Education spending and policy: Most important, make the teaching profession a more attractive career choice. There are a lot of very good people out there with passion for kids and development, but want nothing to do with all the current trimmings that come with being a teacher, for a lower level professional income. In terms of policy, I believe parents should definitely have a choice of, and voice in, curriculum. But it should be dictated by true education professionals, not parents, and not bureaucrats
National defense spending and foreign policy: I believe we do have a responsibility to the world, but I also believe we take advantage of that responsibility. I would like us involved more when we are needed by the people we are helping, and less when it’s just because it’s going to benefit us. Usually, in the long run, it doesn’t
Abortion: Tough one. I don’t like abortion for birth control whether it be at 10 weeks or 30. But I also don’t like the idea that my opinion dictates the medical decision of a woman I’ve never met. And I’m smart enough to know I don’t know everyone’s situation. I don’t think there should be any level of federal ban, more of a state issue. But I don’t know the state should be deciding someone’s medical fate either. I would like to see any ban be limited to those abortion solely for birth control. How to execute that? Got me
Gun policy: I have guns, believe we all have the right to own them, for self defense and hunting. The framers didn’t want to make sure everyone could own guns so they could take a picture with an elephant, it was for food on the table and protect the home and family. Bigger picture, we’re not going to get this resolved until everyone puts down their stubbornness and acknowledges that it’s both guns and people that kill people, not solely one or the other. If there’s a gun but no person, no one gets shot. If there’s people but no gun, no one gets shot. It’s both. And until we all can acknowledge that the problem is a combination of access, mental health, diminishing coping skills, and diminishing value of life….well….we can keep pumping the thoughts and prayers. Lastly, gun ownership should require training. There are so many things we own and do that requires training, it baffles me using a gun isn’t.
Health Care: a complicated issue I know that I don’t know enough about to have a strong opinion. I’ve worked hard, and smart, to get into a position of good insurance, I’ve tried to teach kids the same idea.
Social Security: it’s been abused and shredded. Biggest priority for me would be the people that have put so much into it get what they got coming
Cancel Culture: Stupid social media BS. Not worth the time.
Gay marriage: I don’t plan on marrying a man. Beyond that it’s not my concern.
Does government actually have a responsibility to the citizens to help or aid in their prosperity?: In the sense of offering a structure that affords the opportunity…..yes. Responsible for aiding? I guess it depends on what you mean by aid. To what level?
Reparations: In the sense that we all think of it mostly, no. I think the dude from ‘The Barbershop’ explained it best. Or listen to Morgan Freeman.
Environmental Conservation: Another topic I know I don’t know enough about to have a strong opinion.
Church vs State: Church needs to stay out of government. There are central values, beliefs, covenants that are across all religions, and can be influence in government decision making, but any specific church/religion should stay out.