"No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities."- Thomas Jefferson
"I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.
It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.
There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume."- George Washington in his farewell address
Some of myself...
I am somebody who likes to view things from all angles. I am a person who respects the beliefs of others even if they differ from my own. I am under the belief that without strong economic standards and domestic labor, our complete reliability will be in the hands of everyone but us. I believe that stricter border control will allow us, as Americans, to prosper without companies taking advantage of illegal immigration.
I like to consider myself as down the middle with many of my beliefs. I am not a liberal or a conservative, but I will show values of each. I believe that if we cannot all learn to work together to run a proper government, like a business, the government will fail. I believe in diplomacy, but am not opposed to war if it is a last resort and for proper cause. I support our troops and the theory of an iron-fisted military. I believe that as the sole recognized super power we should aid other countries in crisis, but not police the activities of the world.
I believe in separation of church and state. I do not believe that a country founded on the principle of difference should revert to a system of which we sought to leave. I do not believe in political catering to any religion or religious organizations nor the quid pro quo of religious figures endorsing certain politicians. I believe that states should work on a more autonomous system that allows governors more ability to do more for their government.
I believe in a stronger education system. I would love to live in an America that focuses on updating materials and equipment for proper education so that future generations will get the most value for their school years. I am a believer in the idea that everyone has an opportunity to better themselves through education. Knowledge, in my opinion, is the key to success.
I believe that all people were created equal. I believe that everyone has the same rights with no preference to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, political views, gender, or any other difference between any amount of people. We are all people and in this country, we are all Americans. As American citizens, and only citizens, we should have the right to express our freedoms in a non-violent manner. Nobody should have the right to hinder us from that freedom given to us by the bricklayers of our nation.
I believe in domestic policies that help our communities, bring people off of the streets, increase health benefits, cut taxes, reallocate government funds, harsher penalties for criminals. I believe that as a nation that works in unison, we can make a difference and gain back the face that has been lost in the eyes of so many that do not experience our way of life. If we, as a people, can show that we want nothing more than to prosper in our way of life, we must work together so that we can achieve... so we can build.
I believe that abortion is wrong. This is a mixed issue for me. I believe that each person has the right to do with their body as they wish. I could never condone abortion in my own personal life as I am a proud parent who enjoys his family. I believe life starts at conception. However, life independence is not granted until birth. I believe that partial birth abortion should be outlawed. I believe that second and third trimester abortions should never happen unless there is a medical, not cosmetic, issue. I believe in personal accountability. I believe that we should all be responsible for what we do. If somebody is engaging in the risk of adult activities, that same somebody should be willing to accept the consequences for what he or she does.
I do not believe that the promotion of contraceptives, clean needles, or any program that supports safety with publicly unacceptable or adult behavior promotes the act. I believe that if we acknowledge the issues of society and find ways to deal with those issues we, as a nation, will be better for it. There will always be some issue. What we can do, as a people, is find ways to control the results.
America is not about blame, but responsibility. America is about our freedom and what we can do to make the most out of it. I believe that as Americans, we should look to help each other, accept each other, and work with each other to know each other. I believe that as a united people, we can overcome anything. With open minds, we can work together. There will be more to come and I thank you for taking the time to read this. Whether you agree with my points of view or you do not, I am appreciative in the fact that we can cordially differ in our viewpoints as true Americans.
**I ask that any comments please be free of racial slurs, profanity, or any other off-color remarks that may offend or impinge on the enjoyment of those who read this site. Thank you.**[More to come...]
