Gay Marriage - Pro

Abortion - Pro-choice (I'm not for abortion, I don't think anyone is for abortion, but I am for choice).

Gun Control - For *but* only to the extent that it's sensible. I don't have an issue with background checks or even some restrictions related to domestic violence/gun violence etc. HOWEVER, I don't like the fact that in some places and/or with some crimes you can lose this right permanently. For example, a stiff prohibition lasting at minimum a year and scaled upwards depending on the crime where the person must go through the courts when the time expires and show proof that they should be allowed to have their right reinstated is something I like better than current law. Of course, any time spent in jail/prison wouldn't count towards that time period. We need common sense gun control that focuses on making us safer instead of mindless politics - we also don't need guns every-fricking-where.

I believe in redemption.

Marijuana - For. A grown adult should be able to ingest whatever he or she wishes even things worse the weed. We need a policy shift that treats drug abuse, including legal drugs, as a health issue not a criminal one. Stem the flow of drugs like meth and focus on prevention as well - in fact that may be the one drug that should remain absolutely criminal because the danger it presents to everyone (tho now that I think on it there's probably others that should be added to that list). Prosecute the shite out of those who expose kids to any of drugs. However, the laws already cover most crimes considered drug crimes, including things like DWI.

If nothing else, make most drug crimes no worse than a fine and again focus on prevention and treatment. Cut the violent dealers/gangs out of the market (except for meth dealers/producers).

The drug war is a failure - time for something new.

Affirmative Action - Doesn't really exist the way people think it does. I DO believe federal and federally supported organizations should do their best to promote diversity because people have a tendency to hire who they have things in common with - it's a subconscious thing more than a conscious one. Very few these days think "Wimmenz and minorities are stoopid/I dislike Wimmenz and/or minorities", however, more than should still hire because the person like them is easier to connect to or like in the short time frame of the hiring process.

With academia I think those diversity goals should extend to all, including poor underprivileged white students as well as those from unique backgrounds. In a learning environment, different backgrounds add a great deal to the conversation/learning for all students. And yes, I speak as someone who has taught a boatload of college students - diversity adds to things and gives new ideas and differing perspectives and that is extremely important to Higher Ed.

Fun fact: if a white student applies to an HBCU or predominately black university they're eligible for minority/diversity based schollies.

Death Penalty - Against. Even though I emotionally think 'that bastard deserves it' and if it happened to me or mine I'd be ready to kill, we frick it up too often and it does nothing to deter murder. And our justice system is not about revenge nor should it ever be about revenge. Life in prison takes care of protecting society which is what our criminal justice system is really all about. There's a reason cases are called "The People vs. X." Cases are prosecuted because criminals pose a threat to society. They're not prosecuted for revenge.

Obamacare - Mixed. We can and should do better. If I had my druthers the law wouldn't resemble the Affordable Care Act which is a compromise that just doesn't get the job done the way it should.