There is a lot of curiosity about my political beliefs for some reason, so here’s where I’d come down on a number of issues if I was in charge. If you want to know my thoughts on other matters feel free to post your questions in the comments section below.
Abortion: I do not believe that a pregnancy should be terminated unless the mother’s life is in danger or there are diseases or defects that will severely compromise the quality of life of the fetus. However I do not believe that it is the government’s place to restrict access to abortion. This inevitably makes the situation worse and more dangerous; it also violates the bodily autonomy of women. Instead of focusing on the ballot box and courts, I would direct efforts and resources towards decreasing the need for abortions. This means better sex ed, access to contraception, counseling and support not only during pregnancy but through childhood (including increased funding for healthcare, welfare, housing, childcare, education, etc.) streamlining adoption, and similar initiatives on both a private and governmental level. If life is truly precious then we as a society need to act accordingly.
Citizenship: No distinction should be made based on ethnicity, gender or country of origin. Instead I would divide the population into two classes – metics (or resident aliens) and citizens. Metics do not enjoy the benefits of citizenship, nor the responsibilities. Citizenship is only granted after a period of two years’ service to the State. This could be in military, medical, engineering, education, agriculture, public works and infrastructure, as well as similar fields. In return the citizen will receive voting rights, access to free education and healthcare, etc. Although I would encourage social stigma towards metics, under the law they will be treated equally with citizens. Citizenship must be renewed every ten years, with another two year period of service.
Drugs: By all metrics prohibition has not only proven ineffective, it has created untold problems which disproportionately affect minority and impoverished communities. I would legalize everything, tax and regulate the industry, and redirect funds towards education, rehabilitation, and facilities where addicts can get safe and clean fixes.
Economy: I would like to see a mixed model. While capitalism and private enterprise will be encouraged, a number of industries and resources will be nationalized, and much will be handled through public service programs. Even when there is a government option private alternatives will be available to ensure healthy competition.
Education: Provided free to all citizens. After basic education (which not only covers literacy, history and the humanities, STEM, essential life skills, etc. but is also designed to inculcate civic virtues) students will be tested to determine their aptitudes and then enrolled in trade schools which will also help with job placement upon graduation, should they so desire. Higher education will be cheaply available, but if debt is incurred they will have the option of enrolling in a public service program to pay it off.
Environment: There is no nation without its land and resources. Conservation, responsible management, the development of clean and renewable energy sources, etc. will all be strongly encouraged, with various public service programs directed towards that end. Violators will be severely punished as traitors to the State.
Guns: All citizens should be encouraged to carry, provided they’ve gone through thorough training and background checks. I do not believe that the government can be trusted with a monopoly on violence, especially since attempts to restrict access to firearms always target vulnerable, marginalized and minority communities. The epidemic of mass shootings we’ve experienced since the 1990s is the result of complex societal issues that need to be addressed and will not stop until they are. Besides, criminals by definition do not obey the law so how is a gun grab going to help?
Healthcare: Provided free to all citizens. Metics should have access to cheap and quality medical care; if they incur debt as a consequence and cannot pay, they may enroll in a public service program where they can work it off.
Marriage: I believe that the foundation of society is the family, but that it is not the government’s job to determine the makeup of individual family units. Furthermore it should not be in the business of sanctioning marriage, which is a religious institution and therefore should be left to individual religions to determine its nature and legitimacy. If same-sex couples, multiple partners, platonic friends or whatever wish to have their unions formalized that’s between them and their clergy. Likewise if religious institutions do not wish to recognize the legitimacy of such unions they should not be forced to. Matters of inheritance, medical advocacy, benefits, etc. should be disentangled from marriage and people permitted to come up with their own personal arrangements.
Military: I am largely anti-interventionist and so would reduce the armed forces to just what is needed to protect our borders, scrapping the majority of our overseas bases. (While increasing funding for espionage, black ops, cyberterrorism, etc.)
Prisons: I would abolish for-profit prisons and mandatory minimum sentences, especially for non-violent offences. (Many of which would be decriminalized anyway.) I would place greater emphasis on reforming the character of criminals rather than simply punishing them. While incarcerated they would undergo therapy, education and for those who are eligible work-training, the latter under an apprenticeship program that would help them find employment upon release. Other programs would be in place to help them successfully reintegrate into society. Those with life sentences may volunteer to be the subjects of scientific experiments or dangerous and undesirable labor; if they happen to survive they may be eligible for parole.
Prostitution: Essentially the same as my drug policy, however I would require the prostitutes be licensed and undergo regular medical check-ups, whether they work out of a state-run brothel or are private entrepreneurs. In the brothels they would receive the same benefits as other government employees.
Religion: Although officially Polytheist with State-run temples and priesthoods, the population will enjoy the freedom to practice whatever religion they please, or none at all. However tax exemption will be given only to those religious institutions who help conduct the festivals and rites of the Gods of the State. We possess a very open pantheon; the requirements are to bless and protect the people and land of the State, and to do the opposite towards our enemies.