender

54

You side moderately towards “Tender”, meaning you believe in showing compassion, empathy, and rehabilitation for small-time criminals or those struggling with addiction. 

Incarceration does not rehabilitate or create people who are assets to society. Getting to the root of the problem and correcting it does.

PrivacyvsSecurity

50

You side moderately towards “Privacy”, meaning you believe the government should not undermine the rights and privacy of its citizens under the guise of national security. 

PacifismvsMilitarism

38

You side moderately towards “Pacifism”, meaning you believe we should use non-violent diplomatic discussion to resolve conflicts. 

Use force in the case of self defense and the defense of others only

CapitalismvsSocialism

34

You side moderately towards “Socialism”, meaning you support an economic system which advocates collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. 

I think I'm a centrist in this regard. The people, not the government, should administer the means of production and distribution of goods. I believe the distribution should be fair. This would be made possible by reducing waste in housing and agriculture. Holding people accountable to the community for hoarding or creating false scarcity.

GlobalizationvsProtectionism

34

You side moderately towards “Globalization”, meaning you believe globalization is necessary in order to increase the economic strength, prosperity, and standard of living of the nation. 

I believe Globalization is a reality since people migrated from one region in Africa. It is a right to trade with anyone you want. 

Small GovernmentvsBig Government

20

You side slightly towards “Big Government”, meaning you more often believe the government should do more to address social inequality, corruption, and assistance for its citizens.

Actually I don't. There's a difference between thinking something should be done and thinking that the government should be the one to do it. 
I think private organizations and local communities should provide assistance for the citizens

RegulationvsDeregulation

18

You side slightly towards “Regulation”, meaning you more often believe the government should regulate business activity to ensure no one is taking advantage of the system. 

Again, I want to make sure no one is taken advantage of. How that happens is different. 
I'd rather more local consumer watchdog groups. More collective bargaining. Businesses must show their activities are not a detriment to the communities they operate in or serve. 

Laissez-fairevsKeynesian

4

You are a centrist on Laissez-faire and Keynesian issues. 

Accountability

Everyone in a position of authority must be held accountable by someone.
Ideally by the people they have authority over.

Social Justice in my mind

There is no true equality in the world. Some have advantages over others.
Physical, mental, social
Some given, some inherited, some paid for, some worked for
Instant or over time

Regardless
There should be Equal Opportunity in all areas.

Communities should ensure those within have their basic needs met.
Affordable access to safe shelter, healthy food, adequate health care, transportation.
Participation in creating and enforcing laws.
These things ensure the health of a society. If a group of people don't have these things, they negatively affect the rest of society.

Power

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Power is the ability to get people to do things they wouldn't choose to do on their own do.

Confucius said...there is peace in the world

When things are investigated, then true knowledge is achieved;
When true knowledge is achieved, then the will becomes sincere;
When the will is sincere, then the heart is set right;
When the heart is set right, then the personal life is cultivated;
When the personal life is cultivated, then the family life is regulated;
When the family life is regulated, then the national life is orderly;
And when the national life is orderly, then there is peace in the world.

All Lives Matter?

Imperialism
The tool of imperialism is divide and conquer.
Those in power only remain in control when the oppressed are in fear of each other.
When the oppressed justify the oppression of others.

When everyone in America sees themselves in a person killed by the police, we will know justice.
When people stop making excuses for those who kill others.
When people stop justifying the murder of others.
We will unite.

All Lives Will Matter When We All Act Like It

Deep Thought

Culture is a spectre
when communities are falling apart
Who knows their neighbor?
Who supports their neighbor?
Rites of passage that bring children into adulthood
that give them purpose amongst their people

interdependent.
The reality that harms us all or lifts us all

Deep Thought

Culture is a spectre
when communities are falling apart
Who knows their neighbor?
Who supports their neighbor?
Rites of passage that bring children into adulthood
that give them purpose amongst their people

interdependent.
The reality that harms us all or lifts us all

The World Is Ours

Society

Every generation must ask 

how do we interact with each other 

What must we prevent

What is sacred
How do we share information

what consequences do we face when we break contracts

cause suffering 

how do we prevent harm to ourselves and one another 

these questions cannot be answered by previous generations

How do we organize ourselves

How do we use resources

How do we live together

How do we support each other

There is always a better way

Always room for improvement

We have come so far technologically 

Yet we can't resolve conflict without taking lives

We can do better

Letter to My Representatives

Gun Control for Civilians and Law Enforcement.

I have served in the U.S. Navy. We are trained that Deadly Force is only justified in certain circumstances including self defense and the defense of others. Deadly force may only be used when lesser means cannot be reasonably employed or have failed and the risk of death or serious bodily harm to innocent persons is not increased by its use. We shall give an oral warning before using deadly force. I have been trained in less than lethal means of handling threats. 

We adhere to principles of threat assessment. We can not use deadly force against someone unless they show capability, opportunity and intent to cause death or serious bodily harm. We know that intent is the hardest thing to decipher, but merely possessing a weapon is not a show of intent. Especially in countries where weapon possession is legal. 

 We also adhere to the principle of disciplined restraint. We are aware of the implications of using deadly force in a foreign land against foreign military or civilians. We are training to assess a situation to use less than lethal methods even if deadly force is justified.

I do not understand how I, as a member of the military providing security in foreign lands, am more restricted in my use of deadly force than those in the United States providing law enforcement amongst our fellow citizens. From what I have read, U.S. law enforcement agents receive much of the same training military members do with regard to deadly force. Why is deadly force used before other less than lethal means? Why are people being shot if a police suspects they have a weapon, when having a weapon is supposed to be a right protected by the Bill of Rights and various state constitutions? Why is law enforcement so afraid of U.S. citizens to the point where they feel threatened enough to take someone’s life, even when that person did not have the capability, opportunity, or intent to harm them or anyone else?

The government, including law enforcement, should not be taking the lives of U.S. citizens. The right to Life should be held in highest regard by the government and citizens of the United States. Protected above all other rights. Even the lives of convicted criminals, the poor, those with mental health issues and even those who are committing crimes that are not capital offenses.

In order to carry a weapon in the U.S. military, I have to be qualified on that weapon. I have to complete various trainings for each weapon I carry. Semi-annually, I have to shoot that weapon in a controlled environment and meet minimum standards. I have to carry a weapon’s card stating what weapons I am qualified to carry. I have to sign documents stating I understand the use of these weapons in my duties to the United States and I have to adhere to the Lautenberg Amendment. There are other disqualifying factors such as mental health that would bar me from carrying a weapon. If I do not adhere to all of these requirements, I am not allowed to carry a weapon. 

I believe all U.S. citizens should have to meet these requirements and receive the training I have in order to carry a weapon. There is a greater responsibility that needs to be respected when carrying a weapon in public. I honestly don’t care what people do or have on their private property, but, when they enter public places with objects that are designed to kill, there should be minimum standards they must meet.

I would like to see an age requirement to have weapons in public. I would like to see written and practical tests and continuing education requirements. I believe weapons should be registered and people should be licensed to carry each type of weapon. I would also like to see an insurance requirement for possessing weapons in public.

I also understand the right to use deadly force for self defense and the defense of others. I understand the right to possess firearms for hunting. I do not understand civilians possessing fully automatic weapons for either of those purposes. Fully automatic weapons were designed for use by military forces, not for personal security or hunting.

Restrictions on automatic weapons will not prevent all gun violence; but, if the next incident reported 5 people being killed instead of 12, 27 or 49, that is a vast improvement.

If all lives matter, then we all need to start acting like it. Take active measures to protect the lives of ALL U.S. citizens.

The Way Of The World

Everyone on this planet has a place amongst each other.
Someone seeks to control us and we seek to control someone else.
This may be temporary to achieve a specific goal.
Or this could be permanent to maintain authority and power.
The tactics used to establish control.
Hegemony, fear, force, fraud, pseudoscience, religion.
Using people's physical attributes to establish some system of superiority.
Divide and conquer
Pitting people against each other

The Book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes)
8:9
All this have I seen,
and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun
There is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt

The Way Of The World

Everyone on this planet has a place amongst each other.
Someone seeks to control us and we seek to control someone else.
This may be temporary to achieve a specific goal.
Or this could be permanent to maintain authority and power.
The tactics used to establish control.
Hegemony, fear, force, fraud, pseudoscience, religion.
Using people's physical attributes to establish some system of superiority.
Divide and conquer
Pitting people against each other

The Book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes)
8:9
All this have I seen,
and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun
There is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt

Feminism

The idea that you can live your own life without anyone else's permission

Merriam-Webster 

\ˈfe-mə-ˌni-zəm\

noun

•  the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities
•  organized activity in support of women's rights and interests

• 1  the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
• 2  organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests

• 
  

First use: 1895

Live without outside Opinion, input or restrictions

Entertainment...

Our lives are constantly bombarded with fantasy.
We are made to believe the make believe.
We are fed illusions by the hour.
Made to believe it is true.

Who is real?
What is real?
How do these fantasy affect our real lives?

How can we get away from these fantasies?
simple. If it can be turned off, turn it off.
Go outside and play.
Talk with real people about real things. Like their lives. Their history.

Assume that anything you are not directly involved in is not true.

Hell, things you are involved in are subject to deception.

Why I Don't Trust Politicians

None of them represent the people they have control over

Elected officials play a game
Say what you need to say to voters
Make promises you never intended to keep
Then when you get into office
you do the bidding of those who are funding you.
Most times at the expense of the greater public you said you would represent.

All in all I don't trust anyone who wants control over other people's lives.

How I use Holy Texts

When I read the Bible, I think,
How can I use this to make my life better
Never, How can I impose this on others.

Disciplined Restraint

Why are the Rules of Engagement more restrictive for military security forces in foreign lands?
Why are police forces in the United States allowed to take life with more leisure than military security?

Use deadly force triangle
Capability
Opportunity
Intent
Only when these three criteria are met, are you allowed to use deadly force.
And then it is only when lesser means of restraint are not effective or not reasonable.

Use of force continuum

Presence

Verbal commands

Bodily force

Less than lethal weapons

Police have this training. They have been trained to deescalate situations. There is no excuse.

Community Policing.

Being involved in the community they police. Getting to know the citizens of the community they police.

So that fear does not rule your actions. A person has a name. They are human. They are not a demon.

National institute of justice

Culture of destruction

Around the culture of Gun violence in America.
I used to say that guns are ingrained in our culture. They were a part of the American conquer. From Canada to the tip of Chile.
The second amendment protects the right to bear arms. State constitutions protect the right to bear arms to hunt and protect personal property.
Forces control our legislature through money. There is no way they will allow the ban of weapons.

I'd only hope to ask that automatic weapons would be restricted to the military and all weapons would be regulated like vehicles.

BUT, beyond all that, there is a deeper issue.
The lack of equanimity for life.
When particular humans are killed, the first thoughts of the public aren't of grief or dismay. They are wondering what the person did to deserve death. They are finding ways to justify the execution.
No one deserves to be killed. Killing another human being is only justified in self defense or the defense of others. Even in that case, that person did not deserve to die. You had no other option but to kill them.
As a people, we need to train ourselves to give ourselves more options

Where pro-life members want to stop at nothing to protect the life of an unborn child. Yet, they do not extend that passion to those living in poverty or prison.

Whose life is worth grieving?
What death is justified?

Notes on self defense

We should be clear about justifications of deadly force

Imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm

Use deadly force triangle
Capability
Opportunity
Intent

Understand that trying to get away from the situation or defuse the situation is the best form of self defense

Self defense is stopping the threat.

There is a line between self defense and retribution
If you have taken away a person's ability to harm you or their desire to harm you, you have successfully defended yourself.
If you continue to harm them after that fact, that is retribution

There should be no immunity for killing someone
All cases should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

overview of self defense

As a general rule, self-defense only justifies the use of force when it is used in response to an immediate threat.  The threat can be verbal, as long as it puts the intended victim in an immediate fear of physical harm.  Offensive words without an accompanying threat of immediate physical harm, however, do not justify the use of force in self-defense.

Moreover, the use of force in self-defense generally loses justification once the threat has ended.  For example, if an aggressor assaults a victim but then ends the assault and indicates that there is no longer any threat of violence, then the threat of danger has ended.  Any use of force by the victim against the assailant at that point would be considered retaliatory and not self-defense.

self-defense
n. the use of reasonable force to protect oneself or members of the family from bodily harm from the attack of an aggressor, if the defender has reason to believe he/she/they is/are in danger. Self-defense is a common defense by a person accused of assault, battery or homicide. The force used in self-defense may be sufficient for protection from apparent harm (not just an empty verbal threat) or to halt any danger from attack, but cannot be an excuse to continue the attack or use excessive force. Examples: an unarmed man punches Allen Alibi, who hits the attacker with a baseball bat. That is legitimate self-defense, but Alibi cannot chase after the attacker and shoot him or beat him senseless. If the attacker has a gun or a butcher knife and is verbally threatening, Alibi is probably warranted in shooting him. Basically, appropriate self-defense is judged on all the circumstances. Reasonable force can also be used to protect property from theft or destruction. Self-defense cannot include killing or great bodily harm to defend property, unless personal danger is also involved, as is the case in most burglaries, muggings or vandalism.

- See more at: http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-law-basics/self-defense-overview.html#sthash.SqNuIZvH.dpuf

Original 9/11/14
mar 28 2012

Weapon Control

Bill Of Rights
Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms


A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The definition of a well regulated Militia and it's relation to the right to bear arms could be argued.
Constitutions of individual states secure the right for people to bear arms for self defense and hunting purposes.
Is this a right with no boundaries, no restraints?

Is it feasible or desirable to take this right away? To ban arms?  
What about simple controls?

What if the car regulations were enacted on guns.
You have to be a certain age to have weapons in public. Do whatever you want on your private property.
You have to pass a test. Written and practical.
You have to register the weapon.
You have to have insurance.
You have to have a license. You have to have special licensing and increased insurance to keep certain weapons.
If you violate the law, you can have your weapon taken away from you.
Your penalty will be greater If you have not followed these guidelines and you harm someone.


NO one can sell you a weapon unless you meet these guidelines.

Of course, 'guns don't kill people, people kill people'. BUT, clear guidelines can reduce the amount of people killed by other people.

Deep Thought

These reasonings are unconnected: 

 "I am richer than you, therefore I am better";

 "I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better." 

The connection is rather this:

 "I am richer than you, therefore my property is greater than yours;"

 "I am more eloquent than you, therefore my style is better than yours."

 But you, after all, are neither property nor style. 

Epicurus

Endearment

Words of the day

noun
a word or phrase expressing love or affection.


Nigger
a contemptuous term for a black or dark-skinned person.

Bitch
informal, derogatory a spiteful or unpleasant woman.
• black slang a woman.
• a person who is completely subservient to another

whore
noun derogatory
a prostitute.
• a promiscuous woman.

slut
noun
a slovenly or promiscuous woman.

Cunt
noun, Slang: Vulgar.
The vulva or vagina
Extremely Disparaging and Offensive
a contemptuous term used to refer to a woman
a term used to refer to a contemptible person


Insult
verb
speak to or treat with disrespect or scornful abuse

Disparage
verb
regard or represent as being of little worth

Degrade
verb
treat or regard (someone) with contempt or disrespect

Derogatory
adjective
showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

Why are you saying it?
Why do you feel the need to say it?
Who is it directed to?
What do you want to convey to them?
Are you repeating what you heard?
Do you understand the context?
Why are you so eager to insult someone?

If you change it to bish, what are you saying?
If you change it to nigga, what are you saying?

Why do you want to insult others?
Why do you seek permission to insult people?
Why do you want to use insults to address your friends or those you love?

If you ain't got nothing nice to say...

repost from Jun 20, 2012