What am I? (political spectrum question)

[WIHS2006]

Originally Posted by TreeBeard

Where so you stand on the environment and climate change?

I am pro-environment and I believe climate change is real. I was disgusted when one of the first things the 115th Congress did was to pass legislation authorizing the dumping of coal mining waste into rivers and streams. I also support the continued existence of the Environmental Protection Agency.

You know, alot of people don't realize this but it was Republican President Richard Nixon who created the EPA back in 1970.

[lifeexplorer]

Originally Posted by WIHS2006

As many of you know I have largely identified as a moderate Republican but in the age of Trump I have come to question my place in the Republican Party. Do moderates even have a place? Is the party all about catering to bigoted ignoramuses and giving tax cuts to billionaires?

Where do I stand? Am I an independent? Am I a conservative Democrat? Am I a moderate Republican? What am I?

Healthcare

I support a single payer public option that would be created by removing Medicare's age eligibility, any citizen would be eligible for Medicare regardless of their age or income. How to pay for it? Hike the Medicare tax on those that make over $250,000/year. Part C and D would continue as optional add on's at personal expense. The long term care aspect of Medicaid would become Medicare Part E. Medicaid itself would no longer exist.

Taxes

I believe that a person should enjoy the fruits of their labor, but I also believe that people should contribute towards the general welfare, defense, and betterment of society. I support a 14 bracket tax policy with steadily increasing %'s levied on higher income earners but not exceeding 40% on the highest income level bracket. Everyone would pay something.

Defense/Foreign Policy

I support a strong military and an aggressive foreign policy. That said, I think military force should be a last resort after extensive diplomatic actions have failed. One of my biggest criticism of Obama was that he was very naive and clueless on foreign policy. Trump isn't much better either. Finally, I do have major misgivings with current defense policy. We are wasting too much money on failed concepts like the Littoral Combat Ship, the F-35, and on aircraft carriers than can be sunk or disabled by a single lucky missile hit. There's also too much money being given to defense contractors and corporations that should be going towards the men and women in uniform. Lastly, I support women serving in combat arms units PROVIDED that they meet the same standards and criteria as male soldiers.

Education

I support public schools and I believe they should be properly funded, I oppose the use of tax money for private schools or for religious schools. No vouchers, no charter schools. I believe home schooling should be an option but like private/religious schools I think it should be subject to some degree of regulation to ensure a uniform education. I outright oppose religious schools except for things like "Sunday School" that do not interfere with regular schooling. Like healthcare, education should NOT be a means to make a profit. No charter schools. No for-profit schools. I support secular private schools but I think they should be required to teach to the same curriculum as public schools, and their teachers should be held to the same training and hiring criteria as public school teachers.

Immigration/Refugees

I support a pathway to legal status for all illegal immigrants that have not committed a violent crime. I also support making it easier to legally immigrate. I support refugee resettlement provided that they have been vetted and secured by US intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Contrary to popular belief, even before Trump there was already very extensive vetting. I'm ok with that.

Religion

I am open to everyone practicing their religion of choice (INCLUDING ISLAM) but I don't believe one's faith should dictate government policy. Religion is a personal matter, not a political matter. That means no Sharia Law, no Talibangelical Bible thumpers, etc

Guns

I support the Second Amendment. I support 'shall issue' policies in regards to pistol permits. I generally oppose concealed carry but I would be willing to support it if users underwent extensive background checks and a training course to weed out the Rambo wannabes. I also believe that some level of regulation is necessary ... I feel that too many states (primarily down South and out West) hand out both guns and permits like candy to anyone and everyone. I support both background checks and some sort of mental health check. The NYSAFE act is a step too far, but so is the Texas policy of guns, guns, guns everywhere.

Minimum wage

I oppose raising the Federal minimum wage beyond $7.25/hour but I really think it's an issue best left to individual states or even individual counties or municipalities in larger states. If Texas wants to keep things at $7.25/hour that's their business but if California wants to raise it to $15/hour that's their business as well. Freeze it at the Federal level to prevent a race to the bottom, but leave the issue of raising it (or not) to the states.

Abortion

I personally oppose abortion and I would NEVER encourage a woman to get one but I also believe that it's a personal choice and I don't believe the government should bar a woman from getting one.

Gay Marriage

Support. What gives the government the right to regulate what two consenting adults who love eachother can do? If Joe loves Bob and they are both over 18 Joe and Bob should be allowed to get married.

Race/Ethnicity

I believe that all Americans are created equal regardless of their race or ethnic background. No American should be above others simply because they happen to be a White Christian. Everyone is equal here. The Hispanic person from LA is just as American as the White person from Iowa. Racism and discrimination remain major problems, particularly with criminal justice and this needs to be addressed. I don't agree with everything Black Lives Matter say but they have a point that many times the cops will treat Blacks (or other minorities) in a more negative manner than Whites.

What am I in the age of Trump? I am thinking I am an independent centrist ... but I don't have a party.

Socialist/border line communist. Very ignorant too.

A path to citizenship has existed for over half century- it is called go home and apply for legal immigration like everybody else. What you want is amnesty.

[TreeBeard]

Originally Posted by lifeexplorer

Socialist/border line communist. Very ignorant too. .

Only in Trumpland.