What Do I Care About Politically

I was thinking today that so much of politics right now is about Donald Trump. Love him or hate him, he sucks up all the oxygen in the room. But what is next? What happens when this is over?

And I love Pete Buttigieg, but why?  It isn't because he is gay, although no doubt I gave him a hearing because of that.  I'll tell you what is important to me.

1. Americans. All Americans, I think that the country should be run for the benefit of all Americans. Sure, we have to worry about immigrants and foreign countries, but I feel that first all Americans should be important to our government, even those that don't agree with me.
2. Science. I think science is important. I believe in Climate Change. I believe that vaccines are critical for the country. Science can't answer everything, but that doesn't mean we should ignore what it can answer.
3. I believe that the government can be a force for good. I think the federal highway system, public schools and colleges, air traffic control, traffic lights, sidewalks, regulated internet, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Parks, clean air and water are made better by the government. I don't believe that government is our enemy. And most others don't believe it after a hurricane or fire, shooting.
4. I believe in the Constitution. Not just the parts I like, but others (like the right to bear arms) are law and should be obeyed.
5. I believe in the ability to have control over yourself. 
6. I believe in keeping our promises to others. Other countries, other people, members of the other party. Our seniors and our children.
7. I don't like liars. I especially don't like liars in government. I know most politicians lie sometimes, but then I try to find people that lie less than others.
8. I believe in the community of mankind. Sure, "the community of mankind" is less important that our country's population for my government, but it is still important to me. What Clinton did in Rwanda was bad, we actively ignored the suffering to keep Americans out of harms way. What Trump did with the Kurds was worse, we actively sold them out and pulled out Americans (who weren't in too much danger) to allow the slaughter.

Those guidelines help to form  how I make the decisions on who I support. At least that is what I try to support.

So, for me, Pete Buttigieg believes much of the same, that is why I like him. I love his plans for minority Americans, his plans rural Americans. In speaking, he wants to unite all of us Americans for a greater good.

 I like his ideas that allow for individuals to police themselves when possible. Women with control over their own bodies. People with control over their own health care decisions.

I still want to believe that America and Americans can be a force for good in the world. I know that is naive and a little stupid. But I believe it and it informs my decision making.

This post has been brought to you by the letter P, for positivity.