Liberalism is quite simply a philosophy whose core is liberty. A common modern form liberalism is one that actively seeks to promote personal liberty, instead of simply overcoming the obstacles thereof. Personally, I see it as a recognition that we currently have the world-wide production capacity to care for the basic needs of every person on Earth – that sad fact some people go lacking in America of all places is a disgrace to our great country.

The values that I expect from the Democratic party should shelter individuals from abject poverty, and support a comfortable middle class. It is our country’s stellar economy, whose interests are protected by our government, that enables some of our citizens to amass incredible wealth; and I think it’s reasonable to take that into account in tax policy with somewhat higher taxes. Any corporate millionaire operating in the US made their money from average citizens, with the help of policies and institutions whose smooth functioning is in the care of the federal government.

I expect the Democratic party to work in favor of strong domestic and international law, to better insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and more deeply realize the Blessings of Liberty. I expect them to take on hard issues, like global climate change, and economic inequality on all levels (including international). I believe that diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, but rather a formidable and necessary tool in ensuring our nation’s security. I believe that the Democratic party shares this commitment to peace as a guiding principal, not a vague goal cloaked in a haze of hysteria, emotional appeals, hyped intelligence and blind patriotism.

I am a patriot, because I stand up for the values that I believe made this country great. I believe we have everything to loose by abandoning those principals. I believe that individual liberty has to include a woman’s right to chose whether to bear a child, and two consenting adults (of whatever orientation) to get married. I believe that these freedoms are as important as the right to bear arms, and should be taken just as seriously. I also believe that the government has a role to play in protecting the environment, and promoting science and research in all fields. Government and private business work together, that’s not new and it’s not going away, but those relationships should be watched very carefully.

I believe in responsible, rational, and compassionate government, because the government is a reflection of our collective will. Are we going to collectively fixate on protecting corporate profits and our right to protect ourselves from one another with deadly weapons? I think we need to be focusing on education, community safety, proper military training and deployment, community development, and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Everyone has the right to meaningful and gainful employment, and the opportunity to pursue their goals in life. That, I think, is the heart of the Democratic party – a progressive and universally equal and enabling ideology that truly values Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.