[Jimbee (OP)]

Well, I don't know if people usually post their political views on the Naked Science forum. But I thought, just in case anyone was wondering about mine, I would.

Yeah, I don't know if I've made my political and personal views clear by now. But I'll try to summarize them here.

I am a lifelong Democrat, and I have been liberal to varying degrees all my life. Though I think that I was more moderate when younger. I don't know how radical I really am. I used to think that supporting gay marriage put me out of the mainstream. Actually it's quite common now. In fact a majority of Americans that describe themselves as practicing Catholics support gay marriage. I do, e.g., support a strong military defense. So I may have some different views. But mainly I am a pragmatist I think.

Since at least 1996, perhaps even earlier,  I have been rethinking concepts like justice and retribution—and even mercy. I think so-called "evil" is really a disease, and problem. And although I've never been in trouble with the law, and don't plan on being, I really sympathize with people who are considered criminals, for example, and other outcasts. They need the most support, because they are the least likely to get any support. People should be held accountable for their actions, and some people should be segregated from society, sometimes for life. But always humanely. And other options should always be explored. Societal problems are always complicated, and have more than one cause.

As I often tell people, I often admire attorneys and physicians, because they always treat you as a human being, in need of help. I find that commendable. And I am very rational, and always have been. But I think that has always helped me.

I always respect people's beliefs, and their right to hold, and hold onto, their political and moral beliefs. I am also gay. But fortunately that is no big deal either.

I'd like to help people, but often find there's little I can do. But I am beginning to realize that any positive change you can make in the world is good.