Unlike a lot of people, I actually think despite the recent economic hiccup, the United States is still the greatest country on earth, and perhaps has the strongest political system; certainly in the top ten. Direct Democracy has many flaws, but it beats every other system that’s been tried.
On national issues I support personal freedom. I could never vote for a candidate who believed in taking rights away from certain groups of people just because they’re different.
I also believe the income distribution in this country is ridiculous. The rich reap the rewards of what taxes pay for but don’t contribute their fair share. Most arguments about wealth creation and marginal tax rates are silly; we’re no where near overtaxing productivity. I admire the governments and systems of the Scandinavian countries; highly socially liberal, and strong economies despite relatively high tax rates. In my youth I considered moving to Sweden, where my family roots stem from.
All this means I just can’t vote for a Republican. George W. Bush did a lot of damage in my mind to a brand I wasn’t a huge fan of to begin with; he was truly *Anti*-science in his policies, including funding for research. I considered Arnold, but voted against him both times. Perhaps in two decades “South Park Republicans” (true small government, socially liberal) will be running the hen-house. I could vote for an openly Atheist Republican, assuming they supported rights for gays, women and minorities.
For example, in the current California Senate and Governor races, I watched the primaries closely. I love Barbara Boxer and what she stands for, and Fironia is a woman whose legacy at HP involves lay-offs and a Golden Parachute after running it into the ground. Whitman is a better businesswoman and candidate, and Brown is kinda mediocre. I’m voting for Brown, but I won’t cry in my beer if Whitman happens to win.
