NB: ...well...what can I say...apologies in advance. ;-)
Let me see if I can add to the list to produce an even more comprehensive ---
*speculative* --- description of my archetypal ideological nemesis. Note that I'm
not really describing Geege here, though she often seems to take on that role in
these things. (I suspect that's more a reflection of love of debate --- I know I
always run to the corner just to position for a good fight. ;-)
> * tort reform is unnecessary, and a bad thing
> * our existing tax system is appropriate and good
> * regulation is a good thing as-is, and well-executed
> * bureaucracies as-is are
> * right-sized
> * efficient
> * effective
> * optimally expensive
> * gov't from afar is good and more appropriate than local gov't
> * we all need to be protected from ourselves
> * paternal government is benign and appropriate
> * everyone's interests are currently represented fairly
> * all evil in the world adheres to rich corps and individuals
> * anyone who disagrees must favor fascism / dictatorship
* abortion is murder
* the drug war is a good thing, and very effective
* capital punishment is a bad thing
* individuals should not be able to own guns
* the free market does not work
* gov't funding of faith-based orgs is good and appropriate
* the public educational system is doing a great job
* if Johnny can't read but draws pretty pictures, let's coddle his talent
* math education is more than adequate; let's make it an elective
* character education is a good idea
* standardized literacy testing is a bad idea
* school vouchers are a bad idea
* "Robin Hood" school funding schemes are good
* unions serve a useful function
* it's appropriate for the US is to be world's police force
* the two-party system is a good thing
* campaign finance reform is unnecessary
* progressive taxes are appropriate
* if you make more, you should pay more (for the same LoS)
* the weak have a moral claim on the economic output of the strong
* people generally aren't responsible for their own failures
* the gov't should always be there to pick you up when you fall
* welfare as it works today is good; we should do *more,* not less
* many poor people just can't help that they're poor
* more money for public transportation!
* the status quo benefits everybody
* SIGs / PACs are not a problem
* term limits are a bad idea
* today's IP laws are good, appropriate, effective
* the patent office is doing a great job
* sex education in schools is a bad idea
* most religious organizations are benign and good for society
* affirmative action is a good idea
* existing SEC / regulation of securities trading is a good thing
* the tax *code* is reasonable
* most people don't feel hopeless filling out their tax return
* FDR was the best president we ever had
* the President's private life is the public's business
* televangelists are doing God's work, spreading the gospel
* Ken Starr is a great man
* the house managers from the impeachment are brave heroes
* Henry Hyde is a great role model
* the electoral system serves a useful function
* "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a stupid, maybe evil policy
* the Gulf War was a moral war
* nuclear deterrance / MAD: what a great policy!
* for that matter, the term "moral" *has* an objective meaning
* there is a clear "Right" and "Wrong" in most situations
* legal / gov't encouragement of families / marriage is good
* we need more federal-level law enforcement
* China is our best friend
* we need more police officers on our streets
* estate taxes are a good thing
* encryption regulation is a good thing
* COPA and CIPA are good things
* the MPAA and the RIAA are a bunch of nice guys
* Microsoft is innovative and has done our industry a world of good
* the case against Microsoft is weak
* Microsoft is being persecuted; anti-trust laws are bad things
* schools and public libraries have a duty to block smut on their browsers
* anonymity on the Internet is a tool for hoods and thugs
* encryption on the Internet is a tool for hoods and thugs
* the Fair Use policy is antiquated and needs revising
* California's smoking laws are a step in the right direction
* porn exploits women
* let's feed / clothe / immunize / subsidize THE WORLD!
* "human" immortality: bad idea
* "strong" AI: bad idea
* nanotech: bad idea
* human cloning: bad idea
* neighborhood associations: good idea
* we can control technological / scientific progress through regulation
* Napster was an evil den of thieves
* Shoutcast is the same as pirate radio
* I'm glad Carnivore exists, it helps keep me safe
* "political correctness" isn't out of control
* AT&T has great customer service ;-)
* we are tolerant enough as a society
* the ACLU: what a bunch of pricks
* we need a national healthcare system, healthcare is a RIGHT!
* the only way to make economics work is with central planning
* from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs
* prostitution is an evil tumor on society
* prostitution exploits women
* alimony: makes sense to me
* paternal child support when father didn't want child: makes sense to me
* the "South" is populated by uneducated hicks
* Russell Crowe: what a cutie! ;-)
* that Taco Bell stunt is phat stooopid! ;-) (still awake? grand finale...)
* we shouldn't have one "age of majority"
* the only way to really be a { man, woman } is to become a parent
* money can't buy happiness
* monogamy is natural for humans, and a good thing
* women are the underdog in our society
* macrobiotics: what a great idea!
* I go to Church EVERY SUNDAY!
much, much more than $0.02,
jb
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Apr 27 2001 - 23:14:39 PDT