Why_I_Lean_Toward_Liberalism

Why I Lean Toward Liberalism The results of “Where Do You Fit'” and “Democrats vs Republicans On The Issues 09” clearly define my present belief that liberal ideology is best for the country and world with regard to 2009 politics. I need to clarify that I am not totally immersed in the liberal philosophy, but rather find their views more suitable to my own belief system. I recognize that a country can flourish governed under liberal or conservative rule. However I find that under liberalism, I and those like me in the working middle class benefit more, and thus toward liberalism I lean. Democrats support active diplomacy between the United States and the world community. Democrats typically prefer empowering the U.S. Department of State for international matters and emergencies. They believe that having strong alliances is a key strategic advantage for the United States and its national security. In this I side with the democrats. A strong defense requires a healthy defense budget based on financial realism. Establishing a viable and workable relationship with all countries is essential not only to the safety of our country but for all countries. The United Nations multinational approach to conflicts and security is an extremely important tool in contributing to and maintaining world harmony. Most Democrats support an education system that is solidly funded and supported by the government. They believe that government funds should strictly be used for public schools and universities. Republicans believe that privatizing the education system will lead to a higher quality of education. College should be affordable for any child who chooses that path. I support the increase of government-funded student loan and grant programs for all and thus am democratic on the argument of education. Teachers who outshine their colleagues should be awarded some type of merit/bonus pay. I say that because a “good teacher” can turn a struggling student into one who achieves. That is a gift and needs to be recognized and rewarded. A superficial law (No Child Left Behind Act) has merely shifted our educational goals from self- em betterment to increasing our test taking skills, a skill set that will provide no benefits beyond schooling and perhaps be a hindrance here as well. We should seek domestic renovation through strengthening our education system. The future of our country is in the hands of our youth. Our government should do everything necessary to provide them with tools to create a better tomorrow. Democrats support the Second Amendment but also seek out government regulations that aim to lower crime rates by implementing stronger controls over the purchase of weapons. Republicans support the Second Amendment but typically don't support regulations over the purchase of weapons. The right to bear arms (generally a conservative view) is essential to government control. It's a protection plan against potential tyranny. I believe the death penalty is necessary to control that segment of society that preys on the innocent. I support a woman's right to choose an abortion based on the simple fact that it is her body. It is not up to me to judge those of different sexual orientation, therefore I fully support gay rights and marriages. I believe we need adequate government-funded childcare centers and larger tax deductions for childcare expenses. Meeting the mental, physical and emotional needs of our children, rich or poor, are the most important thing that we can do for our future and the future of our children. An employer has the right to require drug testing as a condition of employment. Our businesses, large and small, deserve that right based on many factors, but the most important is safety. Unions provide safeguards against the segment of employers who abuse those that work for them. Although certainly needed in the early part of the 1900's, the necessity for unions has not expired. They help ensure fair and equitable wages and working conditions for all workers. I favor a free market trade policy with little or no restrictions on trade between countries. This is healthy for our country as well as the world as a whole. However, I absolutely favor laws to stop businesses from outsourcing jobs oversees. It is important for our government to recognize that during an economic crisis, passing legislation and providing money to state governments to fund needed projects is their moral duty. A national energy policy that emphasizes increased development of domestic fossil fuel resources is a necessity. Along with opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore coastal areas, these policies would help lesson our dependency on foreign resources. In order to maintain strength as a country, the ability to be able to manage resource sustainability is crucial to our survival. Democrats seek to reduce taxes for lower and middle-income families and small businesses. However, they seek to increase taxes for large corporations and the wealthy. It should be noted that increasing corporate taxes could cause layoffs. However, if taxes are reduced for lower and middle-income families, the majority of Americans will have more purchasing power that can in turn benefit corporations, off-setting any increase in taxes to corporate America. In general, Democrats seek tax breaks for lower and middle-income families and tax increases for large corporations and the wealthy. Taxes are a necessary evil. Although a pain for all of us, they are necessary for the proper growth and maintenance of our government. I support the progressive tax where one's tax is based on their yearly income. Each person is obligated to do his or her share, but that share should be shared in the fairest of ways. I favor repealing inheritance taxes. It simply doesn't “feel” moral to tax gifts from our departed. Giving tax credits to the less fortunate is again the “right” thing to do and therefore I am firmly liberal when it comes to taxes. As a nation we all stand together, and more importantly, behind one another. Only as a whole will we survive. I am a person who believes in people helping people. That may be your sister or brother, neighbor, state or the country next door. Therefore world peace, in all its entirety and complexity, is crucial, and something our government should put all its energy into, an idea of which the DNC and I share. When I look into republican policy I find room only for the rich and powerful, of which I am neither. This is why I lean toward liberalism.