I've just started this blog as of today, and thus I'm the only writer for now. If you want to write on my blog, drop me a line, and I'll consider you. Chances are we'll have to engage in some discussions before I know you well enough to decide. Other than that, feel free to discuss the issues I post, and by all means bring up your own. Here are some basic facts on my stance for those who are interested:
Foreign Policy:
-I was against the invasion of Iraq when it's happened; I've never particularly favored the idea of a quick pullout, but I now think a faster timetable would be best for all parties involved
-A military strike against Iran should not happen (unless under extenuating circumstances), negotiations in addition to sanctions are necessary
-I support the war in Afghanistan fully, and believe the U.S. should throw its full weight behind the conflict
-The U.S. must tone down the over-expansion of NATO, Russia is a key player that should not be taken for granted. Plans for a "missile shield" ought to be thrown into the fireplace
-Tougher action must be taken on Pakistan, despite the risks, given the situation in its frontier regions
-I do not believe that Al-Qaeda is the biggest threat to American security by any means. I also do not condone the removal of civil liberties in the name of protection. I think everyone knows the Ben Franklin quote.
Economics:
-I am generally speaking an advocate of free trade. Protectionism will only harm us in the long run. Although other countries are using sub-standard labor conditions to gain an edge, it does not seem that these are putting the majority of the American population at a terrible disadvantage. For those in American manufacturing, it is up to us to help them find alternatives, rather than try to block out competition
-I will not hold an opinion on the current housing and credit problems. I do not know enough, and it would be all too easy to scapegoat Greenspan at the moment. Hindsight is not always 20/20
Energy policy:
-I am a proponent of nuclear power. It is very clean, and safer than most would expect. Safety has improved by leaps and bounds since the time of Chernobyl, and Chernobyl was caused by gross misuse.
-I oppose a gas tax holiday, which would only serve to increase consumption and drive oil prices further up
-I am highly opposed to oil exploration on American soil. Evidence shows that the amount of oil gained would be minuscule. We also know that the change would not take effect for at least five years. This is in addition terrible for our environment, and distracts us from the need to reduce oil dependence through alternative sources
Misc:
-I am socially liberal on all issues, but believe that issues of assisted-suicide, gay marriage, and prayer in schools should be left to the states. America is very culturally complex, and to lump the issues into federal law will only serve to alienate more people and divide the country. Abortion however I believe should be universally available, the risks of not doing so seem too great.
-I fully believe in global warming, and thus back measures to drastically reduce carbon emissions
That sums up my own beliefs. Feel free to introduce yourself and your stance, I'll post an issue to discuss when I find some time.
-"America is the worst nation on this planet, except for all of the others"
