Religion?
I'm currently agnostic. I don't think it's wrong to have a religion, and I don't think there should be a state religion, but I definitely disagree with the organized religions existing today. Oftentimes, their adherents are merely brainwashed into believing what the religion says, rather than coming to the conclusion that the religion is correct.
Abortion?
It should be allowed as long as the fetus is not sentient. My understanding was that the fetus could in no way be described as sentient until the 3rd trimester. Most abortions (by far) take place in the first two trimesters. If widespread access to abortion is given, I imagine that almost all would take place in the first trimester. I would also allow 2nd trimester abortions, but 3rd trimester abortions should be banned unless the mother's health is at risk.
Welfare?
It should be given out, but recipients should not live off of it; they should also prove that they are actively seeking a job.
Affirmative Action?
Undecided. On one hand, discrimination of any kind is sub-optimal. However, there is definitely still racism existing in the U.S., and AA could be an effect counter to discriminatory hiring practices.
The Death Penalty?
Also undecided. I have no qualms of killing a criminal who admitted to his crime and cannot exist in society, but there is rarely definite proof in court cases. Moreover, I have not decided whether execution of insane murderers would be ethical or desirable.
Gay Marriage?
As much as I am disgusted by homosexuality, gays should be allowed to marry.
Gay Adoption?
See above.
Hate Crimes?
Though criminals shouldn't be punished more harshly simply because the victim was a minority, they should be punished more harshly if they specifically.
Education?
For, of course.
The Environment?
I do not think that we should go out of our way to save every species, but we, as humans, should definitely try to protect the environment. What's the point of modern technology if, suddenly, you have no food?
Animal Testing?
For. There is no viable alternative, and they are not sentient, anyway.
AIDS?
Against, of course.
School Vouchers?
I don't know much about them, but my gut feeling is that it's like communism: works in theory, but not in practice.
School Prayer?
Both for and against. It should not be state mandated or required, but if an individual wants to pray, by all means, let him.
"One Nation, Under God"?
Although it is not important, it should be removed as it is an example of an infringement on the separation of church and state, despite it's trivialness.
Drug Legalization?
For. I am against drugs, but legalization and taxation of "soft" drugs is a viable way to decrease usage (since addicts are unproductive). Let people do what they want to their bodies.
Prostitution Legalization?
Undecided, but my opinion on drug legalization holds somewhat.
Legalized Gambling?
Legalize and tax. I don't care if people gamble. I do it myself from time to time (for fun with small money, of course).
Age of Consent?
Probably 14 or 15 with, as Shadylookin proposed, a maximum of 3 years between the ages of the partners (until 18).
Premarital Sex?
For. Let people do what they want.
Single Parenthood?
Obviously, I am against it, but it will necessarily occur.
School Uniforms?
Basically, they are wasteful, but they do encourage discipline. I do not think that public schools should require them, but private ones can do what they want.
Drinking Age of 21?
Against. Drinking should be decided by the family at home (maturity doesn't suddenly appear at a magic age). In public, the age should be 18, since the individual is already an adult.
Immigration?
Productive immigrants should be accepted, along with refugees.
The War on Terror?
It's merely a catch phrase for a badly-executed "purge" of terrorism. It has a good goal, but it is unattainable.
The Country's Current Leadership?
Horrible. Enough has been said by others on this subject.
Voting?
For, but only by the educated (on the issues, not necessarily educated in general). Of course, this requires a very advanced educational system as a prerequisite.
Saddam Hussein?
He was harmless. He's just a scapegoat created by the Bush administration, persecuted as putative retribution for 9/11.
Osama Bin Laden?
By himself, he's not that dangerous. Al-Qaeda is a cell-based organization.
Euthanasia?
It should be legal. Again, let people do what they want. Some people would prefer death over a painful life. I am not among them, but, then again, I could change my mind once confronted with the pain.
Assisted Suicide?
See above.
Suicide?
See above. Let people do what they choose with their bodies.
Self-Mutilation?
See above.
Mental Illness?
Against. They should be treated if possible. If not, then they should be kept away from society.
Eating Disorders?
A man-made creation. People are simply making up "diseases" for their own lack of will. I have no pity for them.
Addiction - A Choice or a Disease?
Both, but not at once. The individual
choose to not resist the temptation of the addictive product and
choose to continue consuming it. The addiction itself, however, is obviously a "disease," for lack of a better term.
Three Strikes Law?
Against. It is too rigid. Three carjackings does not necessarily mean that I am incapable of being re-educated (no, not
that kind of re-education, Perfection
), rehabilitated, and re-absorbed by society.
You Choose...
Bush or Kerry?
Kerry. Neither is ideal, though.
Republican or Democrat?
More Democrat. I do not actually know the exact positions of each party. Republicans were supposedly fiscally conservative (which I am), but we all know that to be untrue. I am definitely socially liberal. When it comes to economics, I go with what works, whether or not it is deemed "conservative" or "liberal" by society.
Cheney or Edwards?
Edwards without a doubt. As an African, how could I support someone who voted against a Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday?
Rehabilitation or Imprisionment/Punishment?
Both, I guess. Criminals should be rehabilitated when possible (assuming certain drugs are no longer illegal and punishable offenses); however, they should still be punished/imprisoned for their offenses. The rehabilitation should occur either directly after the punishment, or during the incarceration.
Marijuana - Legal or Illegal?
Legal, for reasons explicated earlier.
Adoption or Abortion?
Neither. I would prefer a regular family. Personally, I would choose abortion within the first trimester as long as the woman was in accordance. From a societal standpoint, abortion may be better as well, as I heard earlier that 60-80% of criminals were at one point in the adoption/foster system.
Life or Death?
Concerning what? I'm here typing, so I obviously prefer life.
Gay Marriage or Civil Unions?
As long as the rights and benefits (and drawbacks, I might add. There is a marriage tax) are the same, the name doesn't matter.
Did we enter Iraq for the right reasons?
No, there was never a threat from weapons of mass destruction.
Do you think there are weapons of mass destruction?
Not in Iraq. Obviously other nations possess them.
Do you feel 9/11 could have been prevented by better leadership?
Perhaps, though most likely not. Clinton and Gore had a task force ready to attack Bin Laden in late 2000 that was postponed so that Bush and his cronies could decide what to do (and they choose to do nothing). Most likely, that would have done nothing to prevent 9/11, since Al-Qaeda is cell based. It could have had some effect though. Maybe we'd be saying 9/27? Either way, better leadership
might have been able to prevent a terrorist attack with the information provided by various intelligence briefings, but it is unlikely.
Questions
Who do you think is the bigger threat - Hussein or Bin Laden?
Bin Laden is not currently incarcerated. Moreover, Hussein was never a threat to the U.S.
Who do you feel is the best leader for our country?
U.S. - I have no idea, but not who's in power right now.
Ethiopia - Me. Definitely not who's in power right now.
Would you support a legalized draft?
No. All-volunteer militaries are more effective, and there is no need for the draft. Ideally, a draft would never be imposed, since it infringes on basic rights, but, in some cases, it is necessary to protect the country/strategic interests.
What country is the biggest threat to our way of life?
Whose way of life? I do not believe the EU is as big a threat to the U.S. as so many make it out to be. Ethiopia's way of life is most threatened by either the antagonistic Arab enemies we have, or a lack of foreign aid, though I hope to change that.
Should we work to get international support, or continue on our own?
Two heads are better than one.
Does freedom of speech include ideas that you do not support?
Yes, but there is a limit to the freedom of speech. You should not be able to cry "wolf" with malicious or deceptive intent. Furthermore, you should not be able to walk down the streets encouraging violence.
Is racial discrimination still a problem in our country?
Yes. Though it is not as big as it was a quarter of a century ago, it is very much a problem.
Is gender discrimination still a problem in our country?
See above.
Is sexual discrimination a problem in our country?
See above. @Shadylookin: Beatings of homosexuals do still occur.
Is ethnic discrimination a problem in our country?
See above.
Is religious discrimination a problem in our country?
Probably. I would not think to the degree that the aforementioned problems are, but there is indubitably conflict between fanatic members of all religions.
Do you believe force, or peacemaking efforts, are needed to protect us?
It depends. In certain cases, they obviously are required (e.g., WWII).
Protecting natural resources or industrys that use them - which is better?
What do you mean? Both should be protected. However, it should be noted that industries can be replaced and replenished, whereas many natural resources cannot be.
Do vote according to party or according to politician's stances and policy
According to the politician's stances and policy, but if he is a member of a certain party, I am assured of his position on certain issues. Therefore, it is safe for me to simply vote by party, though I do not. Actually, this should all be in the conditional, since I am not yet 18.
If you could say one thing to our current leader, what would it be?
How can people be so blind as to not see how stupid you are?
also
You are really hurting the country.
This applies to both Meles Zenawi and George W. Bush.