taboo topics

What are the subjects you're not supposed to discuss in polite company? Politics and religion... but I did pose the following question recently:

"Ok... any other questions out there? I'm enjoying this introspective..." and my friend, Mr. Drake, who still holds the title for the BEST COMMENTS EVER on my blog... asked this thought provoking question:

So, other than "We're right!" What do you wish liberal people understood about conservative people & visa versa?

I think rather than speaking for all conservatives, everywhere, or trying to parrot what I've heard on Fox News or Rush Limbaugh, I'll take this opportunity to explain my political and religious views. The truth is... I'm probably more libertarian than conservative... but I'll let you decide for yourself.

I think all men are created equal and have the unalienable right to life, liberty and the PURSUIT of happiness. I think this means that, within reason, we should have an economic system that allows everyone the opportunity to create the best life possible for themselves and their family. This doesn't mean that anyone owes me a certain standard of living... I must create it for myself. I think there have to be some checks and balances... labor laws, minimum wage, etc... but I believe that we have created a system where a precious few are paying into a system that benefits far too many for far too long. I believe we have created a welfare state where too many people have given up the pursuit of happiness and have settled for whatever they can get for minimal effort.

I believe the government should support infrastructure such as public schools, roads, public safety... and I believe there should be a system in place to provide health care for those who can't afford it for themselves. I don't believe health insurance should be mandated in the same way that auto insurance is mandated. My kidney infection is not a threat to your health in the same way that my wreckless driving might be.

I believe that if we made some drugs legal... it would benefit society. If law enforcement spent less time looking for that tiny little baggie in someone's glove compartment... and more time protecting us from those who seek to do real harm... we would be better off. I believe we spend too much money incarcerating people who have recreational drug habits. I liken it to prohibition. If people want to drink... let them drink. If they want to smoke pot... let them. And let them face the consequences for their actions. As long as they consume these things in the privacy of their own home and pose no harm to anyone else... leave them alone.

I disagree with abortion as a means of birth control. I disagree with abortion AT ALL beyond the first trimester. I believe that life begins at conception and although for myself, I would never seek an abortion, I don't believe I have the right to take that right away from someone else. I do believe, however, that abortion is murder and the abortionist... and the mother who aborts a child... are murderers.

I'm not a fan of the death penalty. Or war. Or any time a life is taken by another human. I think only God should end a life. However... unfortunately... there are times that it's kill or be killed... and there are people whose wicked ways can only be stopped by stopping their life. I personally, however, want no part of it. If I was ever on a jury where the death penalty was the ultimate outcome, I don't believe I could convict knowing that my decision could end a life.

I disagree with the income tax. The current tax system discriminates against the middle class and unfairly burdens a few with the support of many. I believe in a flat tax or fair tax or sales/consumption taxes. That way, everyone will share in the tax burden. People with limited income spend less... therefore they would be taxed less. People who can afford luxury items, would be taxed accordingly. I disagree with "sin taxes"... higher tariffs on items like alcohol and cigarettes. They don't discourage the behavior and unfairly impact lower income people.

We are trying to support a socialist government on a capitalist economy. That's why we're broke. If you spend more than you make, it doesn't work. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way with my own budget.

I disagree with "blue laws" such as no alcohol sales on Sunday. It doesn't increase church attendance. People still drink on Sunday. I believe that we should honor the Sabbath and keep it holy... but... isn't the Sabbath on Saturday? I don't know... I don't believe you can legislate morality. I don't believe we should legislate what goes on in the bedroom. I disagree with segregation and discrimination of any kind. Reverse discrimination... such as affirmative action... is discrimination.

I believe Jesus Christ was the son of God who came to earth, died as a sacrifice to pay for my sins and was resurrected... just like the bible says. I don't think any religion knows everything or that any bible scholar has it all figured out. My faith works for me. I believe that God hears and answers my prayers. I believe that living life according to the bible is a good choice, regardless of whether or not you believe the bible is the true Word of God. I believe that there are many acceptable translations of the bible but that too many years have transpired for us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt which translation is the most holy, purest version. I believe that God helps us, if we ask, rightly divide the Word of God... and helps us understand and apply His truths to our lives. I believe that it is impossible to explain faith... and that those who want to believe, will find reasons to believe... and those who refuse to believe, cannot be swayed. I believe that nothing that happens in my life is a surprise to God.

I believe that we have gotten so far away from our roots - from the bible, the Constitution, from right and wrong - that we no longer have a clear understanding. Life is no longer black and white... the gray area is too large. I believe we think we know more than we really do. I believe we talk too much and don't listen enough. I can respect someone who has different views from mine, as long as they can articulate what they believe and why. I believe that our economic system has put such a huge strain on families that mothers have to work just to make ends meet... and I believe that mothers not being home with their children was the beginning of the decline of our society. It's not that I don't believe women SHOULD work... I just believe that God ordained certain roles in the family and that because women had to enter the work force, some of those roles stopped being filled. It is rare for there to be two parents working together to jointly take care of all of the needs of all family members. There's always someone whose needs are not being met.

I believe that part of my health problems come from trying to fill too many roles... I'm worn out. I didn't sleep much last night. The shot I got yesterday caused an allergic reaction. I'm itchy and nauseous again... and dizzy again... and in pain still. So... maybe I shouldn't have tried to write an intelligent post today... but there it is... the world according to Heather... there's more... but I'm exhausted.

Thanks for asking...