Why I chose to become a democrat
In 2000 I changed my registration from independent to Democrat in order to support Bill Bradley for president of the United States. After Al Gore won the Democrat nomination, I continued to support the Democrat Party because the Republican Party nominated George Bush. George Bush’s beliefs were too far to the right, and I didn’t believe that he had the capability to lead this country. In 2007 I decided to support Barack Obama for President because I believed that he had the capability to lead this country. I knew that I would not always agree with everything he wanted to do but believed that he would surround himself with intelligent people not yes men and women.
Size of Federal Government
I believe that the federal government should be small but no smaller than necessary. The federal government was established to protect this country from outside and inside forces that aspire to destroy it. The federal government is the mediator when states disagree, regulator of commerce that crosses state boundaries, and ensures that everyone is treated equally. In the pursuit of ensuring that everyone is treated equally our constitution has had several amendments (XIII, XIV, XV, XIX, XXIV, XXVI) added to the original constitution. In addition congress enacted several laws that protected the rights of individual. The Civil Rights Acts of 1964, 1968, and 1988 strength the rights of individuals.
Use of Military strength
I believe that United States government to often use its military strength to solve problems instead of diplomacy. A perfect example is the unprovoked attack on Iraq. The declaration of war was based on faulty intelligence and lies. The Iraq war has cost more lives than the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks and cost more money than proposed healthcare reform. The Republican Party supports the use of force (Iraq war) but doesn’t support helping (healthcare reform) the citizens of United States.
Taking a Life
I don’t believe that the taking of a life is right, any life, but I don’t have the right to impose my beliefs on anyone else. Each person must decide. I find it difficult to understand how someone can condone the taking of a life after birth and condemn the taking of a life before birth. We should strive to eliminate unwanted pregnancies and leave the decision of terminating a pregnancy up to the individual.