Nation: United States
Ethnicity: Swedish-Irish-Native American
Family: Mostly raised by the Swedes, many of whom are 'recent' immigrants (as far as most American families go) and former members of the Democratic Socialist party in the old country.
Religion:
I am a pantheist, in simplest terms. I believe in god, but disagree with the major religions in the world. I believe in unlimited reincarnation, that the universe is cyclical (Big Bang, Big Crunch, Big Bang Again), that there is more than just the physical world, that everything that does exist is a vital part of the whole, that life's purpose is whatever you want it to be, and that morality is a human invention. Evolution is meant to give life an opportunity to adapt in an ever changing world. I do not think humans are special, but rather just one species amongst millions. That's it in an extreme nutshell.
- I have no problem with other religions, just disagree with them.
- I feel that atheists often have the same attitude as the religious in their efforts to spread their own beliefs and condemn those who think differently, and that both sides are equally intolerant of each other. I also fear that religion will eventually be persecuted against, even if that particular religion causes no harm to anyone.
- Religion has been a source of conflict, but less because it's religion and more because mere mortals have an overwhelming desire to be right.
Politics:
I vote Democrat, though only because third parties have no chance of winning and I strongly disagree with most Republicans. I am very moderate. Liberals tend to annoy me almost as much as conservatives do.
- I support market regulations, but mostly just to the extent that they prevent stupid and/or greedy people from ruining the economy. And perhaps to force companies to do away with hidden fees or other deceitful practices.
- I agree that we should go to war to stop a fairly one-sided invasion of another country (i.e.: The First Gulf War), and to uphold other international laws. This should ideally be done within an organization like NATO, as it is a strain for one nation to carry the entire burden of a military campaign.
- I do not, however, think that we should directly involve ourselves in revolutions, nor do I think democracy should be imposed. I have a sinking suspicion that Americans would not value their freedom as much as they do if our forefathers had just been handed a democratic government by the French, if the French had done the majority of fighting in the American Revolution. We shed blood and tears for our country, we shaped our nation as we saw fit, and we very strongly do not want to lose it. Democracy gift-wrapped may not generate the same feelings. At the most, we may support the democratic and secular side of a revolution with arms, training and intelligence. But not do the brunt of the fighting.
- I would generally support having more than two major political parties.
- I love democracy, but am not blind to certain flaws, and hold no grudge against nations with other political systems. Provided the people are happy and treated well.
Social Issues: Somewhat libertarian on social issues, but generally left wing.
- Marriage should be independent of government. It should be a union of love, not a government contract. Therefor, I do not support gay or straight marriage as it currently is handled. The benefits of government marriage (hospital visitation rights, child custody, inheriting property, etc.) should be set up on your own as you see fit, and should be available to anyone. You should be free to make whatever arrangements suit you best.
- Abortion should be legal, but for humane reasons, only practiced during the 1st trimester. Barring medical emergencies.
- I think most people in first world nations acquire far much more stuff than they really need, and that we should willingly live with far less in order to give to the poor. We don't need half the stuff we buy, if not more. Donate to good causes, get by with the essentials. I'm not really opposed to high taxes for this reason. I don't generally like having too much excess money.
- Government health care should be an option (but not the only option) for Americans, as health care costs are too expensive for most people to afford a simple office visit. And insurance companies do not ensure people who are willing and able to pay premiums, just because they have a health condition (i.e.: companies won't help anyone who actually needs a doctor). Meaning a good number of people go without medical care.
- Support welfare, but only if it's proven that someone genuinely needs assistance. As opposed to just not working.
- Pro-hunting, but not for sport. Just for food. A good number of hunters seem to show little respect for the animals they kill beyond 'ooh, nice antlers.' I also wish that would change.
- Hunting rifles and handguns are generally okay in my book, but there's little practical reason for assault rifles or heavier weapons. Apart from having an extra fun time on the shooting range. I also think you should have to go through a gun safety course and pass a test to make sure you won't accidentally kill someone before getting a gun. It's good sense. "Home tutoring" in firearm safety can lead to a continuation of bad firearm habits.
- People are generally way too passionate and dramatic, and not everything is a crisis. ...What? Just sayin'.
Edited by Selena, 24 June 2009 - 05:02 PM.
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