As I look at the political situation today and as we face another election season, I ask myself why do I believe what I believe? Why do I more closely relate with Republicans than with Democrats? Why is my thinking so different from the so-called mainstream media? After all, these are highly educated people who should know. If we read the “elite” media or listen to their newscasts it becomes clear they are of one mind and it’s not the way I think.
So here are my positions.
First and foremost I believe the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of this land. It is not a living document. It should be followed as written. The authors of that document gave us the ability to change it if it becomes necessary. The amendment process is clearly laid out and that should be the only way any change is made.
I believe in personal responsibility. One is responsible for one’s own choices and should be held accountable for those choices. I believe in law and order. If one chooses to disobey a law, they should be held responsible for that violation. I believe penal institutions are for penal purposes first and secondly for rehabilitation. I believe if you do not like a particular law, then you should work to change that law, not break it. That’s called anarchy.
I believe a strong military is the best deterrent to enemies who would challenge us. I also think anyone who is privileged to live in this great country owes some service to the country through the military or through some other avenue. Personally I would reinstitute the draft.
I am OK with foreign aid with some caveats. If you are in an airplane and you lose cabin pressure, you are told to put your mask on first before you assist anyone else. Makes sense, right? You cannot help anyone else if you are incapacitated. Why would we spend billions helping other countries around the world when we need so much here at home? Our senior citizens as well as our veterans should take precedence over any foreign government. We cannot buy friendship so we should quit trying. Let’s take care of ourselves first.
I do not believe in government-forced income or wealth redistribution. I should be able to keep for myself what I have legally earned. If others refuse to work they should suffer the consequence of their choice. There needs to be a welfare system for those truly in need because of situations beyond their control but not generations of families on the dole. That’s not need, it’s greed.
I believe the climate of the earth is changing. It has been changing since the beginning of time. Human activity is no more responsible today than it was the last time warming occurred after an icy period. Besides, what is the temperature of the earth supposed to be? The earth has always experienced periods of warming and cooling. Deal with it.
I believe “political correctness” is a liberal invention designed to stifle free speech and expression with which they disagree.
I believe in equal opportunity but not necessarily equal results. No person or group should be granted favor over another because of race or ethnicity. We should succeed or fail based on our effort and intelligence.
I describe my politics as traditional American and I wonder does the other side disagree with these principles? Where does their thinking come from? My thinking is neither Republican nor Democrat. Both Democrat Harry Truman and Republican Ronald Reagan would probably share my opinion. Our country, with its freedom-tested traditions, doesn’t need any “fundamental” change.
