Where I StandAbortion: I basically agree with nobody on this issue. It should be legal, but states should have the right to ban it. I want Roe v. Wade overturned. My rationale on keeping it legal is that most proposals to ban it include exceptions for rape and incest; I foresee a sudden jump in false rape claims. In addition, I do think that if abortion is really murder, then why aren't we talking about putting the women who have them in jail for a long time? Could it be that it really isn't murder? That's not to say that it's not morally wrong, because it is in my opinion.
Capital Punishment: Basically in favor, but somewhat concerned about giving the government the ultimate power. And I'm concerned that the deterrent effect is diluted by the length of time it takes to execute someone. Just recently I heard on the radio that an inmate in Texas was about to be executed for a murder committed in 1996, and my reaction was, "Wow, that's quick!"
Censorship: I'm fine with TV and radio the way it is now, with mostly family friendly stuff on over the air and more racy stuff available on cable or satellite. Unlike some good friends of mine, I'm generally in favor of getting rid of or toning down the raunchier stuff on radio like Howard Stern, or at least putting it on at a different time.
Economics: Generally a free market believer with protections against genuine fraud. Very happy with the Federal Reserve, but I don't think that's an issue anymore except for the kook fringes on both sides. Certainly a believe in lower taxes breeding greater economic activity, although I'll admit that with marginal rates where they are it's hard to argue they're much of a brake on the economy anymore.
Global Warming: May be happening, but may not be human caused. The biggest problem the scientists have in convincing me on this is that the non-scientific folks who are pushing this have zero credibility.
Government Spending: I believe in a minimalist government that provides the necessary infrastructure and defense, and then gets the heck out of the way. Education is a necessary part of that infrastructure, but should be funded and managed largely on the local level.
Health Care: I don't think we have any real crisis in health care, and I certainly don't buy promises of billions of dollars of savings if we nationalize it. I was on the National Health in Britain for three months in 1976, and had to wait 8 hours to see a doctor for a blood clot in my leg. No thanks.
Social Security: The best reason for privatizing it to a large degree is that until we do that, it will always be a political football and a Ponzi scheme.
Stem Cell Research: I'm suspicious of the miracle claims for this. Anybody remember fetal tissue research and the similar hubub?
I'd characterize myself as more of a Republican than a conservative, although I agree with conservatives on most issues. I vote solid Republican at this point in my life, although I'd be willing to vote for a Democrat if I knew they were reasonable and capable. Can't think of anybody on the national scene who'd qualify at this point; maybe Zell Miller if he were younger.
Any other general issues you'd like to hear my views on?
