Now that you know who I am, where I’m from, and why, you’ll find out where I stand. Understand that though I have strong convictions, I do live in the real world. Recognizing when it’s appropriate to change is key.
The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights Play an Important Role on Where I Stand On the Issues
This important document is what defines the role of our government. It’s neither the Greek Democracy nor the Roman Republic. Rather, it’s the blend of both.
In other words, the best of both worlds.
Separation of powers is something I find to be important, so being a one issue only candidate will not suffice. Take the Missouri Firearms Coalition for example. They mean well regarding the 2nd Amendment, which I absolutely support.
Upon filling out their survey, my eyebrow raised in regard to “stand your ground” legislation.
Having the right to defend yourself when an unprovoked attack occurs is paramount. I also am a big supporter of property rights, which Matt Gaetz’s bill makes no mention of.
If any place does not want violence coming through their doors, I have to respect that regardless of whether I like it or not.
I would vote yes for a law similar to HR 6248 so long as it also keeps in mind property rights of various privately owned venues. Again, we live in the real world and different property owners are going to have a different set of preferences as well as rules and preferred behavior.
The 1st Amendment is also an important factor on where I stand on the issues. I oppose the banning of TikTok and any other social media platform as that is an overreach by the US Congress. What part of “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” do they not understand?
Having a Truly Free Market is an Important Part of Where I Stand On the Issues
To be clear, I oppose any tariffs against any other country for imports. It was a horrible idea when Donald Trump did it, and it’s a horrible idea now. When it comes to trade wars, everybody loses.
In the end, everyday consumers end up paying the cost.
If we are that worried about jobs in America, we need to come up with better goods and services while not pricing ourselves out of the market. That’s why the Soviet Union ultimately fell. We had better things to offer and more choices in that regard.
Free markets and civil liberties go hand in hand.
That is also why I am for the development and nurturing of cryptocurrency by private individuals and groups. What the head of the SEC is doing to companies who dare dabble in digital currencies that are decentralized is abhorrent.
In other words, I would support legislation similar to the SEC Stabilization Act of 2023 so that no political party has majority power in that agency.
Where I Stand on Other Issues
My general rule of thumb is if local, state, and/or federal government is making matters worse, then we need to change course. I oppose the war on drugs not because addictive pills, powders, and liquids are harmless.
Bureaucratic institutions that treat government as a religion make things worse for everybody.
In recent years, experts have been arguing in favor of medical treatment instead of punishment. I would go further in supporting legislation that would fully legalize marijuana. Legalization and treating addiction as a medical crisis instead of a criminal crisis is the best way to cut off the cartels.
Instead of running from it, I will also address abortion.
On a personal level, I prefer to leave medical decisions up to the patients and their doctors. I know what it is like for me to nearly lose my life due to bureaucratic hurdles put forth by egotistical bureaucrats in government entities such as the military. I almost died because of them, and for that reason I have a more nuanced view on abortion.
Individual Libertarians have differing views on abortion.
The reason for this is that like the war on drugs and the southern border, the government has often made things worse. In other words, when it comes to pro choice vs pro life, both sides are wrong precisely because they rely on an overly bureaucratic institution to solve the issue at hand.
Both sides ignored the perils of relying on government.
The pro-choice crowd suffered a major defeat with the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. While the pro-life crowd was cheering, the Alabama Supreme Court said, “Hold my beer!” and put IVF treatments for those who have trouble conceiving in jeopardy.
We need to stop relying on politicians to address this issue and actually have mature, open-minded discussions about the root of the problem.
Such a thing will take courage, patience, and maturity. Various politicians in recent years have not demonstrated any of those characteristics.
Shaming people for wanting to know more about sex, especially by politicians, is not the way to go.
Education is yet another place where balance is needed
Advocates for Charter Schools may find themselves disheartened, as this represents yet another method of government subsidization. My main issue with them is that you still have to ask the government for permission. I am more in favor of granting more local control so that parents have more of a say in the education of their children
I am against the banning of books as it constitutes censorship, so that means I also oppose giving parents and legal guardians a blank check.
After all, checks and balances are important and shape where I stand.