I believe in a state/local focused government, though it is hard to talk about political background without first talking about philosophy. When you live in the US (probably it's the same case in other democratic governments), both main parties are basically the same thing. Gone are the days where one party would firmly stand for a certain issue. Instead of finding a Conservative or Liberal, you'll mainly find Moderate parties (which are the state of the current Republican and Democrat parties). All parties that do have a objective (such as 3rd parties like the Green or American parties) never get enough votes during elections. That is probably a good thing. Parties that have just one or two objectives are dangerous. Once they complete them, what else will they do? Become "a tyrant"? Nothing? But because Americans do not have a variety of parties to choose from, we end up with old bloods filling the seats lifelong. In order for a democratic system to work properly, you must have a diverse (but not too many) selection of parties and often (say 2-4 years) changing of seat members.
Now, I am rambling. My philosophy can be mostly summed up with this quote:
Quote:
Quote from Reverend William John Henry Boetcker
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help little men by tearing down big men. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.
(Note: It is commonly quoted from Abraham Lincoln, but that's incorrect. I guess this is a case of "Half of history is made up." ^^; )
True, I am a Conservative by heart, but...
Quote:
Quote from Sir Winston Churchill
Show me a young Conservative and I'll show you someone with no heart. Show me an old Liberal and I'll show you someone with no brains.
It is good to have a well-balanced view. That's why I believe in a state/local focused government. It is not the Federal Government's job to tell states what they can or can not do. That's why we are wasting so much money on programs. Let the state or city/town decide if they need to change or create laws, regulations, and programs. It's like telling everyone in the world "Hey, you must have an air conditioner and refrigerator or else you will have a $1000 fine." Then you go to Antarctica or some other really cold place. Why should they waste money buying an A/C and fridge?
I think the Fed's purpose in a democratic system is to make sure things are constitutional or not and keep everything universal regulated (for example, money).
Oh, since I mentioned the Constitution, I have a literal interpretation of it. No reading between the lines for me. If you want to make an amendment, go though the right channels to make it into the Constitution.
I also believe that the crow caws at midnight, but the cat sours the basil. Unlike Rolf, I don't really like talking politics. It's extremely fun to read and learn about different political governments, but it is difficult to find a person who will sit still and talk calmly about such topics... Even I have trouble controlling my patience with people who insists their way is the only correct answer.
Quote:
Quote from Sir Winston Churchill
Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.
BP
Now, you all better be civil in this topic... OR ELSE! B(