Howdi, I've been hanging around this site from time to time and i like it so your stuck with me. I enjoy reading peoples view points. Sometimes i simply agree or disagree to different levels and some times i wonder "what the hell is this person on". This sight has caused me to look at my own values and opinions. I have always considered myself to be conservative (I guess i still am, but not to the level I once believed.) That being said, here is some of my opinion feel free to agree or disagree, or ask me "what the hell are you on"

I personally am "pro-life" on the abortion issue. I do not believe that abortion should be used as the first method of birth control. However, I can not make that choice for everyone. I think every situation is different. Many factors come into play. Mothers and baby's health, economic situation, age of mother, are but a few. The choice should be left to the individuals involved.

Everyone has the right to "wants" (nice cars, computers, big screen TVs, things that are nice to have but not necessities), if you are willing to work to afford them. I've seen too many expensive cars (with blasting stereos and fancy rims) and big screen TVs in government assisted housing. If someone can afford these expensive items they don't need my tax dollars. And, I'm sorry, but when I see someone buy steaks with food stamps while wearing designer cloths and jewelry I get PO'd.

The Death Penalty. If someone has the complete lack of regard for human life that they take someonelses life, why should I have any regard for their life. The persons guilt need to be beyond doubt, and I support the use of DNA testing on current death row inmates to establish guilt or innocence. If the evidence backs-up the guilty verdict, proceed with the sentence. Do not drag the appeals process out for 10-15-20 years.

Terrorism. I believe in the adage "if someone comes at you with a fist - get a bat, if they come at you with a bat- get a knife, if they use a knife get - a gun, if they have a gun - get a bigger gun". IMHO fear is a better motivator that love. Not only that but how has concession and peace talks with terrorist in Palestine worked out? Not too good the PLO and Hamas still attacks civilians. The "carrot" hasn't worked. In fact, I think it has given terrorist groups hope that they can achieve their goals through violence.

Personal Responsibility. If you eat at McDonald's 6 days a week and your fat its your fault. Some of the lawsuits being filed today are ridiculous. The courts and legal system today are kluged with this nonsense. Often, its easier and cheaper for the defend to settle than fight. When this happens who pays for it-you and I do through higher insurance. Start penalizing people for filling ridiculous lawsuits.

Gay Marriage. You know what... I DON'T CARE. If a gay or lesbian couple want to be legally paired great, so what, big deal. Bush and government at all levels has more important matters that need to be addressed. Does this mean I support an openly gay life style and public displays of that lifestyle? No.

Taxes. How simple would it be if everybody (I mean everybody....the minimom wage burger flipper to the CEO of GM) paid a flat tax rate. No loopholes, no tax breaks, or shelters just 20%(a number out of the top of my head comparable to what I pay now) of all income went to taxes.
Think of all the work it would save at the IRS (less spending... a novel idea for the government). Off course, alot of CPA's would cause the unemployment rate to jump.

Just a few thoughts and opinions. Agree, diagree or do you think I'm on something.

First off, I'm not going to be one of those people that says, have fun in the forum but be careful of those who disagree with you strongly and all that crap. Say what you want to say, and who cares what anybody else thinks...that's what I always say. I make people mad on a daily basis. Who cares. We all end up getting mad. I think everyone benefits from seeing others opinions even if they are widely different from those they hold personally. It gives everyone an idea of what other people are thinking before they head to the polls. Like you though, I wonder sometimes what the hell happened that gives people some of the ideas they have about the issues.

This is an issue I try to stay out of. Mainly because I see the viewpoints on both sides, and the fact that it really has no end to discussion (i.e. it goes around in circles), very annoying.

Totally in agreement on this issue. I do believe if you are poor you should not try to surround yourself with luxury. That is for the rich. People need to take responsibility for who they are and not what they think they should be. I do however feel that it is our duty as Americans to offer a minimum level of support to those who cannot provide for themselves or their families.

Another goody to discuss. You can never be 100% sure that you got the right guy. You can feel it in your bones and see it in his/her face, but you know there is always a doubt. Life in prison should suffice. Even if you have to lock them in a pitch black room with nothing but cement floors to sleep on, killing them is wrong. I am against the death penalty. I feel it is more of a punishment to let someone rot in jail for the rest of their life than to let them off easy by killing them.

I agree with you so long as we actually go after those who attacked us. This is not the case with Al-qaeda and Iraq. Bush let Osama get away but oh he got Saddam? Give me a break...

Complete agreement there. Not only that though, if someone does need to file a lawsuit, they should not be awarded millions of dollars for pain and suffering. "Are you better now?" "Yes, ok, here is the money for the doctor bills and time lost from work, case closed!!!!" "But your honor, what about my pain and suffering"..."F*ck your pain and your suffering. It was an accident, get over it move on.



Exactly...let them do what they want. If they honestly feel that they love eachother like that, then who the hell cares if they get married. The real reason behind the whole wanting to ban gay marrage is because Bush feels that if he keeps that from happening, that somehow, there won't be as many gays running around. He has twisted logic.

I think the current tax system works fine so long as they do get rid of all the loopholes. But I do see your point. We should all basically pay the same percentage from our wages.

You may or may not be on something. But I think you are going to be a great addition to this forum. Welcome! Mike