Sometimes some things just need to be said.
A few days ago I was baited into a conversation from someone who has differing political views than I. He calls himself a Tea Party member, I call myself a Liberal. I was at once corrected by a friend of this friend, someone whom I've never met, that I'm not a Liberal. "They are communists", he said. "You are Libertarian." Oh. OK. Hmmm....?
It really bothered me when he said that. First, it caught me off guard that I really don't have a clue what being a Libertarian means. So, I did what any red-blooded American with "freedoms" did, I googled it. Then, just to be on the safe side, I asked an expert. Second, it disturbs me that it makes a difference in our society with which group I'm aligned. My value, the weight of my opinions, the "Truth" I speak, is all judged by the label I'm given. I consider myself anti-political, for lack of a better term, so why should I have to declare myself affiliated with anyone? I am me. That should be all that matters.
So, that being said...
I believe that a woman should always have the right to chose. I believe in Planned Parenthood. I believe that beyond the healthcare it provides, it's a great educational resource and it should receive Federal funding. I believe that healthcare is a National issue, therefore, it should be a National program. I believe that everyone in this country should have access to the same healthcare to which I have access. No one in our country should be without healthcare. NO ONE.
I believe that all Americans should have the same rights. Period. Gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry, and their marriages should be treated with the same respect as heterosexual marriages. I believe that our borders should be open to immigration, and I believe that people who live in America, regardless of their countries of origin, should be required to follow the same rules as everyone else. If you're here, you obey our laws and you pay taxes.
I believe in paying taxes. I believe that everyone in our country has a responsibility to our country, and that includes financial support. I pay taxes, so should everyone else. I believe that it shouldn't be a source of contention in our Government. Democrats should pay. Republicans should pay. Rich, poor, conservative, liberal, big corporations, small businesses, everyone should pay taxes. I believe if you live here, if you do business here, you pay taxes. It's that simple.
I believe in art. I believe in music. I believe in dancing, and singing, and acting in plays and playing instruments, and I believe that we owe it to our children to teach them these things. I believe that every child in our country should be given the same opportunity for a well rounded education. Every child.
I believe in a god. I believe every living thing on this planet is connected by the air we respire, the nutrients we consume, and we're as connected in death as we are in life. I believe that Christians and Jews and Muslims are all blinded by hate and are condemning each other for praying to the "wrong god". I believe they're all praying to the same god, it's the WAY they pray that's different. I believe that Jesus Christ was a nice guy who lived, and died, and preached nice things while he was here. I believe that this is America, it was founded for religious freedom. Worship how you want, where you want, and to whom you want, and judge not those who's beliefs are different from yours. You're not as different as you think.
I believe in social security. I believe in welfare. I also believe that there are people in our country who take advantage. I believe our social programs are there for the good of the order, and we shouldn't judge, or chastise, or condemn those who use it because of a few bad apples. I believe there are good people in our country who are in bad situations, and I believe that we need to help them. I believe in charity. I believe in helping where help is needed. If everyone helped, there would be no one left in need of help.
I believe that global warming is real. I believe we've screwed up our planet and it's going to take years, generations, to put things right. I also believe that in my lifetime I will see our planet begin to heal. I'll work my hardest for my belief that I can make a difference and our world will be a better place for future generations. I believe some people don't want to see the truth and refuse to do the right thing by our planet, and it makes me sad. I like Earth. It's pretty here.
I believe in giving thanks for the sunsets, the rainbows, and all of Nature's gifts because they remind me that I'm alive. I believe in kindness and honesty, turning the other cheek and standing up for myself when it's called for. I believe in miracles. I believe anyone can do anything if they're willing to work for it. I believe in movie night, reading a good book, and honking my horn at the kids in the car in front of me when they make that honking motion with their arms.
So am I a Liberal? A Libertarian? I think it's clear I'm not conservative, by other people's definitions, but does it really matter? The truth is, I'm the person you want to have as a friend, a neighbor, an advocate for your children and a bureaucrat in your Government. I work hard, I love deeply, and I'll help you when you're in need. Even if you are a Republican.
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