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Shoulders of Giants

(370 posts)
Tue Jan 7, 2014, 07:38 PM Jan 2014

Hello from Central Illinois

As I type its 14 degrees outside (about 20 degrees warmer than this time yesterday) and there is 10 inches of snow on the ground. Awesome!

Anyways, I am currently a grad student at a university here, where I am also employed as an intern. I'm terrified about the economy, and am already sending out resumes for when my internship ends when I graduate. Wish me luck!

Anyways, I am probably mostly a liberal on most issues. I identify as an independent, not a democrat (mainly because I've never been a joiner of groups). However, I understand this is democraticunderground.com and won't campaign against any democrats here. This is my view on the issues.

I think the number one problem facing this nation is our prison system. Its a national disgrace. The private prison industry goes against the concept of freedom that our country is supposed to stand for. The fact that we have over 3 million prisoners is a travesty. I know greed and ignorance have gotten us here (for example alcohol companies campaigning for tough marijuana laws). People need to be informed, and the crooked lobbyists need to go to prison to get us out of this mess.

I am pro choice, and think it should be government funded. No woman, or even teenage girl, should be forced to have a kid because she can't pay.

I support true single payer healthcare. I have both good things and bad things to say about the Affordable Healthcare Act, but just wish we went to true single payer instead.

I support Gay Rights, and don't think it should even be a political issue.

I support a mixed economy (mostly capitalistic free market, but with significant government safeguards). For example, I support raising the minimum wage.

I think steps need to be taken to lower the national debt. Taxes may need to be raised on some people. Some things may need to be cut. We need to solve this problem.

I support diplomacy over war. We have been too war hungry, and this needs to stop. Its not helping our standing worldwide, and is quickly putting us into debt.


I am a supporter of free speech. This includes most speech many people may not like. (hate speech, porn, etc)

I am an atheist, but not in the Christopher Hitchens mold. If someone wants to be religious, that is their choice. I do not like when religion is used for violence, intolerance, bigotry, ignorance, etc though.

I support principles over any politicians. As a result, I have been frustrated with politicians from both parties from time to time, when I feel they are putting politics over principles.

I know some people here may have different opinions than me. I have no problem with that. I respect most viewpoints, and have no problems with debate. I hope I like it here.

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Hello from Central Illinois (Original Post) Shoulders of Giants Jan 2014 OP
Welcome to DU! cyberswede Jan 2014 #1
Thank you! Shoulders of Giants Jan 2014 #2
A shared philosophy. Sienna86 Jan 2014 #3
Welcome to Du and enjoy the site. hrmjustin Jan 2014 #4
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