I identify as a socially liberal American. I believe in LGBT rights, secularism, the Affordable Care Act (keeping in mind that we do need to reform parts of the law), debt free colleges, immigration reform, public works programs, and so on. It is my dream to see a country where every family has health insurance, a good job, access to child care, and the opportunity to go to college. The Democratic Party (United States) has done the most to achieve this vision, so I tend to support their candidates in the voting booth. President Obama (focusing on domestic instead of foreign policy) has proposed a pragmatic and solid agenda for providing all citizens with an equal opportunity. While I disagree with him on things like military interventionism, I support most of his proposals. Regulated capitalism, social welfare systems, and comprehensive diplomacy will bring us in line with more egalitarian societies, such as Denmark or Germany.
All of this being said, I am willing to compromise with the other side in any discussion. It is a problem when people are so stubborn in their beliefs that they don't acknowledge the flaws of their own arguments. That's why I am skeptical of politicians like Bernie Sanders. While there can be no doubt that he is extremely honest, I'm afraid his antagonization of the right (no matter how grounded) and idealism will not make for a good administration. Progressives act as if Congress will automatically be filled with Warrens and Roosevelts if he wins in 2016. Hillary Clinton is more experienced, moderate, and will be more ready to reach out to the other side.
For the record, I used to be a conservative libertarian, so I understand where they are coming from. And I wish that we could focus more on policy instead of philosophy. Discussing the merits of a progressive tax system is more productive than arguing something like taxation being "theft."
All of this being said, I am willing to compromise with the other side in any discussion. It is a problem when people are so stubborn in their beliefs that they don't acknowledge the flaws of their own arguments. That's why I am skeptical of politicians like Bernie Sanders. While there can be no doubt that he is extremely honest, I'm afraid his antagonization of the right (no matter how grounded) and idealism will not make for a good administration. Progressives act as if Congress will automatically be filled with Warrens and Roosevelts if he wins in 2016. Hillary Clinton is more experienced, moderate, and will be more ready to reach out to the other side.
For the record, I used to be a conservative libertarian, so I understand where they are coming from. And I wish that we could focus more on policy instead of philosophy. Discussing the merits of a progressive tax system is more productive than arguing something like taxation being "theft."
