• Second Amendment
    As an individual who has been under Martial Law in the past, I am a firm supporter of the right to bear arms. Although it can be interpreted that I support all guns, this is misleading to some degree. I do find that ownership of semi-automatic weaponry is not necessarily required for personal protection in the United States. The responsibility for proactive and non-lethal means of defense is on the hands of the gun-owner. With the ownership of any gun there is a necessity of  adequate training and education for the owner. Thus, a seasoned, matured gun owner will know their standards of self-defense within their own capabilities. I also acknowledge the topic of assault and semi-automatic guns are a complex topic for gun owners.  On the topic of mass shootings, “Of the 143 guns possessed by the killers, more than three quarters were obtained legally. The arsenal included dozens of assault weapons and semi-automatic handguns with high-capacity magazines.”[1] 

    On an additional note here, I believe that guns handed down through a family (grandfathered guns) should remain a private transaction. Voided from required registration. States, such as Oregon, are requiring that grandfathered guns be registered. In my opinion, a musket from the 1700's is not a semi-automatic nor is a Civil War era rifle.Most of the violence we see in a mass shooting for example are assault or semi-automatic weapons. Not Civil War pistols. This seems to be over-reach by state legislation. 

[1] Follman, Mark, Gavin Aronsen, and Deanna Pan. "A Guide to Mass Shootings in America." Mother Jones: Politics, Crime and Justice, Guns, Regulatory Affairs, Top Stories. May 24, 2014. Accessed April 20, 2015. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/07/mass-shootings-map

 

  •  Abortion
    This topic for me is one of integrity and personal choice. Personally I am pro-life, but I had the choice to be pro-life. For many women, the topic is emotionally loaded. Often abortion is discussed between women in hushed voices, avoiding ridicule. There are the few that have little concern for the fetus and view it with a detached perspective. However, it becomes a hidden secret for many; layered in shame, guilt or even long term depression. The stigma of abortion alone is a burden, no lesser the actual practice. Some women may view abortion as a form of birth control. Which if done repeatedly has the increased risk for health issues over time.[1] Others view abortion as a last resort, or perhaps it is under consideration for the mother's health condition. Due to my spiritual nature, I believe in the free will of others. If a woman decides she needs to get an abortion that is her decision to make, it is her life and path to walk. I am personally pro-life by choice, NOT by guilt or intimidation. I believe this translates to freedom of choice for women to make an educated decision for themselves. I may or may not agree, but I can certainly understand the complexity of making a decision to have an abortion. I am pro-choice when it applies to others, however in my own ability to exercise my free will I am pro-life. This is not an answer of safety to avoid heat from one camp to another, it is simply the truth of my standing.
     

[1] Hogue, PhD, MPH, Carol J. "Long-Term Risks of Surgical Abortion." The Global Library of Women’s Medicine. 2008. Accessed April 20, 2015. http://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Long-Term Risks of Surgical Abortion/item/440. (ISSN: 1756-2228) 2008; DOI 10.3843/GLOWM.10441

 

  • Political Parties
    I find that I cannot relate to either majority (whether Republican or Democrat) wholeheartedly. Each have their positives and negatives in the political arena. Often people will post images, videos, articles that they simply do not research into further. The age of technology is both a blessing and a pit of despair. I identify with independent, partially due to an evolved political atheism I have only begun to recognize. I have lived in both red and blue states, each with their own brand of weaknesses. Every portion of our lives have become politicized. Whether this is public education, health care, marriage, birth or death. Politics have high jacked every aspect of our lives becoming a worthy adversary of the Romanesque era. So when it boils down to a political candidate or election, I utilize common sense. Weigh the options, but I refuse to vote for the lesser of two evils. I also refuse to vote for someone based on race, gender, ethnicity, political dynasties, etc. I will vote, but on my terms.
  •  Feminism
    Establishing this first- I am female. I do not believe in the bullying tactics of the new “kraken” form of feminism. My opinion on equal rights is simple; to be treated as a human being. I would like to have a choice in my health care and be heard respectively. I would appreciate if politicians could stay out of my bedroom and my OBGYN appointments. Arguably I question if they understand what an OBGYN actual does in their practice. (But I digress.) Common sense should always be evaluated when approaching anything in society, women do face difficulties that are different from men. Such as being taught from a young age about bad people who rape, sexual abuse or target females. This is common, especially from my own experiences. There are hurdles in being any minority, but gender yields its own burdens in a slowly evolving culture. I believe in the Golden Rule when interacting with others, not re-creating a medieval witch hunt of men. Women should always utilize caution when approaching gender related hot topics in the media, because often they are blanketed in ulterior motives (politics, ratings, misinformation, etc.). Hollywood and pop culture paint women in different shades of fantasy; nut or slut. I have my moments of suffrage but I have learned to research with common sense. I acknowledge the differences of each gender and the obstacles unique to each experience, but I do not accept a political correct definition in my identity. 

 

  • Education 
    As a parent of a special needs child, I find that the U.S. public school system is regrettably broken. Special educational services are merely a passing thought in most states, unless you have the funding necessary from your state or federal governing bodies. However, most of the time special needs children are only met with corrupted systems, no curriculum, underfunded schools and educators.[1] Medical records are ignored, children therefore are put at risk. The desire of a public school district, if not specialized in funding, is for all high liability (i.e. autistic, etc.) be bullied out of the school system into institutionalized classrooms or schools. The less the liability, the better their school’s rating for federal/state funding. Follow the money. The reality is there are no true resources and many of the school districts are layered in political motivations and affiliations that harm more than they help.[2] Money is more idolized by the states than the re-construction of a dead, wavering system. Common Core is a threat to all educational expectations for a student’s success.[3] There is a reason for the outcry of parents, educators and of the few heads of public schools. The answer to a broken system is to break it down, rebuild and institute stricter local and federal government limits to political interference. Parents, therefore, need to step up and get involved in their children’s educational futures. I have and it continues to be a rough ride. 

[1] Sher, Andy. "Tennessee House Votes Unanimously to Repeal, Replace Common Core." Timesfreepress.com, Chattanooga Times Free Press. April 21, 2015. Accessed April 22, 2015. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2015/apr/21/house-votes-replace-commcore/299841/.

[2] Gatto, John Taylor. Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling. Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers, 2009.

[3] Iserbyt, Charlotte Thomson. The Deliberate Dumbing down of America: A Chronological Paper Trail. Ravenna, Ohio: Conscience Press, 1999.  http://www.deliberatedumbingdown.com/

  • Immigration
    More often the topic of illegal immigration comes to the forefront of media headlines. As an example, Sherriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona and his “papers, please” agenda[1]. This has effected many Mexican-Americans, despite their legal status. Misconduct of immigration units under Arpaio hit the main stream media within the last several years[2]. Revealing the shakedowns of immigrates, taking of personal property, drugs and other items. In addition drug smuggling and refusal to stop patrols. His rag-tag units have failed to shine as previously suggested, but alas…it takes many years and numerous victims for corruption to come to the surface.

    Although these policies are seen as fascist governing, it is acknowledged that illegal immigration is a major issue for the border states of the Southwest. There is just a more tactful way to address this issue than re-creating the “cowboy” Wild West show. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and a portion of California have found themselves working on securing border security more aggressively.

    The major concern is of Mexican cartels, violence and gangs[3]. Ranches close to the borders have coped with violence and theft. These ranchers continually protect their land, property and families just to function day to day[4]. Where is the verifiable support for these ranchers?

    Our borders NEED securing; but this does fall on the shoulders of the state and federal government to secure said borders without infringing on the rights of U.S. citizens. I do not accept an open border policy, nor do I support a fast track into the United States. An express lane can lead to misconceptions and irresponsible security. My stance on this is focused on the crime and economic impact on the states which hold, process and house illegal immigrates. If we are so concerned about terrorism in the United States, why are our border security underfunded? I expect that the devil is in the details.

[1] Fernández, Valeria. "Three Years After Passing Its 'Papers, Please' Law, Arizona Is Divided by Distrust and Fear." New American Media, Alternet. March 29, 2013. Accessed April 23, 2015. http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/three-years-after-passing-its-papers-please-law-arizona-divided-distrust-and-fear.

 

 

[2] Billeaud, Jacques. "Arpaio Immigration Unit Tarnished by Misconduct Allegations." Associated Press, Yahoo! News. April 19, 2015. Accessed April 21, 2015. http://news.yahoo.com/arpaio-immigration-unit-tarnished-misconduct-allegations-170351972.html.

[3] Howell, Kellan. "Border Agent Laments Gang Members Entering U.S.: ‘Why Are We Letting Him in Here?’." Washington Times. June 14, 2014. Accessed April 21, 2015. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/14/border-agents-lament-mexican-gang-members-entering/.

[4] "Arizona Rancher: No One-size-fits-all Solution to Border Enforcement." PBS NewsHour. August 26, 2014. Accessed April 22, 2015. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/arizona-rancher-one-size-fits-solution-border-enforcement/.

  • The War on Terror 
    Reflecting on the last decade, I feel disappointed by our government. After 9/11, fear took to anger and this has fueled the misery that followed. I, like many, was moved into a state of nationalism post 9/11. I fell for the lies that lead to the Iraqi invasion and occupation, I accepted every story they told us. Our government is not our parent, they are politicians lining their pockets with corporate entities at the helm. I believe no more and you are damn right I will question it. 
    Al-Qaeda, Bin-Laden, ISIS. What do all of these have in common? Initially funded by CIA and U.S. Allies.[1] And likewise, all have escalated under the premise of extremism and magical funding.[2]      Adorable.[3]  
    Iran Contra-Cocktails, anyone?[4] 
    But I digress.
    The bottom line is the economic impacts of a marketable brand known as “The War on Terror”. I believe in securing our borders, allowing citizens the rights they are due and prompt others to question everything you are ever told by main stream media, governing entity or political member screams about.

[1] Chengu, Garikai. "Weekend Edition: How the US Helped Create Al Qaeda and ISIS." CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names. September 19, 2014. Accessed April 22, 2015. http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/09/19/how-the-us-helped-create-al-qaeda-and-isis/.

[2] Moran, Michael. "Bin Laden Comes Home to Roost." Brave New World, NBCNews.com. August 24, 1998. Accessed April 22, 2015. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3340101/t/bin-laden-comes-home-roost/#.VTdFHSFViko.

[3] "Secret CIA Money Funded Al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden Letters Show." Inquisitr News. March 15, 2015. Accessed April 22, 2015. http://www.inquisitr.com/1924261/secret-cia-money-funded-al-qaeda-osama-bin-laden-letters-show/.

[4] "The Contras, Cocaine, and Covert Operations." National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 2.,  National Security Archive, The George Washington University, 1995-2011, Accessed April 22, 2015. http://nsarchive.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB2/nsaebb2.htm.