wondering just who I am...

I know that the polite advice I was given as a child was to never discuss politics or religion, and for years I tried to observe that sage advice with about a 50% success rate. I have never been big on religion, and proselytizing was not in my blood, but I'd argue politics with anyone, convinced, like any true believer, in the rightness of my position.

I am a Democrat. For years, I believed that I was also a liberal. I still feel that way, but recent events have caused me to examine my self-concept. I am quickly coming to the realization that I am a fiscal conservative and a social liberal.

My brand of fiscal conservatism is, surprisingly to me, more aligned with Ron Paul than the Tea Party. The kool-aid drinking Tea Partiers don't seem to see that corporations are every bit part of the welfare state as the underprivileged for whom they would like to slash benefits. Big Oil, Big Agriculture, Big Pharma, all receive a pretty significant pay-out from the public trough, to say nothing of the manufacturers who benefit from defense contracts that are wildly out of control.

Let these firms compete in a true free market. Let's see how they hold up when they can no longer purchase legislators who guarantee them a return on their investment.

Socially liberal...I have always believed in equal rights. For a long time I had myself convinced of an American meritocracy. I was a kid born in the '50s who believed. I drank that kool aid...long draughts of it. I know better now, but I still believe that talented people will rise to the top, if we don't limit them. I believe that a family is people who love and care for one another. It doesn't matter if there are two dads, or two moms, it is about love and support. I believe a woman has a right to determine her reproductive future. I believe that freedom OF religion includes freedom FROM religion. I believe that the minute a preacher of any faith exhorts a congregation to vote a certain way, or presses a legislative agenda, it has ceased to be a church and is now a Political Action Committee and should be taxed. Matters of faith are matters of faith, political action is protected speech, but the organization taking a position should not be tax free.

I am venting. And starting to feel like an old man yelling at kids to "stay the hell off my yard."

I'll stop now.