Can you share with the board a little about yourself and your background?
I am a 23-year-old married grad student. I was raised to ask questions and not accept facts blindly. I want to know both sides of the issue. I truly believe in the adage "know your enemy." You have to know what the other person is thinking. I used to be a lot more radical than I am.
What brought you to Debate Policy?
I was on the previous incarnation of this board. I appreciate that it is comprised of a lot of intelligent and thoughtful people.
What are your thoughts on the constant attacks between Republicans and Democrats?
It's pointless, is it not? Same thing with "liberals vs. conservatives."
Do you believe in same sex marriages?
Sure. People are people. Does the Bible say it is wrong? Sure. But we are not exactly loving our neighbor either.
What are your thoughts on the issue between "MoveOn" and their ad about General Petraeus?
What exactly IS the issue? The fact that a leftist organization questioned a military leader? It's called "freedom of speech." The military hierarchy is not infallible. If it was, the U.S. would be a military junta. Or perhaps it already is.
Who do you think will win the Democratic and Republican nominations respectively, and why?
I think Barack Obama will win the Dem nomination. Hilary will self-destruct eventually. She is not electable. Haven't got a clue about the GOP. I think it will be a candidate that comes to the fore when the primary season begins. Everything now is merely posturing.
Do you have any thoughts on the issue of illegal immigration?
As a member of a family of immigrants, I know how it works inside. The problem will continue as long as government leaders are more concerned about getting elected than solving the problem. If we don't pressure Mexico and American companies, we lose. The 12 million or so immigrants are just pawns. They want to feed their families, just like you do. If the tree is rotted, you don't chop off individual branches. You get rid of the tree. Illegal immigration is like drugs. Deporting the users will not 't solve the problem. You need to get rid of the drugs.
What made you decide to be a "liberal"? Was there a specific instance that pushed you in that direction?
My parents are both 60's hippies. They met when both were arrested as the same Viet Nam war protest. At the same time, my dad's best friend served in Viet Nam. They respected each other's point of view. That is what my parents taught -- learn to see both sides. Most conservative people only see one side. It's all they want to see.
What are your thoughts on Iran, and their nuclear future, and how the world should approach the problem?
Iran is not the problem. Neither is North Korea. They are scapegoats. Neither has nuclear weapons. Look at India and Pakistan. They are mortal enemies who both have nuclear capability. They threaten each other constantly. But they never think of using nukes. Partially because of world pressure. But also because they know it would learn to global destruction.
Iran is a small country. It is NOT going to risk obliteration. This is a smokescreen.
What would YOU do to improve the board as a whole?
I would make sure that no one person is transformed into an infallible deity. You know who I am referring to. One staff person causes 95 percent of the trouble and antagonism on the board. Why not require major decisions to be agreed on by the entire staff. As opposed to letting one person run the board. Make the board more open. Right now, you have an extreme conservative slant. I get tired of seeing serious topics thrown in "humor" or the DP bird cage because the staffer doesn't agree with it. There are females on this board. Get rid of the sexist threads. It's like sports talk radio sometimes -- all male slant, all the time. Think with your brain, not your groin. I would love to see the "right vs. left, Dem vs GOP" arguments curtailed, but I know that will not happen. Primarily because there is too much slant toward the right. Get rid of the damn "rep" system. It's a popularity contest. And it is easily manipulated (and has been) by those with the power to manipulate.