Where I Stand Politically
I am a political Transhumanist. I will be basing this article off of my ISideWith quiz. For full transparency on the quiz results, here are my political standings above 50% (where I will consider myself fairly agreeing with them). Libertarian 66%. American Solidarity 82%. Democratic Party, 84% — though I despise the party with a passion. Green Party 87% — whom I plan to vote for in most elections. Peace and Freedom 85%. Socialist 87%. Transhumanist 95%. The only reason I am not voting Transhumanist all the time is that there needs to be some more time before they are viable as in the 2020 election, they didn’t get any votes — practically speaking. In 2020, I was actually a Jorgensen supporter (but was too young to vote, as I was 17).
NOTE that as of writing this article, my answers do change based on new information and reviewing past answers, meaning these percentages are not always accurate.
Anyways, enough rambling, let’s talk policy. Here is how this will work. The question will be in a heading, and my answer on the ISideWith quiz will be listed, alongside the Transhumanist party’s (Listed as TH) answer, along with my reasoning. Now the ISideWith quiz has more detailed answers which I will include in reasonings rather than answers.
Should the government increase or decrease military spending?
Me: Decrease
TH: Decrease
Why? Military spending could easily go into more important and economically friendly stuff like tuition-free college, subsidized healthcare, rehabilitation, subsidized therapy, and more.
Should the US build a wall along the southern border?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? It simply will solve nothing, and costs too much to build, live alone maintain.
Do you support nuclear energy?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Nuclear, if done right, is completely safe, sustainable, and clean. Nuclear energy is MUCH safer than renewable energy which both wind, solar, and hydro have SEVERE effects on the environments. We should nationalize this industry. Also, Thorium makes it even safer because incidents like Fukushima, Three Mile Island, and Chernobyl won't happen nearly as easily.
Should the government increase spending on public transportation?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Public transportation is cleaner, longer-lasting, and leaves less waste. However, I do want to say that the extra money has to go into environmentally friendly solutions, like the removal of fossil fuels.
Should illegal immigrants have access to government-subsidized healthcare?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? As long as they pay taxes, no matter how little, I am more than happy with it — and if they don’t, I understand (but some subsidies should be based on how much they give back to their new home with major ailments being 100% covered, and coverage lowering the fewer taxes they pay). Illegal immigrants are more American than anyone who wants to throw them out. They believe in the American system, and abolishing borders makes sense. One day I wanna build secret ways for them to sustain life including food and water access without payment or supervision of ICE or other organizations because they deserve life. Anyone who wants them gone or killed is less American than them.
Should undocumented immigrants be offered in-state tuition rates at public colleges within their residing state?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? As long as they pay taxes, the more they pay the more they get in return. Something I should clarify here is that this is by income percent, not amount. Meaning if they pay 100% of their taxes, they get full coverage. If they hide money — makes sense, they are impoverished — they get fewer subsidies, but still fair treatment and access. This is ONLY to make sure America has a stable source of income to provide these subsidies.
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun?
Me: Yes (Kinda)
TH: Yes
Why? I believe that regulation only hurts. However, closing loopholes like the gun show loophole helps. Also sane but moderate licensing also makes sense. Bans and restrictions don’t make it harder to get illegal goods, it just creates another revenue source for criminals. That is why I believe the sale of illicit goods, any guns, and anything that isn’t animal or human trafficking — including child-based pornography content — should be legal but taxed. More options for taxing people without an income tax, the better.
Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? It just makes sense. I don’t have enough information for the Transhumanist idea of mandatory single-payer systems, but it sounds reasonable. I also think consumers can choose providers and pharmaceuticals from other countries to make it cheaper — though it has risk.
Should the U.S. raise taxes on the rich?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? I actually changed this answer while writing this article, because I gave it a minute of thought. Income tax as a whole should be abolished. Corporation tax is where it is at because while the rich still get money, we are better off targeting the source. There should be a proprietary software tax too, meaning companies like Microsoft and Adobe who have complete control over their software products should pay more in tax from users while open-source tools get subsidies and benefits.
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Jobs like McDonald's employees, truckers, store clerks, etc are considered “essential employees” during situations like pandemics for a reason. Their jobs make society function, and it is nonsense that they don’t get a living wage. I would even say a $20/hr minimum wage (tied to inflation) makes sense. How it would work is that we will take data every five years on inflation since the day the minimum wage is set, and have it update to be exact.
Should the electoral college be abolished?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? It is unfair. I believe a ranked voting system would be overall better. A popular vote system would give control to a single party — as fewer voters against the winning party vote, and fewer opinions and ideas given, but a mixed solution would be perfect.
Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the United States?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? It simply makes no sense. We should have some more security on the border — checking for international terrorists, criminal records, etc. We should, still, put no bans on immigration.
Should the US increase restrictions on its current border security policy?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? We should not increase restrictions, but security to make sure international terrorists, criminals (rapists and murderers specifically) are not harbored. Make it easier for immigrants to get visas, temporary and permanent.
Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? Banning immigration based on religious ideals, no matter if they are connected to major terrorist organizations, is purely unconstitutional. Makes sense how the people who voted for the man who actively went against the constitution, caused an insurrection from treason, and undermined the rights of voters keep advocating for this.
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted legal citizenship?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Well if they are born on US soil, then absolutely no question. If not they should still have the right to immigrate here like anyone else — even illegally (though with minor regulations).
Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? It is a simple human right.
What is your stance on abortion?
Me: Pro-choice
TH: Pro-choice
Why? I hate the idea of abortion, but it is none of my right or anyone else's to say what someone can or cannot do with their body.
Should the government continue to fund Planned Parenthood?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? I believe that governments should not fund organizations that have political basises. The same goes for the church, political parties, international rebellions or governments, etc. They can fund organizations that may be political, but are not built to affect politics directly, like open-source software, homeless aid, charities that deal with disaster response (ARC and FEMA for example). With Planned Parenthood, it is in a grey area, and I need more information. For now, I will go with yes, as long as Planned Parenthood cannot use it to lobby. Lobbying funds should be self-made.
Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? As long as the same physical tests can be completed, there should be no restrictions in who can serve in combat. Preventing women from serving combat roles is discriminatory.
Should a business be able to deny service to a customer if the request conflicts with the owner’s religious beliefs?
Me: Yes
TH: No
Why? To put it simply, I do not believe it is constitutionally legal for any business to be told who they can and cannot sell to. Their first amendment right is violated. As long as violence isn’t used against non-permitted consumers, it is fine. As long as we build our economic system to be fair, businesses catering to whom other businesses don’t allow will spring up. This gives reason for more competition to start up.
Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Gay couples are just as capable. As long as they complete the same exact background checks as straight couples, all is good.
Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? If there is no chance the person will survive their illness, or that they cannot afford life-saving procedures without debt, it should be an option so they don’t have to suffer.
Should health insurance providers be required to offer free birth control?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Free birth control actually makes life better. It makes teenagers who don’t have money for condoms or current birth control prices less likely to get pregnant. Teens having sex is normal and natural, and it will happen. Why not make it easier for them to have options to do it while being safer.
Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Children too young, and people alergic, need people vaccinated to not die from preventable diseases. Herd immunity is important.
Should the government fund space travel?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? It is a sure-fire way to gain important innovations here on earth. I believe that we should even fund space colonization because there is economic value for people on earth because there is another trade partner with more resources. Also, if we continue to ignore facts and destroy earth, we at least had a plan B.
Do you support increasing taxes for the rich in order to reduce interest rates for student loans?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? We meed to reduce student loan costs, subsidize them, reduce the legal interest rates, and even fully subsidize education up to a bachelors.
Do you support the Patriot Act?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? It is a breach of privacy, and has no real-world affects on terrorism. It also is a violation of the fourth amendment.
Should the NSA (National Security Agency) be allowed to collect basic metadata of citizen’s phone calls such as numbers, timestamps, and call durations?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? The NSA should be abolished. This metadata is a breach of privacy and also a fourth amendment violation.
Should there be term limits set for members of Congress?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? It helps avoid one-party situations and forces new ideas to be implemented.
Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? I firmly believe that banning and criminalizing anything is wrong. Not only is it taking away freedoms, but it is also ineffective. When the government makes anything illegal, it doesn’t give the government control. The government cannot control how it is made, what is used in it, how it is distributed, how it is priced, how it is sold, how it is managed, etc. That loss of control is insane.
Should the federal government pay for tuition at four-year colleges and universities?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Up to a bachelors degree, yes. Masters and doctorates should be paid for by people who want it, as most jobs don’t require them, and if they do the person wanting it should be 100% responsible for getting it without subsidies.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? Actually this is insane to consider. Teachers do NOT have proper training or ability to respond with, or manage guns. There will be a higher risk of accidental or miscalculated shootings. Rather, professional security subsidies should be available.
Should the federal government fund Universal preschool?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? That funding should come from states, not federally. Just like how normal schooling works. It is actually illegal under the constitution, because states are in control of education and its funding.
Should victims of gun violence be allowed to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? The manufacturers are usually not the point of sale, and only if they were negelegent should their be any suit. The gun stores can be sued, if they were negelegent and fraudulent.
Do you support Common Core national standards?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? Common Core standards do not work, and are not properly managed.
Should the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid)?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Because the poor and impoverished cannot afford health-care that they deserve under a first world country.
Do you support the legalization of Marijuana?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Criminalization of drugs has not worked. Drug PSAs failed. The bans and criminal enforcement only caused harm and tensions. When a “free world” nation has more prisoners than genocidal dictatorships, there is a problem.
Do you support a single-payer healthcare system?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? It makes sense. However, to give the subsidy funds some leeway, private insurance options should still be legal. On a tax record, someone should say they are on private insurance or opt-out of support from the single-payer system as to not pay those taxes specifically, as they do not benefit. This is if we don’t abolish income tax. Corporations should also get incentives for higher-quality private insurance with lower taxes for better insurance policies.
Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Yes, and we need to socialize it. When the cost of insulin is MORE EXPENSIVE THAN COFFINS, the one in ten Americans that have diabetes, and the one in three having prediabetic diseases (and at risk for diabetes) have been failed.
Should health insurers be allowed to deny coverage to individuals who have a pre-existing condition?
Me: Yes
TH: No
Why? With the single-payer option, it is again easier for Americans to still be insured. Denying coverage should only be for private insurance only.
Do you support a universal basic income program?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Universal basic income protects those whos jobs are at risk to automation. Also, those who are unable to work. That income should have some caveats, however. If you have a job at minimum wage ($20/hr+) then it should be reduced. If you (single) make $100k annually in income, then you get none. If you have a family, that should be raised to $250k annually from all parties (spouse(s)).
Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Climate change is REAL, scientifically proven, and an issue that can cause disastrous effects on the economy and lives of billions, potentially causing a full mass extinction — or possible but semi-unlikely complete extinction — event.
Should the U.S. withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? It creates internationally acceptable solutions to climate change. Other countries can be held accountable, either monetarily or militarily, with ease.
Should the government give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? Wind-power is not a completely sustainable source. However, I do disagree with the Transhumanist of ending all tax credits and subsidies to the energy industry. Any new business in the industry bringing better solutions and more efficient energy should get temporary subsidies and tax credits to boost the business and make them able to grow.
Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? The united states has the largest incarceration rate and count at over two million incarcerated. Many of them get harsh treatments for non-violent crimes. To make it easier to manage prison systems, only violent crimes should be incarcerated as they are a danger to society. Tax evasion, non-violent drug dealing, prostitution, etc only harm the prison system and make it harder for criminals to be punished.
Do you support mandatory minimum prison sentences for people charged with drug possession?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? Drug possession should not be criminal.
Should the President be able to authorize military force against Al-Qaeda without Congressional approval?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? Congress should have to approve all military conflicts and force. Last I checked, this is constitutionally required.
Should convicted criminals have the right to vote?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Every citizen has the right to vote. Many people of convicted crimes will attempt to vote for more fair and better treatment and rehabilitation. Removing two million voters from having a voice is nonsense.
Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Police officers can no longer be abusive if everyone is watching. It also adds evidence and context to police actions and fears.
Should the U.S. expand offshore oil drilling?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? We need cleaner energy production, and offshore oil drilling severely affects ecosystems. Oil spills are too common.
Should prisons ban the use of solitary confinement for juveniles?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? It is harsh and unconstitutional. Solitary confinement causes severe psychological damage. It is excessive and cruel.
Should the government hire private companies to run prisons?
Me: No
TH: No
Why? Private prisons sacrifice quality and would actually add cost to the prison system. Profits are made, but the government loses.
Should the government stop construction of the Dakota Access pipeline?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? The pipeline will cause ecological damage, and costs tons of money and energy to run.
Should there be a 5-year ban on White House and Congressional officials from becoming lobbyists after they leave the government?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Officials will use their popularity to push further ideologies and ideas, of which their ended terms should not allow.
Should producers be required to label genetically engineered foods (GMOs)?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? Consumers have a right and NEED to know what is in their food. Some religions might not allow it, and hiding this information could cause outrage when a GMO product affects people’s religious beliefs.
Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? With higher background checks — due to the nature of the situation — yes. National security is important, but making sure people are safe is also important.
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? They have the same constitutional rights to a fair trial as any other citizen.
Should a photo ID be required to vote?
Me: Yes
TH: Yes
Why? This prevents voter fraud. The government should also saction photo ID just the same as social security cards, and without cost to those in need. Government ID makes sense, and forms of it are required, another ID card for everyone to have the same rights and to avoid abuse is important.
