Gun Control -- 100% AGAINST gun control. If more stringent gun control laws are implemented, then it will get to the point where only the bad guys will have them. Abortion -- 100% FOR it. Well, maybe 90% for it. There reaches a point in a pregnancy when I do believe that it is wrong, but in the earlier stages, I am completely in favor it, the abortion pill, in particular. Prayer in school -- I'm not opposed to a moment of silence, so long as it doesn't favor a particular religion. Rights for Homosexuals and other Minorities -- 100% AGAINST. You don't deserve special treatment, I don't care who you are. You have just as much of a right to be gay and (insert race and/or gender here) as I do to be white and straight. There needs to be one anti-discrimination law that covers us ALL. Foreign Policy Involvement -- We definitely need more cooperation here. Kyoto, anyone? Taxation -- Cut the little guys some slack. Capital Punishment -- 100% FOR. And to add one: The Drug War -- Legalize it all, tax it all, regulate it all. My life, my body, my choice.
Gun Control - for handguns Abortion - pro-choice Capital Punishment - only when there is no doubt they are guilty. Rights for Homosexuals - "Special" rights No. Equal Rights Yes. U.S Foreign Policy - depends on the situation. Prayer in School - no. does prayer need to be a communal activity? Taxes - eliminate income tax. increase sales tax.
<b>Gun Control</b> -- For very limited increase in gun control, ie checks at gun shows and outlawing more military style weapons. <b>Abortion</b> -- Adamantly pro-LIFE. That lump of cells has a human soul even without cognitive activity or eyes filled with light. <b>Prayer in school</b> -- I think it is ridiculous that kindergartners are sent home for praying over their lunch. Why don't they re-organize homerooms along lines of religious belief and allow open religious expression/experience first thing every morning? <b>Rights for Homosexuals</b> -- All for civil union laws that would legalize marriage. Churches that want to perform gay marriages should but no church should be compelled to perform one. <b>Gay Adoptive Rights</b> -- All for adoption rights as well; most gay parents would probably be better parents than a bunch of the hetero parents. I don't think it is the ideal situation (not having both sexes represented as parents) but then most situations are not ideal (look at the divorce rate)-- and the least ideal situation is serial foster homes! <b>Foreign Policy Involvement</b> -- Cut back involvement. Let regional powers watch their blocks for a while. Prefer more of a mediator role than a policeman role but am still willing to do so where vital national interest is at stake. Just don't be so jumpy! <b>Taxation</b> -- Raise the poverty level. Implement some kind of simpler flat-tax (or narrower graduated) arrangement. Everyone who can should be paying taxes-- including corporations. <b>Capital Punishment</b> -- Not against it but wish it were more effective than it is. Perhaps it could be allowed in capital crimes where there was implicating DNA evidence? Government should pay for all DNA testing where there is said evidence as part of the investigation/prosecution. If we can't make capital punishment work better, we should consider doing away with it.
not sure how anyone can just go down a list like this and say, "for it" or "against it".. gun control -- for it...in limitation...read antisonic's post above abortion -- pro-life...i used to not feel as strongly as i do on this issue...but it really super duper bothers me that society seems to be working towards making it as easy as possible as disposing of those little pesky fetuses. life is a gift. prayer in school -- i've had occassion to meet the teachers my wife works with...i don't want them teaching my kids how to pray. I will teach my kids how to pray, thank you. homosexual rights -- i don't even know what this means..aren't they entitled to the same bill of rights i'm entitled to under the Constitution? in what context?? what specific issue are we talking about here? adoptive rights for gays - undecided..but i lean against it, i think foreign policy -- as much as i'd like to say, "let's get out of these trouble spots where we could lose american lives" it's simply not realistic. we are the world's only superpower and we're called on time and time again to protect freedom..and our own interests don't lie exclusively within the borders of the 50 states. we have citizens living abroad and economic reasons to protect certain areas taxation -- i'm against it entirely!! obviously kidding. i'm certainly not socialist...i'm not the exact opposite either...but i do believe higher taxes suppress an economy. i pay an occupation tax, for heaven's sake!! "oh..you want that job...ok...you can have it...just pay the government a fee for it!" whatever! capital punishment -- against it the way it exists in practice today. i'm quite concerned with the very real possibility we may be putting an innocent man or woman to death. that really bothers me
Max: On homosexual rights, I am talking about it if gays and lesbians should be treated like they are another race like blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, etc.....very generic, although giddy started with the division of gays being able to marry and then gays being able to adopt, which is fine. I find it interesting that some of the responses so far, and especially from people that I thought were die-hard conservative and die-hard liberal fall in between rather than conservative or liberal. Also, I find it interesting that not many have been against gun control.
Gun Control - Am for it Abortion - Am for Pro Choice Capital Punishment - Am for it. Rights for Homosexuals - Against it, why give a lifestyle special rights...we all have the same rights. Lifestyle should not be a factor. U.S. Foreign Policy - We have to be consistent, and be the worlds police force, if not us, then who? Prayer in School - No need for prayer in school, it should be done at home. Taxation - I am in favor of a sliding flat tax rate with ZERO loop holes. Nationalized health care - Am in favor of it, eliminate the HMO's and let everyone get the same treatment. I know..I am all over the board. Sigh. DaDakota
Gun Control - for gun registration, more aggressive background checks, limits on more aggressive weapons Abortion - Against it morally, but think it should be legal Capital Punishment - No problem with it in theory, but against it as currently applied Rights for Homosexuals - For civil union laws -- don't think it should be termed "marriage" though because, rightfully or not, that word does have religious connotations and is generally defined as the union of a man and woman Foreign Policy - Very much for an active interventionist role; however US policies should look much more long-term than they usually do Prayer in School - It's already legal on a voluntary, personal-choice basis; no need for anything more. If people don't want to pray on their own, making them listen to someone else pray is not going to do anything. Taxation - I think the current system could be improved with more targetted taxes and some rate adjustments as needed, but the fundamental structure is fine.
Gun Control-I don't think that people should be carrying around AK-47s and the like, but as for handguns, probably not. Abortion-Personally I'm pro-life, but I don't think it's my place to make that decision for anyone else. Capital Punishment-Absolutely against it. Homosexuals-They should have the same basic rights of marriage, adoption, kissing in public, and everything else that heterosexuals enjoy. If the Church doesn't want to recognize them as married, that's fine, but the government should. Foreign policy-I have no problem with the war in Afghanistan. However, I really don't think that we should take sides in conflicts that have been going on for years. I do believe that we should give humanitarian aid, whether military of financial, whenever possible. To me, it's what comes with being the only remaining superpower. Prayer in school-Like Major said, you can voluntarily. There's no reason to add anything else because those who don't pray probably aren't doing it because their teachers aren't. Taxation-Like I've stated a few times in the last few days, I don't believe you can look at the percentage paid to get an accurate picture of the burden that's placed upon someone paying taxes. I wish for two things-one is that the money goes to those who actually need it, and the other thing is that all the rich people out there (of which I am close to being one...halfway their) will take a break from whining their asses off to realize that they should probably give a little thanks that they are where they are and not struggling to feed their families meal to meal.
Just curious to see what others views are on these topics...please don't derail the thread by getting into debates on any of these topics, I just want to know the bare minimum... Gun Control - For it Abortion - pro-choice Prayer in School - "secular state" means just that Foreign Policy - too complex to put here, really... I'm a Realist with certain humanitarian trappings; not an isolationist, but I think we should be less involved than we are, often Rights for Homosexuals - eh? This is odd phrasing. I was under the impression that every group had equal "rights," and that some groups just needed special monitoring for violations, because they're targeted for discrimination Taxation - I'm for graduated taxes... can't tax too much, or you repress entrepreneurship... but I do think that certain "public goods" need to be improved in quality, like education, health care, public transportation, basic research, etc
I'm with you Max. I feel like I need to write a page long explanation for each answer, but I won't, I promise. gun control - this means very different things in Canada and the US. We have VERY strict regulations on handguns and only strict regulations on hunting rifles. The only way you can own a handgun is if you are a member of a gun club or are a collector. Every gun owner needs to be licensed to own a gun, a process that includes knowledge testing and background checks, and every gun must be registered. It is a criminal offence to be in possession of gun without proper licensing and registration. Here are a couple of short summaries. http://www.guncontrol.ca/Content/Cda-US.htm http://www.guncontrol.ca/Content/GunControlLaws.html abortion - There are a number of issues suggested by this one term, but very basically I believe that human life begins at the point of conception. If we don't end it artificially, it will continue to grow and become a human being, or die one it's own of natural causes. We as a society need to consider whether under certain circumstances we feel it's just to end that life, but that's where that debate must start, IMO. It's not just a lump of cells. prayer in school - As a Christian, I don't think that forcing Christian prayer on people is an effective way get them to explore their relationship with God. In fact I think it usually has the opposite effect. I like the idea of a minute of silence personally, but I haven't given that much thought to the issue. homosexual rights - for them, but haven't given the issue that much thought. We had a case in Edmonton not that long ago where a teacher was fired from a job at a Christian school. I think there is room for debate there, but it gets a bit tricky when you start to dig into the issue, and I'm not sure which side I would end up on. I think that more factors and information would need to be brought into the debate. foreign policy - I don't think it's healthy for the US, or the world to have the US be and be seen as the "police" of the world, although at the moment I don't see any other strong options. If the UN can't get its act together then I would hope the EU can and somewhere down the road, China. I think we need to work toward that and ensure that when that day comes, the world superpowers are on more or less the same page and not in serious conflict with each other. taxation - For stimulating the economy, I'm definitely more of a Keynsian. Trickle up works better than trickle down. If you give money to those who are interested in acquiring significant personal wealth it all too often ends up going directly or semi-directly into million dollar bank accounts in the Cayman Islands, or Switzerland. If you give the little guys a break, they will spend the money, and the businessmen have to do some work to get the little guys to spend it on them, rather than have the government insert the money directly into their pockets. capital punishment - Against. Quite frankly, I find it inhumane, but the fact that I live in a country that hasn't had an execution in nearly 40 years puts me in a very different context in this debate than most of you. Expos -- They were my team. Yes, the name Rick Monday makes me cringe. But they've been minor league team for years now, and it's time to put them out of their misery. The way MLB is these days I really don't give a rip about it. I think we should contract the Blue Jays too, then Sportsnet won't be flooded with all those games. The Canons are leaving Calgary next year and that's just fine with me too. Pro baseball is dying a well deserved death in Canada. We need to put CFL teams in Halifax and maybe Quebec City and we'll be set for summer sports. Football and hiking is all you need. Go 'Riders!! Go Stamps!!
Gun Control - Would like to see all guns not meant for hunting removed from the general population. Besides, any home security advisor will tell you that a regular old shotgun is the absolute best firearm to have as protection against a home intruder. Abortion - Pro-choice, but if anyone I knew was contemplating an abortion, I would try very hard to convince them to take an alternative Capital Punishment - Against it as it currently exists in the US legal system. Rights for Homosexuals - Homosexuals should be able to do anything that a straight person can do legally. Sodomy laws (which are essentially anti-copulation laws for gays) should be overturned. Civil unions for gays and the ability to claim a life partner on insurance policies and benefits should be permitted. U.S. Foreign Policy - I think the US should take one year and be completely isolationist. Hopefully, we can then better see where we are needed and where we are not. Taxation - If you are lucky enough to benefit from America, then you should be giving back. However, it would be nice if the federal government inspired more confidence with its spending. Prayer in School - You can pray anytime you want. Silently. Maybe while walking between classes. You don't need 10 minutes during class.
Gun Control: For it. I've never owned a gun. I may in the future; I may not. If I do, I somehow doubt it will be fully automatic. I certainly don't see any problems with having to wait days or weeks for background checks. It just makes good sense to me. Abortion: Against it. Despite the pontifications of some, I don't think anyone can know for sure when life begins. In light of that, I don't believe anyone has the right to extinguish an innocent life just because they must take some part in keeping it alive and it displeases them to do so. In the case of rape or incest, I would be more than content to allow the woman to choose. I realize that may not be consistent with what I said just before it, but that is my feeling on the subject. Although I would be in favor of laws being passed to curb abortions, I ultimately believe it is a moral issue rather than a political one. Prayer: Indifferent. That may seem suprising to some since it comes from a preacher. When we talk about prayer in school, it's a set time of prayer that is under consideration. I do agree that you'll get more spit wads and snot than anything else during such a thing. However, no one can stop a person from praying at any time or anywhere. It doesn't have to be outloud or obvious to everyone around you. The government couldn't possibly stop that; it would be impossible. It would be wrong for them to try. Freedom of religion. I don't believe a local or state government would be outside their rights to allow a set time for prayer, however. It wouldn't violate the "separation of church and state." The first amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." In other words, the federal government needs to keep out of it. Nowhere are individual states or communities forbidden from making laws or ordincances doing so. If they do, the federal government ought to keep out of it. In the early days of our nation, many states and communities did have certain religious requirements, and it didn't contradict the first amendment at all, because congress had made no law respecting the establishment of religion, and it wasn't prohibiting the free exercise thereof either. It's amazing to me how many people read what they want into the first amendment--many of whom actually have no idea what it says. Homosexual rights: I agree with much of what has already been said. Homosexuals shouldn't be treated as a minority with special privileges, but they should have the same rights as any other human being. I don't believe that includes marriage, however. Homosexual adoption: I don't doubt the ability of many homosexual partners to care for children, but I am against it. I'm actually against children being adopted into anything except stable homes consisting of at least a married man and woman. I firmly believe that's in the overall best interest of the child. I have no problem with children being adopted into a family of a different race, but I do wonder sometimes if it's the best thing for the child. I know the parents many times will give that child unconditional love, but I wonder if they sometimes can't help but feeling "different." I don't know that I would feel comfortable doing it--not because I don't think I could love a child of another race as my very own, but because of what I just said. Foreign policy: I would have to think about it more. I doubt that I could come up with one all-encompassing policy. I suspect it would vary from case to case. Taxes: I'm glad that we live in a country that makes provisions for its needy, and I don't mind contributing my part to that. That's true despite the fact that I'll still owe about $2200 dollars when I send in my tax return on Monday. Quick rant: I'm considered an employee of the church for income tax purposes, but self employed for social security. In other words, my income is set by someone else ( I can't just work harder and earn more money like some self employed folks), but I still have to pay both sides of the social security tax (the part everyone has to pay and the part that is usually paid by an employer, since the government doesn't tax churches). Certainly you didn't think they would just forget about that money, did you? Capital Punishment: I have no problem with the concept; I believe it's possible for someone to forfeit the right to live. I believe that's done when someone murders another person. Having said that, I don't like the thought of deciding whether or not someone lives or dies. When some people are convicted of murder, I may think that they deserve to die. If I was actually one of the people making the decision, however, I might have a hard time voting for the death penalty.
Gun Control: For it. Too many drive by shootings and other gun related deaths. There's no reason for assault rifles and machine guns to be available to the public. Abortion: Pro-choice. This is a moral issue and not everyone shares the same moral beliefs. Prayer in School: Indifferent. I don't mind a moment of silence. I just wouldn't approve of a prayer specific to a certain religion that is played over the morning announcements. Homosexual Rights: They deserve to be treated just like anyone else. If they want to marry someone, then so be it. I just think that it would suck growing up with two moms or two dads. Imagine how embarrassing that would be at your Little League game. Foreign Policy: The US should strive to end genocide around the world. Capital Punishment: For it. Do the crime, do the time.
TraJ: I didn't know that you were a man of the cloth. Don't you like Industrial music like FLA? You don't happen to like NIN, do you? Did you like this type of music before you became a preacher or do you still like it now? I hate to be nosey, but I'm very interested to see what someone who does what you do for a living feels about this type of music.
Gun Control - Indifferent. Abortion - Pro-life except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is in danger. I don't believe it should be used as a method of birth control. Prayer In School - Indifferent. Capital Punishment - I'm pro CP. Homosexuals - Equal rights excluding marriage. Homosexual Adoption Rights - I think any couple, gay or straight, who can provide a stable home deserves an opportunity to adopt. I don't agree with the lifestyle but that doesn't mean homosexuals make bad parents. Foreign Policy - Remain active. Taxation - Indifferent.
Manny, I don't have much industrial stuff in my cd collection. In fact, none, except for one Manufacture CD. I still love the music, but I personally can't take some of the subject matter. I never listened to NIN much, although I do remember loving the first song Trent came out with--"I was up above it..." I love the music of FLA, Skinny Puppy, and some Ministry stuff Saw them back in 1988 when, let's say, I wasn't a preacher; just a senior in high school. Saw FLA in 1989 during my first year of college. I even liked the Revco project, although I wouldn't buy anything with their full name on it now. I had a few albums by each of the above groups, and I honestly don't even remember the names of most of them. I will never forget Skinny Puppy's "Dig It." Other than Nitzer Ebb stuff, Dig It was the first industrial song that just blew me away. Still a classic as far as I'm concerned. I also liked Cabaret Voltaire quite a bit. I think the DJ at Numbers used to get sick of me asking him to play something by them
Gun Control--For it. I also think Moynihan's suggestion about ammo control has some merit. This is a voting issue for me, as I believe it is a cancer on society and I hate the NRA. Abortion--Very much Pro Choice, even more so after I married and had kids. I recognize that other folks can legitimately differ on this, but I wonder why it always seems to be uptight white guys that are the most vocal. Prayer in school--No! No! No! I'm not opposed to religion, just organized religion. This is a voting issue for me, though more important in local contests. Capital Punishment--I'm not philosophically opposed to capital punishment. I think there are people who are so horrible that the state is justified in ending their lives. I would also extend the death penalty to crimes like violent rape and Enron executives. However, the way the death penalty is implemented in this country is ridiculous. Taking a life is one of the most awesome powers of the government and shouldn't be left to the vagaries and petty politics of individual states. Why should someone die in one state where another guy who committed a similar crime across the state line only gets life? Not to mention DNA, reliability of eyewitness testimony, police corruption or indifference, etc. Homosexuals--grudgingly in favor. (not that there's anything wrong with it.) Foreign Policy--Anti-isolationist. We need to be involved throughout the world, but that involvement should be based on US interests and principles, not liberal or conservative ideology. It should also be carried out in a humble, respectful way whenever possible. (I fully recognize that protecting national interests could mean armed conflict and I accept that fact.) Furthermore, we can't always expect a black and white policy when the world is many shades of gray. This is definitely a voting issue. Taxation--I proudly pay taxes, but you better believe I itemize. The way the tax code (and many laws and regs) are written is sickening. I think a lot of this is due to how we elect our politicians. That's why I'm in favor of campaign finance reform. Drilling in ANWR--Greatly opposed. Expos--When I was a kid, I always thought that wierd M was "elb" and I could never figure out why the hell the Montreal Expos would put elb on their uniforms.
Gun Control - Sure Abortion - Pro Choice Prayer in school - Nope...Unless your praying to pass the test Rights for Homosexuals - Yeah... Foreign Policy Involvement - Do what you gotta do... Taxation - Except on cigarettes Capital Punishment - Depending on the situation.... Damn...i done revealed my political affiliations
Gun Control - Against all forms of gun control Abortion - Pro Choice (more or less) Prayer in school - Nope Rights for Homosexuals - Against anti-discrimination laws of all kinds for private businesses, for anti-discrimination laws of all kinds for government entities. Foreign Policy Involvement - Minimal overt govt involvement in foreign affairs. Taxation - For abolishment of all federal income tax, minimal federal sales tax. States/cities should be able to tax as much as they want. Capital Punishment - For in theory, against in practice. Drug War - For legalization of all controlled substances. Bet you can't tell what party usually gets my vote.
