First post ... My basic beliefs

Maybe I'm just bored, or because I'm stuck in the house on a raining day.

My beliefs must of come from my home life, right? and slightly changed as I grew up.

I grew up in the UP, out in the woods...
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But now live in the city, Ypsilanti MI
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Lets see I'm not very politically involved or knowledgeable so I wont rant about that other than for the most part everyone that is in power sucks ( politically/ business/ religious /and otherwise) and is doing everything they can to keep that power.

I'm not religious, in fact I'd say I'm anti-religion. I'm all for the many basic beliefs about being good and helping others. Unfortunate with all the scandals & hypocrisy I can't stomach it. If this country was founded on Freedom of Religion than one of the choices should be to believe that there is no super being that watches over us all. I seem to have have the same view as the late George Carlin.

I always try to do the right thing and help out whenever I can. So I guess I'm a Karma-ist?

I think we need to protect the environment from us, act local- think global, buy from the local store, help out the little guy, sure it costs a bit more but it all comes around.

Fix the Education system, If the greatest threat to the Earth & mankind is us, we need to do a better job of teaching the kids. There is so much wrong with it right now I don't know where to start. (it is not just the system but more society that need fixing) *get ready for this -I think teachers for the most part are pay fairly or maybe overpaid some what, (my wife teaches & I plan to also) think about it nice hours, weekends & summers off, not hard labor or dangerous conditions [for the most part]. But here's where it all goes wrong- Teachers cant do it all, If all they had to do was teach it would be so easy. Teachers are forced to be baby sitter/social worker/fix the family issues/make sure they get feed/clothed/basic manners/ so much so that basic educating gets so little time in the day. And unfortunately they get very little help from the parents. Dumping your kid at school isn't enough, same as dropping your kid off at sports practice will not make him an athlete. You need to participate and be involved. Or find someone that will or don't have kids. There I said it most people should not of had kids they don't care for them and there is already to many of us on this planet.

Well back from lunch break,,, and rereading this I seem to be a angry pessimistic guy.

Unfortunately I might be, like a bumper sticker I saw, "Losing faith in Humanity one person at a time"

Let's turn this around. There are ,repeat, ARE several things I like:

My family, dogs, the outdoors, sunshine, playing sports, eating brownies, my friends, the Fall season, biking, snow, gardens, ice climbing, camping, teaching others, wildlife, being cold enuf to wear fleece, hand tools, sunrise, fresh baked bread, U2, digging in the dirt, old VW's, wood stoves, and a whole lot more.

And with my circle of friends I see and hear about others actually helping out and doing the right things. lending a hand, teaching, feeding, clothing, fixing, volunteering ...

So I'm not all doom and gloom I guess.

For example I believe in helping the little guy, after all I'm the little one too.

less control by the government, but aid & health care for those who need it, within reason - yes if you can work -you should!

freedom in your life.

I'm pro-gun - but stronger penalties for those that do break the law.

I'm pro choice, 1st I'm a man & 2nd I'm a naturalist/realist? there are too many uncared for humans,

I like freedom of speech, but there is no reason for Hate-talk is there? to point out the obvious groups - KKK, Westboro baptist church ect. but unfortunately then everyone has freedom to talk.

Legalize pot doesn't seem that much worse than drinking,

& since where in it drinking age should be 18 your (supposed to be) an adult an can vote, go to war ect.

pro-environment even if it means some uncomfortable changes, riding a bike take a bus, give up some of our easy American ways- lessen our footprint.

I also don't follow much about celebrates, pop culture. I do own a TV but with rabbit ears and few channels, I therefor (thankfully) don't watch it much.

I play & coach, soccer, hockey, swimming. enjoy biking, climbing. And my family is athletic -sporty types but here's where it ends, I don't really watch that much on TV, I dont follow standings, or know stats. I just play - for Fun like it's supposed to be. (even thou I've played for many competitive teams it was about having fun- competing - and teammates)

Ummm, what else? I'll add more if I later think of anything