The Independent Liberal's Mission Statement

In the course of publishing this blog, I have found that it's often difficult to write successfully about the controversial topics I love without a set code of conduct and a set mission statement to show where I stand on the issues. I have decided today to put down into words exactly where I stand on politics and at the same time explain to my readers in-depth how I intend to manage my site and its format. Let's start with my position on politics.

My Political Philosophy

I am neither an absolute Liberal nor am I an absolute Conservative; I'm not even an absolute Moderate. My views are a mixture of different positions, many of which come close to conflicting at times. My late mother was a very liberal Michigander (of 100% recent European immigrant lineage) so from her, I draw most of my Liberal leanings. My father is a very Moderate individual from Tennessee so from him, I draw some Liberal leanings but also some Conservative ones. The views that I have picked up on my own are heavily influenced by the traditional Southern values of my native Oklahoma. From these sources spring my views such as they are.

How I Believe The Government Should Function

I am a firm believer in every man and woman's right to earn a good life through hard work. I also believe the government's role is to protect the public from foreign and domestic threats and also through pro-public policies to help the people have every opportunity to earn success as long as they are willing and able to work for it. In the same token, I believe direct-cash assistance should be reserved only for those who truly need it. My belief is that the government (all levels) exists by, of and for the people, meaning that in all things, the people who elect government officials should be the ones for whom the government works. Any time the government or a government official puts one agency, ideology or organization's interests above the good of the public, the government or the guilty person has committed treason. I believe the government should remain as small as possible and should only grow when absolute need requires it. The Federal government should be in charge of national defense, international diplomacy, monitoring trade, monitoring inter-state and multi-national corporations and deciding state-to-state disputes by interpretation of the Constitution. In general, other rights and responsibilities should fall to each individual state and local municipality. This is a brief synopsis of my political theory but it should paint a detailed picture of what I fight for.

The Format Of The Independent Liberal

On this blog, I welcome all views. I ask that trolls do not rear their ugly heads but apart from those rude little creatures, all views are welcome. I ask that readers and responders to my posts read my work and the comments of others in an open-minded fashion and that they think critically of all views, their own included. There is no such thing as an absolute truth except for the secrets that God himself knows and keeps so we should never assume for any reason that we have all the answers. In short, I ask that everyone who frequents The Independent Liberal keep an open mind and remember that politics is about different views, debate and diplomacy. I will, if forced, ban hate-mongers just as I would ban trolls so please don't put me in that position. This site is intended to be an open forum where all sides of the political sphere can meet and mingle. That's what Democracy is supposed to be.

If I'm Being Unreasonable, Call 1-800-Biteme!

I just want to say that I appreciate every single comment that you, my readers, leave me. I don't always agree with you and that heartens me. What fun would this great sport of politics be if we were all pitching for the same team and could find no batter to challenge us? It takes all sorts as the saying goes and that means that every single point of view has value to some extent. Now you know what I think so let me know what you think as posts come and go. That's it for now. CHEERS AND BLOG ON!