As I am new to this site, it behooves me to let you know a little about me. I cleverly chose the 'about me' window to do that. I look just like the little 'no image' guy, so there is no point in changing him for an actual photo for now. Other than that, here's what I am about: The dreaded 17 beliefs!

(Liberal, Conservative, Moderate, Sociopathic, Whatever)


1) I believe in free enterprise, but only if critical human need is excepted. Those needs are food, water, air, shelter, respect, and care when sick, pregnant, or aged. Those are the common responsibility of the entire tribe. (Or in our case, western civilization)

2) I believe in the right to bear arms, but I think fully automatic weapons, high-density magazines, pistols with a barrel length of less than six inches and concealed weapons of any kind should flatly outlawed. Otherwise, pack it anywhere you go in plain sight, and if you draw it a funeral should follow. Yours or someone else?s. That keeps it simple.

3) I believe in the sanctity of marriage? for anybody to anybody old enough and willing. The race, religion, gender, species, and hat size of the principals involved are none of my concern.

4) I believe in the sanctity of divorce. Nobody should have to be associated with anybody else one millisecond longer than they want to. Considering I adhere to belief number 2, this belief is essential.

5) I believe you should love and take care of your kids, regardless of the status of beliefs 3 and 4. Anyone who doesn?t would be well advised to further consider the implications of belief number 2.

6) I don?t believe abortion is a rights issue. What grows in my body is mine to do with as I please, until it detaches and howls in protest. Not a pretty picture, but ya gotta draw the line somewhere. On the other hand, why destroy anything you don?t have to? Maybe if they had a little confidence in beliefs 1, 3, 4, and 5 more pregnant women might be inclined to say ?What the hell, the more the merrier!?

7) I believe God inspired the drafters of the Constitution of the United States. Oh by the way, I do believe in God.

8) I believe in respecting nature, but that the animal rights movement is hypocritical. We will go to any length to preserve crocodiles (Which are animals that kill a lot of people) but will stop at nothing to eradicate infectious bacteria (Which are animals that kill a lot of people) No, I?m not comparing numbers. A lot is more than one.

9) I believe Ducks Unlimited has done more for the environment than the EPA

10) I believe the only morality that can possibly be attached to war is total victory and the annihilation of the enemy. Any other morality so attached is hypocrisy. Because of this, I believe war should be engaged in only as an absolute last resort. Kill the wolf at the door without mercy or hesitation and do with the hide what you will, but leave the wolf beyond the door in peace.

11) I believe all law subsequent to that of beliefs seven and seventeen to be inherently evil, albeit necessary evil. Courts should act accordingly. A little anarchy combined with belief number two promotes good manners, fruitful compromise, and mutual respect. This creates an environment favorable to tolerance.

12) I believe the state should not have the right to kill any one of its citizens, regardless of the provocation. On the other hand I would not hesitate to plug anyone who deprives me or mine of life, and I am willing to take personal responsibility for doing so. Belief number 2 provides me with the means to make an informed decision as to the appropriateness of such action. It?s OK for people to be a little bit dangerous, but it is never OK for the state to be so.

13) I believe wealth is a privilege granted by the poor, and the wealthy should act accordingly? Rephrase: History teaches us the wealthy are well advised to act accordingly.

14) I believe it sucks that we are totally dependent on the internal combustion engine, which has not changed substantially since 1890. That situation, and crude oil traded as a commodity are the scourge of the twenty first century. Profit speculation on the life?s blood of your civilization is both cruel and insane. Not happy about it, but oil is western civilization?s life?s blood. Come to think of it, oil in one form or the other has been an essential element of a lot of civilizations. Deal with it.

15) I admire compromise, but hate wishy-washyness. I can?t specifically define the difference, but I know it when I see it. The best I can come up with is ?compromise insults no one, but wishy-washiness insults everyone?.

16) I believe in Jesus Christ, and am a student of his teachings. I am a Christian, but it is fine with me if you are not. I despise evangelism, as practiced by modern organized Christianity. I am totally dedicated to keeping prayer out of public schools and bible verse graffiti off the walls of courtrooms. (See belief #7) That being said, I am not above spreading a little good news if anybody asks me. (I noticed the Man himself generally waited until asked).

17) I believe ?Love Thy Neighbor as Thy Self? is a transcendental tenant linking all spirituality, and is the fulfillment of all law. Most of the time this consists of leaving other people the hell alone. Some days I do better than others, but I?m working on it. (See belief #16)