I'm tired of gotcha politics. I don't care what the hot-button issues are, nor do I care who made some social gaffe. I wish politicians could run on principles, not policies. My ideal politician would have the following principles
Fiscally conservative
This doesn't mean promising never to raise taxes. It means that he or she would strive to allow each of us to make our own decisions regarding the best use of our money. America is a generous country, and I believe that each of us is better able to determine what is the best use of our money - not the government. I would love to see welfare get replaced by job training programs. I would love to see the minimum age to receive social security slowly increase to the point where it is no longer relevant. We need to be responsible for our own well being, and while I have no problem creating opportunities for those with rough backgrounds to take responsibility, the responsibility should always be with the people, not the government.
Socially Liberal
I believe that in a secular country, morality must be defined by a non-government entity - i.e. your religion or philosophy - not the government. In our multicultural world, we cannot pick one faith by which to judge morality. This is not to say that there is no moral authority out there - I simply believe that there are sufficient differences between the morality preached by different religious sects that a secular government should not pick one to judge all. Instead, a secular government would be well served to choose policies which will strengthen the society. In other words, crimes should be defined by their impact on our society, as should the punishment.
For example, abortion is considered morally wrong by many religious people because they feel it is tantamount to murder. This is a reasonable position from a religious perspective, and I respect their belief. I even support propaganda supporting this position being broadcast. However, ignoring any moral considerations, abortion and birth control allow women to determine when is the right time in their life to have a child. School, financial independence, and family support can come first. One mistake isn't life altering. They may always have regret - no law should or can prevent regret - but its their choice, not anyone else's. I believe that the net effect of keeping abortion legal is positive for society. Therefore, I believe it should be legal. Those who do not believe it is a moral activity always have the choice not to use this service (and nor should any caregiver be forced to perform an abortion - that it is legal is sufficient to ensure that there are options available somewhere (e.g. Planned Parenthood). On the other hand, legal does not mean funded by taxpayers. I would oppose federal money being spent on Planned parenthood, but through fiscally conservative policies, I would hope to provide individuals who wish to support these activites with the fewer taxes, and more surplus money to spend supporting these groups.
Pro Immigration
We are a country of immigrants who universally, does not welcome immigrants. A century ago, it was Irish immigrants who were shunned. While there are many who claim that this time is different - there is no ocean separating Mexico from the United States, I believe this is naive. Immigration is a permanently temporary problem. There will always be groups moving from one land to another - from poverty to opportunity whether legally or illegally. So long as the United States continues to be the land of opportunity, people will come to participate in those opportunities. However, assimilation is also happening - its just harder to see. The children of immigrants tend to be bilingual, the grandchildren tend to speak English only. I support this process, and I believe that this immigrant population - whether the immigrants are Mexican, Irish, Italian, German, Polish, Chinese, or Japanese - strengthens the United States.
I would support policies that allow any illegal immigrant who came here as a child (e.g. before 13), can speak fluent English, and has an high school diploma or equivalent should be allowed to apply for citizenship. I do not support citizenship for those who came here as adults - ever. That process should begin back in the country of origin. You must obey our rules to be given a say over changing them.
