Controversy meme
Apr. 29th, 2004 10:59 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
triadruidStolen from a bunch of libertarians friends; reordered and added-to for some glaring omissions.
Obviously, caveat lector applies; if you think you're going to be offended, don't read.
Premarital Sex: Yes, obviously. "Status crimes" that depend on your age are problematic because humans mature on a bell curve, so what was right for me at 13 may not be right for another person at 17, or even 27 in some cases...
Abortion: Should be legal. Not having a womb, my vote really ought not to count quite as much as the person faced with the prospect of 9 months of medical, emotional, social hell. That being said, there do need to be guidelines for minors and (duh!) medical oversight. Going back to the backalley clinics is not what being 'conservative' should mean, folks.
Suicide: Should be legal, but regulated. There are so many dignity-of-life issues in terminal illness care right now that doctors are feeling compelled to do an end-run around the system to provide relief for their patients. However there should be a review process; not one (two) person's decision before assisted suicide is authorized. By the same token, DNR/living-will orders need to be respected, which isn't always happening currently.
Death Penalty: For, but not in its current incarnation. I do believe that an ultimate price needs to be paid in some situations. Confessed murderers, incontrovertible evidence (not necessarily just eyewitness/DNA testimony), professed terrorists who have committed lethal acts, are all candidates in my "perfect world".
Porn: Shouldn't be illegal, for consenting adults to create, view, or point and giggle at. I draw the line at animals, children, drug users (see below) and others unable to give consent.
Prostitution: Much the same opinion as for Porn above. Much of the problems from these sorts of 'criminal' activities stems from the culture that grows up around them. Imagine, if you will, an entire red light district closing its legs on strike until their pimps give them a better cut.
Alcohol: Should be regulated (like it is now). Dangerous drug with many side-effects.
Marijuana: Should be regulated. Less lethal than alcohol; however I personally cannot imagine wanting to sit around toking up, wanting to do less and eat more. It's never done anything for me.
Other Drugs: Case-by-case regulation/banning. PCP and methamphetamine use are dangerous to yourself and others. LSD? Don't drive (see Drunk Driving below); riding a roller coaster is your own business (but don't be operating one). Drug use often (if not always) comes with a concommitant reduction in responsibility; you shouldn't be raising kids if you're a habitual crackhead, you shouldn't be driving an oil tanker while you're tripping, that sort of stuff. Deal with the consequences of abuse while permitting use, essentially.
Smoking: Should be regulated. This and certain other drugs have 'distributive effects' that extend to those around (smoked substances, inhalants, etc). Have some respect for those who don't share your lifestyle choice.
The Legal Drinking Age: 18 would probably be fine, if we actually changed our cultural paradigm away from alcohol = harmless, drugs = bad.
Drunk Driving: Illegal. Lose your license, first time. No warnings; losing someone because of drunk driving (even if they're just a passenger) gives you a new appreciation for the Death Penalty, see above. Thankfully some people serve as their own Bailiff, Jury, and Executioner.
Speed Limits Good idea, but... Speeding doesn't cause accidents, per se; driving at a significantly different speed from the rest of traffic causes accidents. Open up the possibilities for limits (I've driven across New Mexico at 100mph, but then I couldn't see any other cars on the road for miles ahead or behind).
Gun Control: There needs to be a middle ground. "A well-regulated militia" does not include your right to shoot the police with armor-piercing bullets, in my world. Want to own a fully automatic Kalashnikov? Lock that beast up, and if you have kids lock up the ammunition, the keys, and the room too. I do like the current focus on trying to catch 'impulse buys' by questionable characters; however the 'felons with guns' program (Operation Ceasefire) is flawed when non-violent offenses like embezzlement and drug use are included in the definition by default.
Cloning: Against cloning sentient beings at this time. We have enough backhistory of abusing our fellow man as it is for me to be optimistic about this. Culture-grown skin, organs, etc is another issue.
Genetically Modified Organisms: Actually against. Yes, mother nature does the same thing on an evolutionary timeline, but crossing tomato genes into goats leads to the Law of Unintended Consequences. Plus it makes me incredibly twitchy when I think about people with allergies...
Eugenics: Against only because of our horrendous track record (see Death Penalty, Cloning, etc). Evolution attempts to improve the species by culling inferior stock; we do it all the time with livestock, crops, etc. I don't have a problem with genetic counseling for potential parents, attempts to improve the viability of the species through opt-in methods. That being said, I realize my genetic heritage probably excludes me, since I had 20/800 vision before having my eye surgery. A thousand years ago, I would have not been viable; now I am, because technology enables me. Is that right? I don't know.
Civil Disobedience: Right to peaceably assemble and petition for redress sounds like a good idea. Throwing homemade napalm at the offices of McWalSoft does not. If the system doesn't work, change the system; don't try to break it in the hopes that something you like better will replace it. You're bound to either be disappointed, or billyclubbed, or both.
Gay Marriage: For, but... Marriages are the business of the religion (or culture for my atheist friends). Civil unions should be the business of the state. Civil unions should function like boilerplate contracts, able to be tweaked at need.
Illegal Immigrants: I assume this means legalizing them, so I am against it. I realize people come here seeking a better life, but there is a limit to what can be done to accomodate that desire. Overtaxing the health care, education, legal, welfare systems with non-payers is not the answer. Converting them to legal payers sounds like a good idea, but the last amnesty only led to an increase in illegal immigration following. I am not optimistic enough to think that everyone needs to be allowed their sovereign right to flout the law, though sometimes the law needs changed.
Racism: Incomprehensible. That being said, having your opinions abour race shouldn't be illegal; acting on them in ways that infringe on the rights of others (and this includes favoritism toward your own 'race') should be. Also, can we get rid of the racism from all corners, not just Whitey?
Religion: Yes, as many as possible. Give people a choice; don't legislate morality based on the dominant religion unless you can base it on something other than 'god sez'. Murder, stealing? Bad. Idolatry, not keeping the sabbath? Not so much.
The War in Iraq: We're there now, whatever the deceptive reasons for us being there; we need to finish the job right and not create a Viet Nam II. I disagree vigorously with those who say we need to 'shut up and back the President during this time of war' though. "The War on Terror" will last forever, much like the War on Drugs (see above), the War on Obesity, or the War on Choking Hazards for 2 Year Olds.
Bush: Neither as evil nor as stupid as most of his opponents think. I am more worried about his advisors and handlers, who are in large part a holdover from Bush I and Daddy Ronnie; we saw how well that worked the first two times. I don't want to see him re-elected in November, but I'm not convinced Kerry is all that much better. I won't quite so so far as to say "Anybody But Bush". Certainly not Nader, for example.
Downloading Music: Sharing music with your friends is one thing; setting up a business model based on thievery is quite another. I agree that music should be available before I drop $15 on a CD, but don't agree with many of the current ways it is being 'distributed'. I like the new iTunes idea, for example, and artist websites with sample tracks.
There you go; not quite as libertarian/communist as some, but mainly focused on informed decision-making and ethical consequences.
Obviously, caveat lector applies; if you think you're going to be offended, don't read.
Premarital Sex: Yes, obviously. "Status crimes" that depend on your age are problematic because humans mature on a bell curve, so what was right for me at 13 may not be right for another person at 17, or even 27 in some cases...
Abortion: Should be legal. Not having a womb, my vote really ought not to count quite as much as the person faced with the prospect of 9 months of medical, emotional, social hell. That being said, there do need to be guidelines for minors and (duh!) medical oversight. Going back to the backalley clinics is not what being 'conservative' should mean, folks.
Suicide: Should be legal, but regulated. There are so many dignity-of-life issues in terminal illness care right now that doctors are feeling compelled to do an end-run around the system to provide relief for their patients. However there should be a review process; not one (two) person's decision before assisted suicide is authorized. By the same token, DNR/living-will orders need to be respected, which isn't always happening currently.
Death Penalty: For, but not in its current incarnation. I do believe that an ultimate price needs to be paid in some situations. Confessed murderers, incontrovertible evidence (not necessarily just eyewitness/DNA testimony), professed terrorists who have committed lethal acts, are all candidates in my "perfect world".
Porn: Shouldn't be illegal, for consenting adults to create, view, or point and giggle at. I draw the line at animals, children, drug users (see below) and others unable to give consent.
Prostitution: Much the same opinion as for Porn above. Much of the problems from these sorts of 'criminal' activities stems from the culture that grows up around them. Imagine, if you will, an entire red light district closing its legs on strike until their pimps give them a better cut.
Alcohol: Should be regulated (like it is now). Dangerous drug with many side-effects.
Marijuana: Should be regulated. Less lethal than alcohol; however I personally cannot imagine wanting to sit around toking up, wanting to do less and eat more. It's never done anything for me.
Other Drugs: Case-by-case regulation/banning. PCP and methamphetamine use are dangerous to yourself and others. LSD? Don't drive (see Drunk Driving below); riding a roller coaster is your own business (but don't be operating one). Drug use often (if not always) comes with a concommitant reduction in responsibility; you shouldn't be raising kids if you're a habitual crackhead, you shouldn't be driving an oil tanker while you're tripping, that sort of stuff. Deal with the consequences of abuse while permitting use, essentially.
Smoking: Should be regulated. This and certain other drugs have 'distributive effects' that extend to those around (smoked substances, inhalants, etc). Have some respect for those who don't share your lifestyle choice.
The Legal Drinking Age: 18 would probably be fine, if we actually changed our cultural paradigm away from alcohol = harmless, drugs = bad.
Drunk Driving: Illegal. Lose your license, first time. No warnings; losing someone because of drunk driving (even if they're just a passenger) gives you a new appreciation for the Death Penalty, see above. Thankfully some people serve as their own Bailiff, Jury, and Executioner.
Speed Limits Good idea, but... Speeding doesn't cause accidents, per se; driving at a significantly different speed from the rest of traffic causes accidents. Open up the possibilities for limits (I've driven across New Mexico at 100mph, but then I couldn't see any other cars on the road for miles ahead or behind).
Gun Control: There needs to be a middle ground. "A well-regulated militia" does not include your right to shoot the police with armor-piercing bullets, in my world. Want to own a fully automatic Kalashnikov? Lock that beast up, and if you have kids lock up the ammunition, the keys, and the room too. I do like the current focus on trying to catch 'impulse buys' by questionable characters; however the 'felons with guns' program (Operation Ceasefire) is flawed when non-violent offenses like embezzlement and drug use are included in the definition by default.
Cloning: Against cloning sentient beings at this time. We have enough backhistory of abusing our fellow man as it is for me to be optimistic about this. Culture-grown skin, organs, etc is another issue.
Genetically Modified Organisms: Actually against. Yes, mother nature does the same thing on an evolutionary timeline, but crossing tomato genes into goats leads to the Law of Unintended Consequences. Plus it makes me incredibly twitchy when I think about people with allergies...
Eugenics: Against only because of our horrendous track record (see Death Penalty, Cloning, etc). Evolution attempts to improve the species by culling inferior stock; we do it all the time with livestock, crops, etc. I don't have a problem with genetic counseling for potential parents, attempts to improve the viability of the species through opt-in methods. That being said, I realize my genetic heritage probably excludes me, since I had 20/800 vision before having my eye surgery. A thousand years ago, I would have not been viable; now I am, because technology enables me. Is that right? I don't know.
Civil Disobedience: Right to peaceably assemble and petition for redress sounds like a good idea. Throwing homemade napalm at the offices of McWalSoft does not. If the system doesn't work, change the system; don't try to break it in the hopes that something you like better will replace it. You're bound to either be disappointed, or billyclubbed, or both.
Gay Marriage: For, but... Marriages are the business of the religion (or culture for my atheist friends). Civil unions should be the business of the state. Civil unions should function like boilerplate contracts, able to be tweaked at need.
Illegal Immigrants: I assume this means legalizing them, so I am against it. I realize people come here seeking a better life, but there is a limit to what can be done to accomodate that desire. Overtaxing the health care, education, legal, welfare systems with non-payers is not the answer. Converting them to legal payers sounds like a good idea, but the last amnesty only led to an increase in illegal immigration following. I am not optimistic enough to think that everyone needs to be allowed their sovereign right to flout the law, though sometimes the law needs changed.
Racism: Incomprehensible. That being said, having your opinions abour race shouldn't be illegal; acting on them in ways that infringe on the rights of others (and this includes favoritism toward your own 'race') should be. Also, can we get rid of the racism from all corners, not just Whitey?
Religion: Yes, as many as possible. Give people a choice; don't legislate morality based on the dominant religion unless you can base it on something other than 'god sez'. Murder, stealing? Bad. Idolatry, not keeping the sabbath? Not so much.
The War in Iraq: We're there now, whatever the deceptive reasons for us being there; we need to finish the job right and not create a Viet Nam II. I disagree vigorously with those who say we need to 'shut up and back the President during this time of war' though. "The War on Terror" will last forever, much like the War on Drugs (see above), the War on Obesity, or the War on Choking Hazards for 2 Year Olds.
Bush: Neither as evil nor as stupid as most of his opponents think. I am more worried about his advisors and handlers, who are in large part a holdover from Bush I and Daddy Ronnie; we saw how well that worked the first two times. I don't want to see him re-elected in November, but I'm not convinced Kerry is all that much better. I won't quite so so far as to say "Anybody But Bush". Certainly not Nader, for example.
Downloading Music: Sharing music with your friends is one thing; setting up a business model based on thievery is quite another. I agree that music should be available before I drop $15 on a CD, but don't agree with many of the current ways it is being 'distributed'. I like the new iTunes idea, for example, and artist websites with sample tracks.
There you go; not quite as libertarian/communist as some, but mainly focused on informed decision-making and ethical consequences.
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no subject
Date: 2004-04-29 10:03 am (UTC)Suicide: Should not be legal or illegal in my opinion. How can you prosecute someone who is already dead and to put someone in jail for attempting to kill themself is only naive. I don't think that the law has any right to have a say in that matter.
Alcohol(agree, adding comment): I think 18 is a fair drinking age, since many teens drink it anyway. But the dangers of alcohol should be made MUCH MUCH more apparent, as personally, I think it is a more dangerous drug than marijuana. (Marijuana, by the way, I think should be legal, but taxed and regulated. I think in order to buy it, there should be a tax, similar to the ones placed on cigarettes.)
Gay Marriage: If we aer saying that marriage is cultural and civil unions are political, then it should be that way for all genders. Marriages across the board should be changed, in name, to civil unions for legal reasons. Now, then we would have to get a civil union AND then a wedding, and it would be a big hassle. While I agree that having a wedding as it is now as a binding of two people under the law and God is a mixture of Church and State that should not be there, I think that it is just easier to allow gays to get married.
Religion (agree, adding to): Yes. And moreover, most religions do have the same basic priniciples for morals, as far as how you should treat other people. Murder and stealing should be illegal, but for the good of the people and not the law. And please, we need to get rid of the hainvg to swear under god in the oath (when someone testifies,) and the 'in god we trust' on the back of a dollar bill.
War on Choking Hazards for 2 Year Olds: hehe, funny, and gets the point across.
(I, of course, am just stating my opinion and not trying to convert you to that opinion.)
helen
no subject
Date: 2004-04-29 10:31 am (UTC)Heh. I took that bit out, as I'm already argumentative enough without shutting down people before they start.
Thanks for the catch on gay marriage; I realized I wrote all of that without actually giving a yea-or-nay decision.
Re: sworn oaths. Most (all?) states have either done away with the swearing on a bible, offer an alternative to those for whom it will be a problem, or allow conscientious objection. At least to my knowledge..
no subject
Date: 2004-04-29 04:20 pm (UTC)your welcome. I caught that too, but figured you were giving a yea.
Ah. See, I do believe my backwards my state has not done away with it...