I had submitted a challenge to a Conservative counterpart on Facebook. The challenge was to list our top 10 beliefs.
I whipped mine up in a hurry, but here is what I got.
1. I believe in individual freedoms. The freedom of speech, to assemble, worship, of the press, to associate with whom ever you choose, and the right to own property.
2. Along with individual freedoms, personal rights. Such as abortion, I believe should be legal. The woman (mother) has the right to make her own decisions and not be chided or have them altered by the government nor a religious institution.
3.The belief that the government is there to protect the rights of the citizens, regulate and provide assistance to those who are not as well off. However, this does not mean that the government should “baby” everyone. Every citizen has a responsibility to provide for themselves and their own families. The government should protect against monopolies and control over American citizens and influence from major banks and corporations. (Anti-Corporate) I believe that the government should provide health care for every citizen. (Universal Healthcare) In whatever form most efficient, be it via a 1 tier single payer plan or a contingency of non-profits set up to provide insurance to it’s citizens. This does not mean, however that the private sector of doctors and insurance companies will be robbed of their right to capital gain. I will restate it more simply. A belief that all Americans should have reasonable access to quality health care regardless of their ability to pay. I believe that health care is a human right and should be guaranteed by the Constitution; “to promote the general welfare…”
4. I believe in a Consumer Agency, independently operated to protect the American Citizens from fraud.
5. I believe in energy sustainability, the need to further ourselves from international energy dependency.
6. I support and believe in all aspects of the Constitution and “Separation of Church and State.” Although, I personally do not practice a religion, I fully respect other people’s right to and believe that they are openly allowed to do so. I also support the right to bear arms. Although I believe they should be better regulated. I also do not believe that anyone needs flamethrowers, grenade launchers and machine guns.
7. I believe that as America, we should not be the “Police” state. Especially through violence. We should only intervene when it deemed completely necessary and legally allowed in accordance to homeland and international laws. Violence and war should be avoided when possible.
8. I believe we need to conserve and protect our environment and resources. This is not referring to Global Warming rather, companies should not be allowed to pollute and poison water, land or air.
9. I support independently owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as well as co-operatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and control to more people through democratic participation.
10. I support de-centralization of power from Washington to states. The states should have more power than they currently do. Also power should be de-centralized from major corporations.
