How the FCC and the far right are reversing American values

Bills in congress right now could increase the maximum fine for an instance of indecency from $32,000 to $500,000. On an episode of Family Guy, Stewie's naked butt was censored, but Fox still took a financial hit from the FCC. Due to the incredible increase of complaints (from a few dozen to over a million), the FCC is forming a huge beaurocracy and automating their system of fine imposition. No judge, no jury; fine--do not pass go, do not collect $200.

What scares me as a young American is that the right wing has hijacked something that people died for. Even John McCain, every Democrat's favorite Republican, has horrific views on censorship. Europe is airing commericials that would get an American film an 'X' rating, which further symbolizes our cultural regression. Indeed, this Flowers for Algernon regression is a recurring theme with the right. Balanced budget: gone. Civil liberties: gone. Intelligent taxation: gone. Now, they are trying to purify everything with their Evangelical concepts of broadcast purity.

All the while, we are idly sitting by as this is happening. Focus on the Family is wielding more power in media than the entire Democratic party. The p.r. wings of the Republican party are taking over all facets of the media, who knows what's next?

Opinions

OK, everyone has their panties in a wad over comments made by the Marine General about how he enjoyed shooting members of the Taliban forces. Personally, I am glad that this guy is on our side. Who could defend us and the world better than I bunch of crazy badasses? I mean, he wasn't exactly delivering a Shakesperean sonnet or anything, but seriously, it could be worse--he could be on their side.

I don't have the same compassion for humanity that many Democrats have; don't get me wrong, I am pro -rights, but people that are grossly inhumane, such as the Taliban, should be killed. People that rape and kill little kids should be killed. I understand people's arguments, but at some point, we, as a just society, must draw a line in the sand. The Taliban was a horrible regime; they provided unrivaled support to al-Qaida, they horrifically abused women in their society, and they prevented progress among their own people. They should be shot, and if this general doesn't want to do it, give me a gun.

"Third Way" Democrats

Does no one by myself see the inevitability of the transformation of the Democratic party? With brilliant and progressive leaders such as Evan Bayh, in addition to strong and respected advocates like Jim Wallis, why aren't more people jumping on the bandwagon?

The philosophy echoes the democratic party of the 50s and 60s--economically and diplomatically progressive but traditional on family and sexual issues. Especially in a place such as Kentucky, I see this philosophy as a breath of fresh air and, indeed, vital to the perpetuation of our party.

I know I am pro-civil union, but this is it; this is our future. There are Evangelical Christians buying into it; why can't we?

Stances

Before I blog anything of significance, I think it is only appropriate to lay out my views so readers can get a rough idea of my stances.

Taxes - I think some people are too dumb to know how to spend their money. With that said, I support a reasonable amount of taxation, but I don't think payroll taxes should apply to minors unless they are involved in the exchange of large sums of money for profit (such as event booking, entertainment, etc.). The reasoning behind this is that, I, for example, have paid almost $1,000 in taxes this year. I didn't get to vote because I am 17. Please recall an 18th century motto that was a contributing factor to the American Revolution.

Gay Rights - Why not? They will still do everything they did before. They will still be, in the eyes of the other team, immoral, wretched wolverines that love nothing better to sodomize (literally and figuratively) our young people.

Abortion - Abortion is really tough. I think people need to have sex with less people and should use contraception. If all attempts of birth control have failed, an early term abortion is ok, I suppose. Partial birth abortion is gross, and it should be illegal unless it is going to kill the mother to have the child or if the child will be stillborn or born under the predisposition toward a horrific and prolonged illness.

Education - I wholeheartedly support the expansion and advancement of education. We are the most powerful nation in the world with a generation of students who graduate high school with substandard skills in mathematics, rhetoric, and science, not to mention barely, if any, grasp of the humanities. Magnet schools should exist everywhere, period.

Gun Control - Extensive background checks, but I think people should be able to have weapons, bad guys will have them whether they are legal or illegal. Hunting is weird.

War in Iraq - The cost of the war in Iraq could have sent 1,428,571 students to an Ivy League school. They would have had to front room and board.¹

War on Terror - If fought honestly and ethically, the war on terror would be a great deterrent to those who hate us and want to kill us. Bushie is right, some people want to do so, but, unfortunately, those people don't live in Iraq.

¹ Based on $35,000 per year (Self Calculation)

Welcome

Hi, my name is Alex, and I am 17 years old. I am a senior at Conner High School in Hebron, KY. Next year, I am going to either the University of Louisville or Miami University in Ohio to study political science and economics. I then intend to enter graduate school for diplomacy as well as law school.

I worked tirelessly on the Kerry/Edwards campaign going as far as to organize a mock debate at my school in front of 500 people. I won.

I also worked on the Daniel Mongiardo Senatorial campaign.

I want to be the Governor in 23 years.