The user base, of course, not the website itself.

I see a lot of quasi-political discussions here, and while it seems most of the users are a bit more liberal, I'm genuinely curious to find out your opinions on some issues.

Here's some questions relating to political matters. This isn't really a debate where we argue our opinions against other people's (so try not to start too many fights), but if you want to provide a little explanation in your answer, that's perfectly fine.

Bear in mind, some of these questions use terms that are specific to the United States government. If you live outside of the US, try to find some sort of an equivalent for the group or person being discussed in order to answer.

So, if you're interested in satisfying my curiosity, here are the questions!

1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

Well, there you have it folks, now get answering!

Sorry for so many damn questions.

I thought it was general consensus that Newgrounds was a fascist society.

I can imagine that there are way more hard left liberals on here than hard right conservatives. Though there's a few off the top of my head I would guess would be conservative

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

To start, I was born and raised in The Netherlands and am now a dual-citizen of the NL and the USA so my opinion is shaped by both places, but mainly the NL. I like the idea of a free-market capitalism because as a headhunter I know for a fact that anyone who works hard and dedicates themselves towards a profession can make great money, and there's a large percentage of people who don't want to put forth that much work and wind up broke.

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

Less.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Minimum wage is fine as it is from my point of view, but I make much more than minimum wage so my opinion is swayed. A job with minimum wage is good as a first or second job, in order to get experience, or as a job during college for some extra cash. But a person should always be working towards higher paying jobs, and those who are complacent with minimum wage are where they belong.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

Don't like this idea at all, limiting how much a person can earn.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

Pro-Life, but it really does depend. I don't like the idea of abortion and if a woman is a whore and constantly gets pregnant, and constantly gets abortions, she ought to get her tubes tied. If a girl gets pregnant and is in perfect condition to be able to take care of the baby then I feel she should take responsibility and do it, if she isn't in a good condition to do so there's tons of adoption centers she can go to. If a girl is raped and gets pregnant, I think that can call for an abortion though.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

Like The Netherlands, we're pretty individual but we help our comrades out when needed.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legal for sure, I think the restrictions in the USA are silly, especially with alcohol being legal.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Legal

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

I don't like any sort of intervention from anyone in relation to how a business does its business. I'm gay and I think I was fired from Starbucks because of that identification but that was the managers full right to hire and fire who he pleased. If I ever create an organization, I want that right for myself as well.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

That's fine I suppose.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

I'm an atheist but I don't really care one way or another, I'm not so caught up in pride that I can't say the "under god" part in the pledge or swear on a bible.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

No, this promotes ignorance of more accurate studies. There should be a difference between what a person learns in school and what a person has faith in when they go to church. (see pic below) you can see how teaching creationism in school can prevent a student from becoming more knowledgeable in other studies evolved from empirical evidence, and they will struggle when they come across conflicting information.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

Yes, in some circumstances this is completely understandable.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

They're not very much of a hassle to me and I make many flights over the course of a year. If they stop even one ill-intended person from causing havoc on a plane, then it's a good system.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

Flat tax rate.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

Yes, just like anyone else.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Absolutely. I think a citizen should be able to carry a handgun in public for their own protection and can use any other appropriate firearm for other activities like hunting. I saw one video of a guy walking around with an Assault Rifle and pledging his "open carry" rights when stopped by a cop, which I think is pretty stupid on the guys part because there's no reason at all to carry that shit around unless you just want to be able to say "It's my right."

Anyway I'm done for now, answer the rest later

I'll give this a go, but don't press me further on some of this stuff:

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

Socialism, for sure.

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

I would say less tick-box regulation, but more legislation.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Definitely can't answer this. I want better standards for employment in other countries first.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

Nope.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

Pro-choice.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

Interventionist.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

Oh defo illegal, sure. But unless your potential employer is as dumb as a brick, it'd be hard to prove.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

[googles] ... yeah, I feel good about it.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

References to religion on money? It's fine, it's just imagery.
Swearing on a Bible? Nah, tell them the truth: if they lie they have to pay the price for it.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

Children should be aware of it, but not in a Science lesson.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

Nope. But they can frisk away if they have drugs or drink.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

Fine.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

No opinion, haven't considered it.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

No, nor community centres and libraries.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

They should get a gun license, and the ownership of automatics is dumb.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Oh yes.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

Limiting access to guns ...

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

Trial.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

Politicians should not be allowed corporate donations.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Good god, no.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

No.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Yes.

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

Yes and YESSSSSSS. Yesyesyesyesyes.
27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?
No.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

Pff no.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

No opinion.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

Legal? No.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

Yes.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

They need probable cause, which they can gain if a citizen visits certain sites.

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

You should do nothing, it's just a shame that Mexico is a poorly run country.

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

No.

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

Gambling should be legal, but you cannot gamble a lot of money in one day.

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

Everyone gets the same health care.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

Death penalty shouldn't be legal.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Yes.

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

Medically, but refer to my answer to question 14 too.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

I want to be left, but I'm likely not as liberal as I would like to be.

======
(this isn't a redirect, but) would you expect a different response if this was posted in the Politics forum, where users may have stronger views?

At 12/4/14 05:05 PM, Weeaboo wrote:

At 12/4/14 04:58 PM, TurkeyOnAStick wrote: this isn't a redirect, but would you expect a different response if this was posted in the Politics forum, where users may have stronger views?

Just look at how many responses this is getting in the general forum. 1 reply per century aint fun homes.
Also there is more people to sample on here.

But like I said the people in Politics may have more of an interest in some of the issues than people in General, and have considered both sides.

At 12/4/14 05:05 PM, Weeaboo wrote:

At 12/4/14 04:58 PM, TurkeyOnAStick wrote:
this isn't a redirect, but would you expect a different response if this was posted in the Politics forum, where users may have stronger views?

Just look at how many responses this is getting in the general forum. 1 reply per century aint fun homes.

Also there is more people to sample on here.

I suppose I'd expect more informed answers, as people there are generally more interested in politics, as well as probably stronger views, but that's not really an accurate representation of the general Newgrounds community, which is what I was interested in.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

Socialism

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

More.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Minimum wage should be higher.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

No maximum wage. Just tax the rich more.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

There is no such thing as pro-life. Only Anti-woman

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

We shouldn't shove our dick in every single foreign affair. Only help those that want our help.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Illegal. Going to jail is worth the risk of not having to have the government tax the shit out of weed.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Of course

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

People who discriminate are assholes. Religion is just an excuse.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

Separation of church from state

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

They already have fucking sunday school for that.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

police who do that can go suck a dick.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

too extreme but hopefully it will decrease as 9/11 inches further to the past.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

progressive tax rate.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

yes.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Hunting guns and others for personal defense but no one should be walking around owning an AK-47

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Yes.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Farmers make no money. The government NEEDS to subsidize them.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

Parents should be able to discipline their child physically as long as it doesn't cause actual injuries. Schools shouldn't physically harm students at all.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

yes

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

Yes, but the must be payed as much as they would be if they live America. Corporate scum are ripping off Indians.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Yes.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

Hell no. There is nothing wrong with GMOs. Fucking hippy fucks.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

No

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

Lying is bad.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

No. That would ruin satire sources like the Onion

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

Hell no. Fucking NSA should die.

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

Only more security against drug trafficking. In return, we should make becoming a U.S citizen easier.

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

Everyone deserves the same health care.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Sure

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

Medically.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

Democrap

Sorry for so many damn questions.

fuck you

Alright, here we go!

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

I believe in a free-market that can be held accountable. Things that prevent monopolies, false advertisements, and such seem like a good thing to me.

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

I wouldn't want my government getting too social with private businesses, but obviously keep an eye out for them doing some whack shit.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Increasing the minimum wage has worked before in some cases, and fared poorly in others. I'm no economist, but I would think that things like this should be judged on a case-by-case basis.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

I don't believe in a maximum wage.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

Pro-Choice with a cutoff date. I can't really make an argument for late-term abortions.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

Isolationism didn't exactly work out for us, but poking our noses in every lesser countries' business probably doesn't do us much good back home. I do, however, believe that the U.S. has some level of responsibility in defending peaceful and vulnerable countries if we can help it.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

Legally recognized corporations, I would say no discrimination. Any other form of business entity is free to be as closed-minded as they want, even though I don't agree with them.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

Maybe stick it on corporations and measure demographics by the county level, but other than that, I would give it a resounding "no."

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

Absolutely not.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

Depends on what the class is, bro. Any class related to culture would be fine with me, but if you're asking about the hard sciences, no.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

No.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

I have no idea if these measures taken are successful or not. It's certainly a major inconvenience for me, but I can't knock it if they are actually catching crazy people.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

Progressive.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

I believe a government should recognize no specific religion, so no.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Hell to the motherfuckin yes, yes, and yes. I think you should take this question and change the word "guns" to "weapons," because guns are not the only form of arms out there. Do I think people should be allowed to keep ICBMs in their backyard? Of course not. Should they be allowed to walk around with an auto on their back, even they're only getting a cup of coffee? Yeah.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Absolutely. Keep those crazies away. Maybe look a little bit more into felons on the individual level, since nowadays you can get a felony for some of the most trivial shit.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

I honestly have no idea. The police officer one sounds like the best idea out of the bunch (along with the no guns on school property thing.)

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

Give a terrorist special treatment, and I think you're giving him a part of the glory that he seeks out. Trials for all.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

No. This is one restriction of freedom that I think is better off being upheld, because it is seriously doing a bad number on our political system.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

If it helps resolve an issue, then I don't see why not.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

Teachers, no. Parents, yes.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

I don't think I have the full scoop on this thing, but from what I do know, I would say yes with an asterisk maybe.

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

Yes and yes.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Yes.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

They should be required to label everything that is put into their products, yes.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

No.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

If he's running for a government office and the claims are considered to be outrageous enough, yes.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

No, as long as it doesn't break any other already existing laws, like libel.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

No, yes, and yes, but it better be some really solid probable cause.

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

Probably not, and very much yes.

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

No.

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

Yes.

Damnit, I wrote too many questions and now people can't answer them all.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

There should be a minimum standard health care, but those who can afford should be entire to high standards.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

No.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Yes, but make sure the guy is for sure not going anywhere but down with his condition, and make sure he's not suffering from any mental condition because of it.

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

Medically.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

None! I guess if I were to give myself a description, it would probably be something like a left-leaning libertarian.

Well, there you have it folks, now get answering!

Have a good one, man!

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: The user base, of course, not the website itself.

1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

free market bitch!

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

less

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Lower it doesn't take a fucking genius to flip burgers and think you "deserve" $15/hr. plus it keeps COL low for normal people like with a ACTUAL JOB

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

12/Hr for minimum wage jobs like fast food, 30/hr for skilled Salary jobs stay intact. if a CEO and his board want to increase they're they should have the right too they run the damn thing to make it profitable.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

pro-choice, how else am I gonna get my dead baby stem cell milkshake?

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

Isolationist, WE AREN'T THE WORLD POLICE, every time some "genocide" happens we shouldn't have to swoop down and do something because that shithole isn't capable. BUT if you fuck with us WE. WILL. END YOU.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

legalize

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

legalize

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

legal

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

if its a private company have at it you dont wanna work there find a new job. the government shouldn't meddle.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

load of bullshit, i've lost job opportunities because i'm a white male in my mid 20s and they've filled they're quota.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

allowed but not necessary.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

no science has disproven alot of it, though they should be like "hey this is what Creationists think and HEEEEERES EVOLUTION"

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

hehe sure why not?

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

its allright doesn't bother me.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

Flat all across the board, its bullshit that if I do some of my firearm trading at a show or do some holiday overtime on the weekend I have to go up a tax bracket and have to pay into my taxes

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

Nah

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

yes but you have to get your Class III to get full auto like the current laws

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

yes for purchasing no for the mental background.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

a Police officer present I had one at all of my schools growing up.

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

be held investigated and a trial if it goes that far, if they are a confirmed terrorist to Holding with them!

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

Yes

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Yes

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

Parents only, a good ass whooping builds character, though honestly only if they REAAAALLY fuck up.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

yes

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

yes to outsource no to benefits. unless its like some big corporation like Sony Mcdonalds etc yeah if that was the question. but to those Chinese manufacturers on the assembly line making shit iPhones? no.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

yes

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

no

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

no real opinion

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

thats whats called POLITICS lying is like 90% of the job.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

no because why bother? all they have to do is issue a apology and cover they're ass so they can't be sued civilly

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

no

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

yes for the first and no for the second

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

yes

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

yes

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

there should be minimum in the amount of quality, I pay into my own damn healthcare with my own plan, a very good coverage I can walk into the Emergency Room and show them my coverage and I get bumped up in the waiting queue and my insurance covers alot of stuff.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

yes, kill four or more people your Elligable for the death penalty, same goes for Treason and espionage.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

yes

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

well they should still be criminally punished they DID have it on them. so a little bit of both.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

conservative, but ive gotten quite a bit more flexible in my views the older I get.

Well, there you have it folks, now get answering!

Sorry for so many damn questions.

FUCK YOU!

@aviewaskewed your turn brah!

Extremely excellent. My initial gut reaction was going to be along the lines of "see politics forum" although I personally think that section over-represents some and under-represents others and has a very drowning-out effect and echo chamber effect.

1. Somewhere in between
2. More regulation on corporate practices
3. Minimum wage adjusted to inflation which should at least be a livable wage
4. Actually there should be a maximum amount of wealth someone is allowed to have, beyond which anything else either needs special government permits for use (can you show you actually need all that money and are efficiently using it in a society-benefitting way?), everything else being taken by the government to be put to better use. This isn't a max wage but is a max wealth. I'm not sure where it should be placed exactly though.
5. Depends on circumstances
6. Isolationist
7. Legal
8. Legal if marriage is legal. I'm in favor of abolishing marriage as a legal institution entirely though.
9. Legal
10. It should be illegal.
11. It is nothing more than legalized discrimination and should be done away with.
12. It doesn't matter if there's references on the money, but people shouldn't have to swear allegiance to religious authority.
13. It can be allowed as long as it comes with a huge disclaimer stating there is no supporting scientific evidence and it is a religious perspective and not a scientific one, and as long as all competing religious perspectives are also taught, whatever those might be.
14. No
15. Too extreme. Also not useful for stopping actual threats.
16. Flat tax but anyone under a certain income pays no tax.
17. Abolish all property taxes, not just for churches but for everyone.
18. Allow non-criminal citizens to have guns of whatever type they want. They should be allowed to carry them unconcealed in person, but places of business may choose not to allow it on their property.
19. Yes and Yes
20. Allow college students to carry guns. Allow teachers to have guns. Extra police presence only when there is an imminent threat.
21. Trial by jury
22. No and No. Acceptance of corporate funds should disqualify a candidate's eligibility for office and incur a fine on the corporation to be no less than the amount of money donated
23. Yes but only where it is deemed beneficial to society
24. For teachers, no. For parents, it should be extremely frowned upon but would need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to the legality. Most cases would probably be illegal.
25. Yes
26. Yes and Yes
27. Yes. I personally think all advertisement should be cut way back though, and strictly regulated. Hype-based advertising of any product should be illegal while fact-based advertising would be okay. Most advertising is hype-based.
28. Yes
29. No but they should be able to be removed from office if they're shown to be unfit to serve
30. Yes. And they should be extensive. Removal from office and fines at the very least, and possible jailtime depending.
31. Yes. Fines at the very least. Jailtime if warranted.
32. No, Yes but they should have to notify such a citizen prior to doing so and only be allowed to do so for a reasonable timeframe, Only if probable cause and case is directly to that original cause - other data should be inadmissible and thrown out. Even at that, electronic evidence is very sketchy at best because it can easily be tampered with or attributed to the wrong individuals so they should have higher burden of proof and require some other evidence beyond simply the existence of data as well. Courts should be reminded of the ease with which electronic data can be tampered with or wrongly attributed (for example a cracker breaks into your computer, commits crimes, and you're thrown in jail for it).
33. More security on the border. Also make citizenship easier and faster for Mexicans though.
34. I don't care
35. Yes
36. Everyone should get the best health care available but in cases where there are limited resources, those who can pay should come before those who can't, unfortunately. Ideally, it could shift to a system where taxes pay all of it and everyone receives the best care. That probably would take a very long time to shift, if ever.
37. Yes but only for the worst offenders
38. Yes
39. Medical only
40. Not the Republicans or the Democrats. Neither is liberal enough.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: The user base, of course, not the website itself.

1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

The freedom-market.

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

No opinion.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Raise the minimum raise ---> add significant sum of money to it every year ----> wage scales with inflation.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you

This view contradicts the freedom-market.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

I'm Anti-life. No need to color-coat it by saying choice.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary

A lot of people seem to hate interventionism in the US. If it wasn't a strong interventionist it wouldn't be a superpower every wants to live in.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legalize victim-less crimes

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Legal. Making it illegal won't stop gay people from fucking each other.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

As long as the meet the requirements of a regular couple adopting.

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

Yes, remove all discrimination laws. Don't work there if you don't meet there standards.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

No opinion.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

No. Having religion in the law makes people who don't believe in said religion disadvantaged.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

In a world religions/world history class sure. Although it should not be taught as truth.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

No opinion.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

Yes it is too extreme. Your more likely to be killed by a toddler than a terrorist. Source.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

No opinion because I am not informed enough to comment.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

Is a church property? Yes.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Yup. This is AMERICA.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

No. If someone really wants a gun, they will find a way to get one unregistered.

Although I do think we should keep the system we already have running.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

None. Your more likely to get hit by lighting and survive. on the way to school than you are to get shot in school.

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

Yes.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

Its unrealistic banning this would be enforced. The people who are getting the money are quite powerful.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

No opinion.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

Should abuse be legal? No.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Yes.

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

Yes they should be able to outsource (freedom-market).

They should only have to follow laws in said country.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Yes. Freedom-market man.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

Yes. Just like any other ingredient in the food.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

Should absolute monarchy be allowed? No.

I once listened to an NPR story about the president of some piece of shit Latin American country. He fucked up the entire democracy by allowing unlimited terms. Although, it seemed (debatbly) that he had good intentions behind it.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

No opinion.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

No. Freedom of speech man.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

No. In fact, I think we should have an amendment made giving greater freedom of privacy in the US.

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

We wouldn't need better security if we had a good way to get citzenship.

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

If we keep the Cuban embargo, then we should have an embargo with China.

There just god damn commies right?

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

If it was illegal how would it be prevented? Do people who live in Somalia really care about international gambling laws?

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

It works well in Canada and Western Europe. Why can't it work in the US.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

No opinion.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Yes.

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

Therapeutically.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

Independent.

Well, there you have it folks, now get answering!

Okay. I did.

Sorry for so many damn questions.

You're welcome.

You should make some sort of chart with all this data OP.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: The user base, of course, not the website itself.

I'm just going to be very, very basic here, things like this can be very detailed and I'm not the type that likes to advertise my political views and I don't want to spend 5 hours typing something up.

So, if you're interested in satisfying my curiosity, here are the questions!

1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

Somewhere inbetween

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

Depends on the industry, generally I feel more though.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Higher, and it should be adjusted.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

I don't think I'd be for it.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

Pro- Choice

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

Somewhere in between, I believe

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legal

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Legal

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Legal

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

People should be hired based on their ability, if something like gender identity or race really has nothing to do with their ability, then it should not be a factor.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

I'm on the fence really.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

No, No, and with court it shouldn't be mandatory, and maybe books of other religions should be available.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

No.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

No

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

I haven't been to that type of airport since the summer of 2001, so I really would not know, but we do need security.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

I'm on the fence about this, I'd say progressive, but not too much.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

I'm again on the fence, but I guess I'd say yes.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Yes, but their should be laws in place to ensure that these people are responsible, knowledgeable, sane and not criminals.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Yes, and yes.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

If depends on who the person is. If the person is an American citizen, then proper legal procedure should be followed, if not then a Criminal of war.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

No, and yes.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Yes with agriculture and all types of scientific research

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

As long as it's not excessive.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Yes

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

yes, and kind of.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Yes.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

I'm on the fence about this

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

Maybe.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

Yes.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

Yes

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

No, yes, and maybe

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

No

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

Yes

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

The first

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

yes, but it should be used only in certain circumstances.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

yes with certain circumstances

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

I little bit of both

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

I generally feel completely alienated with both parties. I don't affiliate myself with them or any party.

At 12/4/14 05:50 PM, coaliscool42 wrote: You should make some sort of chart with all this data OP.

That might be impossible considering many answers to many questions are not just simple "yes/no" or option select, some people did not answer all questions, and non yes/no or option select answers should not be assumed to be convertible into such. Neither should they be discarded as answers.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

Socialism. It works in Denmark, why can't it work here?

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

Much more. People can elect government representatives, but you don't have control over a corporation unless you're a stockholder, and even then the corporate hierarchy is really more of a monarchy, since it's usually passed down by generation.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

There should be a higher minimum wage, but most importantly, there should be laws regulating the ratio between the cost of services and the employees' pay, otherwise a higher minimum wage could just catalyze inflation.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

I heard that during the late 1700s the founding fathers proposed an income cap of what would be $200,000 in 2014 money. For all practical purposes I don't think that anybody really needs that, and statistically money doesn't even buy happiness once your income is greater than $70,000 annually, but just to be safe I would say $500,000.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

Can I say pro-death? Our population badly needs to be brought under control. Aborting those with hereditary diseases can also relieve the strain on our medical system. I might sound like an elitist here, but if a rat is smart enough to kill its babies if they have deformities, we should be too. Besides, rats are far better survivors than we are; we could learn a thing or two from them.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

I think it would be great if America could just waltz right into a country and fix everything, but when's the last time it actually worked that way? We need to fix our internal problems first, otherwise our foreign policy will be dictated by the interests of a privatized military.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Marriage is a religious institution. Acknowledging it from a legal perspective violates the separation of church and state. I've been told that a legally binding marriage offers a lot of protection to children of married couples though, so the solution might be more complicated than simply abolishing marriage altogether. For the record, though, same-sex couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Legal.

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

Discrimination is bad business. Why anyone does it is beyond me. That said, steps need to be taken to protect minorities. Unless your organization is an actual religion, you should not be able to pass down religion through a corporation than you own.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

It protects minorities, but I don't think it's helping them climb the social ladder - more like it's just stopping them from falling lower. The best way to solve class divides is to have a public education system that is 100% funded by the federal government, to ensure that all children are given as equal opportunities as possible. There is no justification for one school handing out laptops to all of its students while 20 miles away there are kids with books that are scribbled on, falling apart, and 30 years old.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

No.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

No.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

There's really no point answering a question like this. It will happen regardless of what the laws are. Lobbying to change a law that will never be enforced is a waste of money.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

It's ridiculous. Security should be loosened bit by bit until we see another terrorist attack. Then we can tighten security one more notch and keep it there. Okay, that answer may be a little tongue-in-cheek but I think my point is made.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

Progressive. A flat rate might be fair but you can't pretend as if it will work that way in practice just because it works on paper, especially when money is a weapon used by the rich against the poor.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

Yes.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

People should be allowed to own guns, but not carry them in public. On average, a person that knows how to operate a gun has no idea how to use it in a combat situation, and that makes the firearm a liability to public safety more than a measure of protection. There should also be limits for automatic weapons - if you're scared of the government taking over, an automatic weapon isn't even going to be useful. If the government wanted you dead they'd send a drone, or shut off your water. An anti-tank rifle is the only gun that could ostensibly be useful in such a situation, and since you couldn't pose a threat to a large crowd of people if you had one of those, they may as well be legalized.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Absolutely.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

A bunch of redneck teachers with guns isn't going to do much good. If someone armed has to be put into a school, make it a veteran. These people have combat experience and have nothing to prove. They might even set a good example, as someone that knows violence well enough to want to maintain peace. But, the smartest idea is probably just to keep guns out of schools.

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

They should be given a fair trial. I don't want any witch hunts.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

There should definitely be limits. Bills like Citizens United are perfect examples of why the freedom of speech is not equal to the freedom to be heard.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Yes, if it is in public interest. Sustainable practices should be subsidized in order to discourage things like factory farming and usage of petroleum. I'm not sure if medical research should be included, since money toward research is a gamble at best.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

No. It sets an example that physical power defines authority.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Yes. Denying an organization the same service online is like refusing to serve a minority customer at a restaurant. Moreover, charging more for premiums is a moot point since many websites cannot function at all without the right bandwidth.

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

If a corporation is doing the 'right' thing, why would they need to outsource? I'm on the fence about outsourcing under the condition that foreign employees receive the same benefits as domestic employees, but in the end I think this is bad because it expands a corporation on a global level, to the point where boycotting it is no longer feasible, and this ultimately gives corporations free reign to go against the interests of their own unwitting or unwilling consumers.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Drugs such as tobacco and alcohol? Maybe. They are destructive but I can see reasons against regulating them. Prescription drugs should not be advertised at all, and the reason is due to drug patents, which only last 20 years. Pharmacies routinely make new formulas that are no better than the old ones, and push them onto the market in order to continue selling patented products. This must be stopped.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

Yes. Consumers should know what they're eating, where it comes from, and who profits from their purchase. That is a cornerstone to the idea of a free market.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

Yes. I don't know for how long, but a lifelong term is far too long for a culture that changes dynamically.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

Let me put it this way: If politicians were penalized for lying under the death penalty, there would not be a government. There is really no way to punish one politician over another when they're all crooks. Everyone wishes politicians were honest but there's no way to enforce that.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

This is a difficult one because information is always subjective, and anyone who is 'qualified' to speak the truth is given a disproportionate amount of power and influence over everyone else. In theory, yes, there should be consequences. In practice, I'm not sure I want to hand over that decision to a human being.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

At a certain point, I guess you would have to start following someone's activity if they were a threat. Of course, there should be a process by which authority is granted for that kind of spying. Allowing surveillance of anyone and everything is bound to result in information being used against potential political opponents to cause scandals.

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

I'm not enthusiastic about letting more people in, but I don't want more deportations. I don't want to grow up in a country full of people that grew up without proper parenting.

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

I don't know enough to say.

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

I don't see why not. It's a decision reserved for responsible adults whether or not they want to gamble.

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

Ideally everyone should get the same. In practice, there aren't enough resources for everyone to get the best coverage. There should be a government health plan, but I can see why premiums might be required under some circumstances.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

If anyone ends up on death row, they aren't bad enough to be executed. Anyone that is dangerous enough that they should be executed is powerful enough that they will never end up on death row. Add in the fact that the legal procedures of issuing the death penalty are expensive as hell, yes, I think we need to get rid of the death penalty.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Of... Animals? Babies? Medical patients in vegetative states? To answer your blanket question, I'm usually all for killing people painlessly and humanely.

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

Medically. The best thing we can do for those people is help them to regain control of themselves. Prison is a waste of that person's life and everyone else's tax money.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

Independent. I believe in what I believe in. Identifying with any party means there is a possibility that I'm casting my vote in the name of someone I don't agree with.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

undecided. currently reading marxist theory and the basic tenets of socialism to get a more clear perspective on a system i haven't experienced for the most part

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

more

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

pro-choice

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

moderate when necessary

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

legal

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

legal

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

legal

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

illegal

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

should be exercised with caution

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

no

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

absolutely not

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

see above

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

appropriate

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

they don't?

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

yes, maybe and can't comment

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

yes

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

i may not have a solution but all the suggestions except for the last don't sound they would stir up more incidents rather than prevent them

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

everyone is entitled to a fair trial

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

no

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

no

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

it depends how severe the punishment from the parent is but teachers should never be allowed to, no

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

yes

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

yes to both

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

no because they are not

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

yes

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

legal consequences would be nice in some cases but ultimately redundant if the lie is severe enough to damage their campaign

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

yes

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

only if they have probable cause

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

don't know how or if that would solve anything

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

i don't know why that's still going on

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

yes

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

everyone gets the same health care. arguing otherwise comes off as masochistic

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

no and none

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

yes

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

medically

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

i'd probably land in an independent party but i already wince at labels

Well, there you have it folks, now get answering!

Sorry for so many damn questions.

de nada

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote:

1. Preferably get rid of the monetary system altogether and replace it with a bartering system. Otherwise my preference would lie somewhere in between, close to what the U.S. has had over the last century plus...secondary education and healthcare need to be more socialized, though.

2. Less regulation for sure...corporations should be free (within reason) to go about work how they want...however, practices just need to be fully transparent to the public, so they can make informed decisions before supporting said corporations.

3. No minimum wage, or at the very least a lower one...although every person should have access to resources to sustain a satisfactory level of social comfort, if there is a high minimum wage, there is less availability for high schoolers and college students to get entry work experience while they are still dependent on their parents.

4. I like this question better!! I'd say this is more a salient issue than #3. I would be for it, but moreso in a "soft-cap" fashion, say around 10 million per year (which is still well, well over what most people would make in a lifetime)

5. Pro-Choice. I have a regard for human life and believe people shouldn't just get rid of their babies at will, and careful measures should be taken before and after sexual practices between fertile partners...but lets be real here the Earth is breaching its carrying capacity, abortion will be mandated at some point, and IMO born life is more important than unborn life.

6. Depends on the severity of the issue- the last choice is always the safest one to go with. If you had a neighbor that was abusing their children, while it's not your business, wouldn't you feel the right thing here to do is intervene?

7. There isn't a single valid reason why marijuana shouldn't be illegal.

Other than those who run prison complexes and are looking to build the economy by using inmate labor which is borderline slavery.

8. There isn't a single valid reason why homosexual marriage shouldn't be illegal.

Other than the money that it would be take to change such laws...when there are more important issues at hand than a relatively trivial, mostly social issue that should be the main focus.

9. There isn't a single valid reason why same sex couples shouldn't be able to adopt children.

10. I believe people, atleast private institutions have the right to be racist (and they deserve to be castigated by society if the general public feels the need)...Employers should have the right to refuse being "equal opportunity employers". Sometimes the context of the job demands that you discriminate to a certain degree...however, reasons should be completely transparent.

11. It's a good gesture in light of racism, but it should never be mandated. In and of these following characteristics themselves, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion (to a certain degree) tell me nothing about your ability to do a job. And to make a rough generalization, sometimes these characteristics correlate with performing a certain job better than another group...employees shouldn't be given a job purely for the sake of diversifying a work environment. Efficiency may be more important than cultural diversity.

12. Doesn't matter either way. They are just cultural, yet completely trivial landmarks that don't seriously mean anything.

13. Yes, at the very least it should be made an option for students should have the right to pursue learning about creationism, the same level of opportunity should be offered to learn about organic evolution. Life is more than what is observable and explainable by the natural world (in other words: science). Creationism, religion, philosophy, culture & arts are all valuable to education.

14. That's a tough one as statistically certain cultures (and to a lesser degree, races) are more likely to be involved in crime than others. Law enforcement cannot practically check every suspicious looking individual, so when it comes down to it, the police are going to have to discern on who is more likely to be a threat based on visuals. Such is unfortunate, but that's just how it is. Stopping/frisking/searching a car or residence while invasive doesn't imply an arrest or guilt. Besides if the individual is truly not involved in illicit activity they should have nothing to hide. Even as a minority I'm going to say yes to this, it's not a problem as long as the race isn't use to influence decisions in the court room where it actually matters.

15. Hard to say, 99.99999999% of people who board public planes do not have terrorist intentions. Tell that to those that were personally affected by the 9/11 attacks, though. While it may be uncomfortable and a hassle, the measures taken at airport security have merit- and it's not like they're performing full cavity searches (yet).

16. Progressive tax rate, as alluded to in question #4

17. Maybe the superstar mega churches that you see on T.V should pay taxes. Perhaps if the minister is making a 6 figure salary or greater (some of the T.V. pastors make multi millions!!) Otherwise no...in general churches are non profit, are a great site of social function and rapport, and increase charitable causes within the community. If churches had to pay property taxes, then attenders would have to pay an entrance fee, which is counter-intuitive to a church's purpose.

18. Yes! Normal citizens that do not break the law don't use weapons at will...just for protection. I could be wrong, but I would assume most people involved in gun crimes obtained the arms illegally. I wouldn't say any type of gun should be made illegal, but perhaps greater measures should be taken based on how potentially dangerous the gun is before an individual is allowed to own it

19. Of course- anybody who is convicted of a violent crime should not be allowed to own a gun, at the very minimum, not before they complete an intensive probation. Mental checks should be mandated too, including if you're on an antidepressant, psychotropic, SSRI, etc. anything that affects the behavior. If the individual is on a certain drug and has been mentally stable for a long amount of time however, then they should be allowed to own guns...on the other hand, it's hard to say because determining if an individual is emotionally okay is not possible to clinically diagnose 100%.

20. More police officers in schools, perhaps greater practice measures if such events were to arise...But I think it all starts with mental health and the stigma that comes with it...There needs to be more emphasis on accepting kids for what they are in schools too. It's a complicated issue, like most of these questions I could write pages and pages on it...

jesus christ this a lot of questions...I think I'm done for now -_-

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote:

1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

Free market

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

Less

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

No minimum wage

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

No

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

pro life

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

Isolationist

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Decriminalized

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

idc

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Legal

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws?

Remove all discrimination laws. Employers should have a right to decide who they deem fit to work for them, personal beliefs or not.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

As a minority I find it sickening

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc.

Dont matter

should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

No

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

As long as it's taught as a theory

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

No

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

They're fine

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

Flat

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

No

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns?

Yes

Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Both yes

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Yes

20.

No opinion

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

Latter

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

Yes

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Yes

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

Parents yes teachers no

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Yes

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

Yes and no

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Yes

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

Yes

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

Yes

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

Yes

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

Yes

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

No

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

Yes and no

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

No

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

Yes

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

No and yes

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

Yes

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Yes

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

Both

Sorry for so many damn questions.

it's ok :)

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

I would go with a more mixed economy, but I would prefer to lean more towards capitalism, simply because socialism on a huge scale in terms of population {i.e America} is simply too unwieldy and intrusive. The less government control, the better.

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

The regulation on corporate practices is fine where it is.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Depends on the job. I don't believe that the average fast-food worker shouldn't make as much money in MW as someone in construction or a doctor in a hospital.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

Simply put, no.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

Pro-Choice, but with some restrictions. No late-term abortions unless the woman's life is in danger, limits on how many abortions one can have, etc.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

Speak softly but carry a big stick, which I guess would be considered interventionist. That said, I would rather have the international community carry their own weight for a change, it's rather tiring that we have to play babysitter for someone who could solve the problems themselves.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legal

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

On a governmental level, it should be legal. But churches have the right to decide whether to have gay marriages within their walls.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

Legal

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

I would rather have the business themselves decide on their policy when it comes to this. Trying to have a complete blanket policy when it comes to sexual orientation or gender identity for a business just doesn't work, partly because of religious freedom. Personally, I would think that when big money is involved, discrimination {at least the sexual and racial kind} usually takes a backseat.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

Any sort of AA should be done with wealth and not by race. There was a time where AA by race was effective, but I think that this is no longer the case today.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

Because America is a majority religious nation, {largely in name only} I don't really see much of a problem with having "God" mentioned in the pledge or on the money. "God" is basically considered to be a catch-all term for any sort of religious deity as far as most people are concerned, and for atheists, should just be treated as another word in the dictionary. More or less, it gets by because they are either grandfathered in, or is largely for symbolic purposes only, and attempting to raise a fuss about it is basically counterproductive for the reasons I've just mentioned.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

Absolutely not in public schools. Private schools on the other hand is acceptable, but they should have an opt-out clause in them. Even in religious schools, proselytizing should be kept to a minimum, there are a number of students who go to religious schools who don't share the same faith as the school itself, but they go there because of the perception that they are academically better or the scholarships involved that are subsidized by the Church, especially the Catholic schools.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

In certain circumstances, profiling is fine. If they have things like illegal substances, guns or are drunk/high which is more than enough grounds for probable cause, then profiling is acceptable. Obviously, stopping folks purely for ethnicity or racial reasons shouldn't be allowed, but that doesn't happen as often as people think it does.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

Appropriate.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

Flat tax.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

Depends. Some of those gaudy mega-churches should pay property taxes, but the smaller ones shouldn't.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Absolutely. I am a gun owner myself, it insults me that some segments of liberals would try to ban guns because of a small minority of people who use them for criminal actions, which is one of the reasons why I become more disillusioned with the liberal left politics. Of course, things like rocket launchers and howitzers shouldn't be in private hands, but I have no problem with owning semi-automatic weapons. {such as AR-15s} As for carrying guns in public, I have no problem with that {with a C&C license} but businesses have the right to ban guns on their premises, such as bars. {alcohol and guns are an extremely dangerous risk.}

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Yes, any sort of background check is better than none. Ideally, you shouldn't legally give guns to those who have committed crimes or have some sort of mental disease where they can't tell right from wrong. That may not stop all legally sold guns from entering into criminals' hands, {particularly with straw purchases} but having a safeguard is better than nothing.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

There is no real clear answer for this, because guns are banned anyway on K-12 school campuses, but to have no officers in schools means that they are utterly defenseless. Having a couple of officers in schools is the best option we have today, because they are trained to use their guns in any situation.

College campuses on the other hand is a bit of a grey area, mainly because most campuses have either a police force of their own or have a city station nearby that mainly works the campus area to begin with. That said, I do support adults with a C&C license to have guns on campus as long as they are not visible to everyone, because college campuses for the most part are pretty huge, and it may take some time before the cops come in and defuse a situation with a gunman. Most universities that I know of have some sort of gun club and/or classes on gun usage and safety, and chances are that they are going to have a firing range somewhere with campus grounds. {most likely on a police station, but I can't say that for sure.}

I'll finish the rest of the questions on another post.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: Here's some questions relating to political matters. This isn't really a debate where we argue our opinions against other people's (so try not to start too many fights), but if you want to provide a little explanation in your answer, that's perfectly fine.

Bear in mind, some of these questions use terms that are specific to the United States government. If you live outside of the US, try to find some sort of an equivalent for the group or person being discussed in order to answer.

So, if you're interested in satisfying my curiosity, here are the questions!

1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

mixed

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

probably more

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage?

higher

If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Was gonna say that. Yes.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist? If you would be for it, around what amount would you set it at?

eh? idk. no? I haven't heard this proposed. Sounds bad.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Does it depend on the circumstance?

pro choice

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

idk

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

legal. I've never heard an argument for keeping it illegal that is all three of the following: true, a valid point, and can't also be said about alcohol or tobacco.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

legal. I'm not stupid and I didn't come here in a time machine.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

legal

10. Currently in the United States (and I'm assuming elsewhere) it is legal for an employer to discriminate based off of an applicants sexual orientation and/or gender identity, usually done on the basis of religious freedom. Do you think this should be made illegal? Kept legal? Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

illegal

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

idk

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

I say no, but I don't care that much about "in god we trust" and little stuff like that. Whatever.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

hell fucking no

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

no.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures? Too extreme? Appropriate? Not strong enough?

I haven't been to an airport in a long time.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

progressive

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

maybe

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

idk about all that, but sure let people own guns.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

of course

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? More police officers in schools? Teachers being allowed to carry guns? College students being allowed to carry guns on campus? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

Letting teachers or students carry guns sounds crazy.

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

People should be tried if they're accused of crimes. This is America.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

Definitely no to the first one. Probably no to the second, too, actually. It's pretty much blatant corruption. It's not only money "donations" (bribes) either. Lobbyists (or people who can technically say they're not lobbyists but are) treat politicians like they're trying to fuck them or at least get a handy, getting them free tickets to games and stuff and taking them out in a limo like they're dating. It's weird that it's supposed to be okay. And everybody knows it's total horseshit to call corporations people and money speech. It's the most obvious self serving nonsense I've ever heard and politicians are straight up lying to everyone about it, sometimes with a big asshole grin on their face (see the clip of Mitt going "corporations are people, my friend"). I'm starting to think they don't give a shit if everyone sees through it. It feels like they're all but saying "what are you gonna do about it?".

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

sure. Haven't they always done that? farms since the beginning, railroads in the 1800s, energy since the early 1900s, etc.?

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

parents absolutely, but within reason. I'm gonna go with no for teachers.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Should have been done already. And there's a conflict of interest in the FFC that is just a headscratcher seeing it being allowed. Again with the "what are you gonna do about it?".

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

uuuuh... well yes to the second thing.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Not the same, no. You can't let them do product placement in kids shows or put commercials during those time slots for example.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

I remember this question coming up on that "I side with" quiz and I was glad they had a choice that amounted to "I dunno" cuz I dunno. There were like 2 or 3 others I had to just write in "I don't know".

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

Yeah, I always thought that would make sense.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

Hmm. Yeah, sounds good. "What are you gonna d- oh, fine me up the ass. gg." But they'd probably get away with a lot.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

haha Yeah and keep track of how much each source has been fined in total and how many times and have that info publically available.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

sure as fuck not without probable cause.

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

How many illegal immigrants are here that snuck past the border anyway? I thought I heard most of them visit legally and then just don't leave? As far as making it easier to become a legit citizen, probably yeah. My best friend's stepdad had a hard time with that from what I hear. Apparently it took years.

to be continued

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

idk

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

probably, I guess. I don't care.

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

same

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

I'm leaning toward no cuz the thought of inoccent people being wrongly killed is really disturbing and frightening.

Also, this was a good bit.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

uuuuh idk. My friend tried to shoot himself in the head once but the gun didn't work. But now he isn't suicidal anymore and has a wife and stepson and will probably have a kid of his own in time. I'm kinda torn. Maybe it's not the government's place to say you're not allowed to commit suicide, but I dunno. What if he had the option to legally end his life with a doctor's help? He might be long dead now because he didn't know back then that his life would get better. He talked about killing himself all the time and he meant it. Or would being depressed and in a shitty living situation not grant you permission to do it?

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

Decriminalize all of it, I don't care how bad the drug is. I'm not saying make all recreational drugs legal, just that nobody on the planet should be locked in a cell with rapists and murderers for drug use/possession alone. That shit is for real criminals, not people who need help.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

My views align mostly with democrats and I'm registered as such.

Sorry for so many damn questions.

Sorry I couldn't answer all of them.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: 21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

If terrorist activity takes places in America, then it should be just like any other criminal case. On foreign soil or extreme circumstances, then all bets are off. If there is too much risk involved with capturing a suspected terrorist, then they should be stopped dead in their tracks. Theoretically, capturing them alive and make them face trial is the best result, but that rarely happens, and often times is not worth the risk, especially if they keep fighting to the end.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

Pretty much, there really isn't anything we can really do about it. You can ban corporations from donating money to politicians, but the CEOs and others within are still going to donate money anyway, which creates a Catch-22 in itself.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

If it leads to any serious advances, then by all means, yes they should.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

Teachers no, parents yes. I personally don't condone physical punishment on kids, {Adrian Peterson comes to mind} because it often can turn into abuse real quick, but having a hands-on approach to raising kids from a governmental standpoint simply won't fly.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

I would lean towards yes, though I don't know much about this.

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

Yes and no. I don't have a problem with corporations outsourcing labor to other countries to a certain extent, but if they do so, then they will have to follow the laws of other countries in terms of wage, coverage and so on. Though, that's honestly not saying very much considering that in most other places, things like minimum wages and health coverage is a complete joke.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Advertising for tobacco, alcohol and prescription drugs is fine the way it is. Particularly for tobacco, advertising for it has largely diminished to magazine ads and a few other places where the main demographic is adults who smoke anyway.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

No. I really don't see much of a problem with GMOs in foods. The fear-mongers who believe otherwise largely use scare tactics, psuedo-science and boogeyman propaganda to enforce something that really isn't there, which makes them hard to believe.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

No, having them serve for life {with an option to leave at anytime} is fine. Since they usually don't do as much as Congress or the president in terms of policy, they usually aren't affected by regular politics other than the president replacing a SC justice who dies or resigns while in office.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

No, it sounds good in theory, but with so many things such as compromise and conflict of interest, it's impossible to truly have a completely honest politician who does everything to please everyone. That's why we have referendums and elections for, if they aren't doing a good job, then we remove them by voting them out, or we can simply abolish democracy for an anarchist or totalitarian government, but we all know that's not going to go down too well with most folks, not to mention their horrible track record of the years.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

Theoretically, yes. Though, a lawsuit and a public mea culpa is usually more than sufficient for an individual or a small group of people who are slandered by a news network. That said, even Fox News actually researches their information before they release the news, though it's obviously not very good nor are they "fair and balanced" , but even they know that making up news will get them into serious trouble.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

I think this is where people get the most confused about this, and truth be told, I was one of those folks. What the NSA does is collect meta-data of the internet activity, phone calls and so on, this part is legal, and has been legal long before the Patriot Act. Now where the confusion starts is the warrant-less wiretapping and so on, which sounds bad, but it is covered under probable cause, and it's not like they only use that to stop terrorist activity or child pornography on American soil. If the government wanted to press charges on anyone, they are usually going to pile up as much physical evidence as possible, and while there are warrant-less wiretaps available, they go through with getting warrants anyway, just to cover their bases.

Because of the use of buzzwords like spying or data gathering, it sounds worse than it really is. At the very worst, it's a necessary evil, {and I use the word evil loosely} and on normal circumstances, it's nothing more than data-gathering. Unless your giving money to terror groups or child porn sites, then the government isn't going to give a shit about what you search online. I always believe that if you do nothing wrong, then you should have nothing to fear.

33. Should the United States put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

Yes and no. Yes to more security on the border, but no to changing the path to citizenship, at least towards individuals. If they have family members in the States or have children, then maybe give them some leeway, but they need to learn about America before they become citizens.

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

As long as Fidel and Raul are alive and still running the country into the ground, then the embargo stays.

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

Yes. It shocks me that Ohio legalized casino gambling a couple of years ago when states like Michigan and West Virginia legalized gambling much earlier than they did. Considering that these states lost a lot in industry, they would be a little bit more open towards revenue generation activites like casino gambling long before.

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

I have no problem with affordable health care for all, including certain subsidies, but you get what you pay for, and if that means that you get great healthcare instead of good healthcare, then so be it.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

I'd leave that to the states to decide that.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

In certain cases, yes.

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically? A little bit of both?

A little bit of both. Treatment should be available, to a certain extent. {as in if they keep relapsing over and over again, then they're not worth bothering.} but that doesn't mean that they should get away totally scot-free.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

I like to think of myself as a pragmatic Libertarian.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote:
1. What kind of economic system do you prefer?

I think Capitalism can work, but not as it exists today. I'm open to the idea of something better than what we have.

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

More regulation to weed out overall corporate corruption, especially when it comes to bribing or influencing political decisions in shady and counter-intuitive ways for the sake of a profit.

3. Minimum Wage?

I know too many friends that have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and even then, they're barely scraping by. If not a higher minimum wage, then provided ways to make independent life in America more manageable and cost-effective.

4. What would you think about a "maximum wage" if it were to exist?

I would have to look at the numbers, but it would be an interesting thought to cap out the One-Percenters, and hopefully allow that wealth to trickle down the chain of command in a more appealing way. I'd be open to the idea, but I would have to research to solidly decide on the matter. Besides, I think someone would IMMEDIATELY try finding a loophole around it to get more money. Greed is a powerful motivator.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

Pro-Choice always. Its her body, its her decision...and on that note, pro stem cell research as well.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer?

Mostly isolationist unless a dire situation calls for otherwise. We need to stop being the World Police.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legally regulated just like tobacco.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Nationally legal, with full equality to heterosexual union.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

10. Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

An employer should focus on the individuals ability to perform their task or labor ONLY. No discriminations period...though that would be difficult to enforce, so there really wouldn't be any "He didn't hire me because I'm this or that" lawsuits either.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

As much as I would like to believe that we live in a post-racial society, we haven't gotten that far yet. However, in order for there to be true equality, we must all be treated equally...so that doesn't necessarily mean that one is focused on less than another, but we're ALL brought up to be as great as we can be...with the same opportunities and the same potential.

I think affirmative action is a great idea and all, but it implies focusing on someone lesser...and in reality, they AREN'T lesser.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

There's something to be said about honoring tradition, so I think its kind of situational here and there. I don't think religion should be mentioned on our money or pledge since that was a recent advent, but removing it would just start a shitstorm.

13. Should creationism be allowed in public schools?

No, because it strays young and impressionable minds away from science and facts.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

No they should not. Race should have nothing to do with it, but cops will have the experience and gut intuition to know when someone SHOULD be profiled, based on their knowledge of criminal activity. Race should not be the primary focal point to that equation.

15. What do you think about current airport security procedures?

Its ridiculous, far too extreme. I'd love to see what good the TSA has brought us.

16. flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

I think stuff like that needs context and should be adaptable. Progressive tax.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

Yes, just like everybody else. Equality means just that.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

I support gun ownership as long as its legal and registered. The specifics to how far these laws go should be handled from state to state like they are now. There's no reason to have an open-carry because concealed carry is just fine, and it should be encouraged to lawful citizens. The more good people out there that are armed will discourage the armed criminals.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Absolutely.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings?

I remember there being a single cop at my school. Arm THEM. The school should also decide on conceal carry teachers and conceal carry students as well... it'll be up to the School District, but an armed faculty should be an option on the table.

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained? Or treated as a criminal of war?

The criminal of war prosecution is a dehumanizing way to strip a character of their rights. They should have a trial opportunity just like anybody else.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

It should be frowned upon and chastised by the public, but if they do accept donations, there should be a limit of some sort.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Sure, as long as its beneficial to the public interest and not their own agenda.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

Yes, in moderation for discipline.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Yes. Net neutrality is important.

26. Should corporations based in one country be allowed to outsource labor to another country? If so, should they be required to follow the same business practices as in the US (same minimum wage, health care coverage, etc)?

As long as it ain't slave labor.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised...

Yes.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs?

They should be able to refer their customers to a comprehensive source listing EVERYTHING in their products. How it was made, all that jazz. If it can be consumed, they need to talk about it.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

Yes, and the public should care more about them.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public?

Absolutely, and not just a fine.

31. Should there be legal consequences if a news source is caught knowingly reporting false information, or doing an irresponsibly small amount of research before reporting?

Yes. Accountability for swaying the public mind in a counter-productive way.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

With probable cause, by a reviewed warrant only.

33. Should the US put more security on its border with Mexico? Should it make the path to citizenship easier and faster?

Streamlined citizenship with increased security.

34. Should the United States continue its embargo on Cuba?

Probably not.

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

Handled by the State.

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care?

You can't put a price on a life. Quality, equal health care.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? For what?

Yes. Murder, Violent Rape, and Pedophiles.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Yes.

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically?

Dealers criminal, users medical.

Shit, don't know how I missed it.

I am FOR same-sex couples adopting.

I had to delete a couple of the questions I'm less knowledgeable about or didn't have a simple answer for to make space for other shit but here ya go. Also sorry if some of my answers come off as especially angry but between the Brown and Garner verdicts and this past election cycle I've been getting pretty pissed off about American politics lately.

At 12/4/14 04:06 PM, Scarface wrote: I see a lot of quasi-political discussions here, and while it seems most of the users are a bit more liberal, I'm genuinely curious to find out your opinions on some issues.

Huh, if anything I've found this site to lean substantially further right than every other site I frequent but okay.

1. What kind of economic system do you prefer? Free-market capitalism? Socialism? Somewhere in between?

Capitalism, kept in check by government regulation and cushioned by socialist programs. That's the winning Coca-Cola Classic formula, but since the Reagan years we've been steadily deregulating and throwing that balance way out of whack, and now we're stuck drinking nasty New Coke.

2. More regulation on corporate practices? Or less?

Much more. See above.

3. Higher minimum wage? Lower minimum wage? No minimum wage? If you do support a minimum wage, should it be constantly adjusted for inflation?

Higher.

5. Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

Choice. Anti-abortion laws, like all anti-contraception laws, are first and foremost attempts to restrict and control women's bodies. Not okay.

6. What kind of foreign policy do you prefer? Isolationist? Interventionist? Some moderate intervention when necessary?

This shit is so complicated and case-by-case that I couldn't even begin to give a single broad answer.

7. Marijuana: Legal or illegal?

Legal. It's significantly less dangerous than alcohol and various frequently abused prescription meds, and the only real problems with the drug are those that are directly caused by its prohibition. So.

8. Same sex marriage: Legal or illegal?

Legal, on account of it's the 2010s and I'm not a knuckle-dragging moron.

9. Same sex couples adopting: Legal or illegal?

See above.

10. Do you think we should remove ALL discrimination laws, so employers have the freedom to hire and turn away whoever they want?

No. Fuck. No.

11. How do you feel about Affirmative Action?

It's not ideal, but as the events of the past couple weeks (among other things) have clearly displayed, systemic racial prejudice and racial inequality are far from over in America and incentivizing schools and businesses to be more diverse is still very necessary.

I also think that a lot of people misunderstand what affirmative action actually is and vastly overestimate how much it actually ends up effecting school/employment decisions, which leads them to resent it more than maybe they should.

12. Should references to religion be allowed on our money, in our pledge, etc. and should people swear on a bible when testifying in court?

I'd really rather they didn't. This is fundamentally a secular nation, by law, by the very first clause of the very first amendment to our constitution in fact. By contrast the invocations of God on our money and in our pledge are pretty recent and frivolous inventions, brought about in the mid-20th century to combat atheist Communism.

13. Should the theory of creationism be allowed in public schools?

Sure...in a literature or comparative religion class where it fucking belongs. Things that are not science should obviously not be taught in science classrooms, though.

14. Should police be allowed to use racial profiling as a part of probable cause when stopping and frisking people without a warrant?

Absolutely not.

16. Do you think there should be a flat tax rate or a progressive tax rate?

By this point in the survey I think you can guess.

17. Do you think churches should be required to pay property taxes?

Yup.

18. Do you think citizens should be allowed to own guns? Are there certain types of guns they should not own? Should they be allowed to carry these guns (if only certain kinds) on their person in public?

Honestly, no. But I know that's not a realistic goal given this country's insane gun culture, so I'd be fine with tighter regulations.

19. Do you think criminal background checks should be required when purchasing a gun? Mental background checks?

Yes, that'd be the least of it.

20. What kind of procedures should be implemented to prevent further school shootings? No guns being allowed at all on school property (aside from police officers)?

This is the only option you've listed that would actually help to prevent further shootings. The notion that putting more guns in people's hands will make us safer is statistically untrue inane cowboy bullshit.

21. Should someone suspected of terrorist activity be entitled to a trial before they are detained?

Yes.

22. Should corporations be allowed to donate as much as they want to political candidates? Should politicians be allowed to accept corporate donations at all?

Absolutely not, and maybe but with heavy restrictions and regulations. This is the problem that causes all the other problems.

23. Should the government subsidize any industries (agricultural, energy, medical research, etc)?

Yes, but obviously it needs to be very careful about what it's subsidizing and why.

24. Should it be legal for teachers or parents to use physical punishment on children?

No.

25. Should the government pass a law protecting net neutrality?

Yes.

27. Should products like tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs etc. be allowed to be advertised the same as any other product?

Their very real health risks should be clearly and honestly stated and they shouldn't be marketing to children, but other than that sure.

28. Should food companies be required to label their products if they contain GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

Yes. As with above, any labeling regulation that helps consumers make more informed decisions can only be a good thing.

29. Should United States Supreme Court Justices (or the equivalent in other countries, if there is one) have term limits?

No, that would pretty much defeat the court's entire purpose.

30. Should there be legal consequences if a politician is caught blatantly lying to the public, either in a political campaign commercial, a debate or an public speech or address?

Only if those lies already violate existing laws. I'd say that the frequency and flagrancy with which politicians are able to lie with impunity is mostly the media's fault, not the law's.

32. Should the government be able to monitor citizen's internet activity and phone conversations without probable cause for suspicion? With probable cause? Should that be considered admissible evidence in court?

No, only with a warrant, only with a warrant.

34. Should the United States (and other countries who still do this) continue its embargo on Cuba?

No.

35. Should gambling be legal everywhere?

This is one of the rare cases where I'll say leave it up to individual states and localities. There are pros and cons to legalized gambling and each community has to weigh them for itself.

36. Should everyone get the same quality health care? Or should those with more money be entitled to better health care?

This is a false dichotomy. You can have a system where people with more money can get more expensive care and there's a decent baseline of coverage for everyone.

37. Should the death penalty be legal? Under what circumstances should it be used?

No. Again, something something 2010s. Plus life sentences actually end up being much cheaper for the state because they don't go through an endless appeal process.

38. Should euthanasia be legal?

Yes.

39. Should drug abuse be treated criminally or medically?

Medically.

40. What political party (if any) do you align yourself with?

I'm a registered Democrat but I'm getting pretty frustrated with their bullshit too, and I tend to lean more progressive than what their general party line seems to be.