where do you stand on 6 issues?
 

Would be interesting to see, with people trying as much as possible not to argue the case, and simply state their position

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
2 - do you support the death penalty?
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

__

My answers

1 - yes
2 - no
3 - freedom of speech should have some limits
4 - yes
5 - yes
6 - no

Interesting.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? Yes.

2 - do you support the death penalty? No.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? This is going to be impossible not to discuss.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Yes.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? Yes, but this shouldn't be retroactively applied to existing citizens (the example I'm thinking of is elderly citizens of Chinatown here in Toronto... extremely important to the city, but if they can't speak English... well what the hey?)

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Yes.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
2 - do you support the death penalty?
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

My answers

1 - yes, but I would be more comfortable if the question was "all legally aged couples"
2 - no
3 - freedom of speech should NOT have some limits (Who would you trust with the authority to define the limits?) Yelling "fire!" in a theater is endangering public safety by false alarm....
4 - yes
5 - no
6 - yes, if initiated, encouraged, sanctioned or required by public school personnel or other school authorities. I would not object for "quiet time" periods alloted during the school day.

The questions I added qualifiers to are vague, aren't they?

edit

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
Yes

2 - do you support the death penalty?
No

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
Freedom of speech is absolute, but if someone's speech brings direct harm to others, they should be held accountable for that harm.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
Taxation should fund services that are best provided by the government. The postal service, the military, police, fire, etc. Free education and providing basic needs to those who are unable to provide for themselves (but not those who are simply unwilling) is acceptable with strict oversight to ensure that money is not wasted; allowing people to become productive members of society will put money back into the system. Taxation should benefit society as a whole, not penalize anyone for being successful.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
Not for permanent residence, but it is reasonable to expect people to have at least remedial knowledge of the language before becoming citizens.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
Freedom of religion requires that those who wish to pray should be given a place to do so either individually or as a group without distraction from the activities of those who do not.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
2 - do you support the death penalty?
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emigrate to it?
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

My answers

1 - yes; gays deserve the same right to build their families as they see fit
2 - no; there should be no system for destroying human lives
3 - no; freedom of speech ends where hatred begins
4 - yes; partly, equally, and sensibly
5 - yes; not knowing the official language could be a barrier to success, and it's official for a reason: it is often language of law and legislation
6 - no; practicing one's religion is a right (on an individual level)

1 - Sure

2 - Nope

3 - Not quite absolute but close - I'd lean away from absolute where children and public safety are concerned.

4 - Not quite but I believe there are resources and requirements we all share and the best way to ensure these are shared amongst the populace is taxation (roads, hospitals, education, etc - I won't mention health lest the inevitable argument ensues)

5 - Yes, although understanding that people do not all attain the same level of fluency as one another. An ability to work using that language I think suffices.

6 - Not prohibited, but not mandated either - i.e., if a kid wants to pray, he can do so, but if it is a state-run school public school, I don't want to see a teacher leading the class in prayer. Having said that, we have state run Catholic schools here, and a certain amount of prayer exists - it's a long-standing legal issue

Yes. People have freedom of choice as long as they do not violate another's freedoms.
Yes. If you do violate those freedoms to the point where it causes permanent effects, maliciously, you deserve to have your life ended.
Minimal limits involving slander/libel, privacy, etc.
No, it is to fund projects in the government that benefit all of society (infrastructure, defense, education, some social programs).
Forced? No. Encouraged? Yes.

There should be minimal support given to foreign languages within the government, although I would consider helping one learn the new language under education and those limited social programs.
It shouldn't be a required institution, but the choice of those involved.

1 - Don't care.
2 - Yep
3 - Minor limits, treason is treason.
4 - Nope, taxation in that manner is theft.
5 - Yep
6 - I assume you mean public schools, and yes. If you want your kid to pray, pray at home.

1. Absolutely.
2. Absolutely not.
3. Threats of murder aren't reasonably considered to be free speech.
4. Absolutely
5. No, but they're lazy if they don't try.
6. Absolutely, all schools. I'm not interesting in allowing private and yet accredited schools a pass. If you want to pray in school, let it be sunday school.

Interesting thread. Abortion and seatbelt laws were left out. but seriously, this is a cool idea for a thread. Kind of a condensed political topic discussion thread.

1 - As the joke goes... gay people deserve to be as unhappy as straight people. Marriage has eroded to the point that it does little if anything to serve civilization. And this has nothing to do with gay marriage. Marriage has been headed down the tubes for quite some time IMHO

2 - Not if there is any doubt as to the guilt. If a suspect is apprehended in the process of a crime with several reliable witnesses, I say drop the use of the word suspect.

3 - Freedom of speech should pertain to protecting people from the government in the way of ideas. Not some asshole that wants to scream fire in a crowded movie theater, spread false information against another person or any of the other reasons that crop up when someone screams FREE SPEECH!

4 - No

5 - Learning the official language if capable is a reasonable expectation of someone wanting to be a part of a society.

6 - Setting aside a time to pray in school is a waste of time. Everyone does not kneel to the same alter if at all. If someone has faith or beliefs that they hold, making it through 1st hour biology without an organized prayer isn't going to bring on a smiting.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?[/quote] yes. We should discuss this.

2 - do you support the death penalty? No. We should discuss this.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? It depends on what you mean by limits. We should discuss this.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Do you mean the intended role of taxation or the end result? (We should. . yep. . .discuss this ;) )


5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? No, but the nation should also not cater to those who refuse to learn it. We should discuss this.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? I take it you mean public schools? And do you mean faculty-led prayer, or students quietly praying in the halls/lunchroom? We should discuss this.


I think you should open your topic up to actually discussing it instead of checking off lists. It'd lead to a much more enlightening discussion :)

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? Yes

2 - do you support the death penalty? No
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? There already are limits, and I agree with them to a point.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Yes
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? No
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Yes

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Yes. Regardless of sex, everybody should suffer equally.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

Not in the current form. Too slow, too expensive. Go back to firing squad.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

Nothing is absolute.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

No. I believe taxes are to be utilized for government-sponsored departments and programs which may or may not directly benefit different socioeconomic classes based on the needs of the given society at a given time.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emigrate to it?

Yes, but how is that enforced? Language SWAT with tasers? We shouldn't cater to everybody. We should have one official language and stick with it.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

No. Equality means expressing whatever you want and that means having to hear the other side, too. Prayer should be kept in school for those that are religious. If your icon for the almighty doesn't match up with the guy next to you? Deal with it. Your god is better, right? Don't sweat it.

...

I'd rather cut my nose off with nail clippers than be elected to lead the US.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
Not sure. Civil unions don't make me think twice, marriage gives me a second thought and I'm not sure where I come out.

2 - do you support the death penalty?
In principle, yes. not the way it's practiced in many states.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
Almost no limits at all. Stuff that puts people in danger should be limited (e.g. "fire" in crowded theater, troop movements or intelligence matters in wartime)

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
No. The purpose of taxes is to raise money so the government can function.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
"Forced?" No. But I wouldn't want people to immigrate who can't earn a living, and learning the language is part of that.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
from public schools, yes.

To be fair, this board has discussed all those topics to death!

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? yes

2 - do you support the death penalty? For those I do not feel resources should be wasted on keeping alive. The rest of them damn well better be working to pay a part of their own way.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? Limits in times where public or personal safety is at risk.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? In theory. It doesn't really. I think that may have been the original intent.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? Sometimes. Depends on how annoyed I am. It kinda makes sense to do so on your own.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Absolutely. Moments of silence are fine. Do what you want in your head.

1.- Yes
2.- No
3.- Yes, but there has to be consequences for what you're saying.
4.- No, we all should tax the same percentage of our earnings. Taxing productivity is punishing eficiency.
5.- Yes (I'm guatemalan by the way)
6.- No,

I think it is interesting the way he posted it. A simple yes or no with a brief explanation without arguments and attacks is unique.

1 - Yes
2 - I don't know. I want to say I'm against it, but the alternatives aren't good either. I'd really rather be addressing the root causes of crime, rather than dealing with how to react to it after the fact.
3 - Provided no one is harmed in person or property as a direct result of the speech, yes. I'd like it if people could give themselves freedom to HEAR others' speech and have it just be others' speech and not something they have to subscribed to or argue against. I'd very much like there to be a public commons of ideas and expression.
4 - Yes
5 - I think most people WANT to. Volunteer with some ESL students for a while if you really want to learn what hard work means--the ones I know work two or three jobs and THEN come in for their English lessons because they want better lives for their families. It's not a matter of force, it's a matter of making the opportunity to learn available.
6 - Organized prayer yes, although opportunity for spiritual expression should be available.

1. Marriage is more of a religious thing in my book. Civil Unions should be recognized by the state the same as any straight union.

2. I like Crompsins answer. There is no rehabilitation for violent offenders, nor should they be given a second chance for taking a life.

3. I like the response to limits on matters of libel/slander/privacy. Times of war things are different, shouldn't be absolute.

4. Taxes have nothing to do with redistribution in my book. People have the right to earn their own keep and not be penalized for it. Social programs are fine, but that is an issue of taxation and role of government; the government has no right to take money I make and "redistribute" it on some joke notion of "equality".

5. If english was good enough for Jesus its good enough for mexicans.

....

Forced to learn? No. It is laughable that they come to a country where the vast majority of the population knows a language and for some reason said country is accomadating.

6. Prohibited from schools? No. Shouldn't be forced. I went to Catholic school, prayer was always apart of the curriculim for 12 years. In Public schools I don't think people should be forced to pray, or really be burdened by the notion of religion, they could've gone to a different school if they/their parents so desired an enviroment as such.

2 - do you support the death penalty? If evidence shows beyond all doubt that a person is guilty of murder- yes, life imprisonment for child molesters

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? absolute, no sure how to handle slander suits though

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? No

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? Yes

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Good question. I dont think prayer should be forced upon those that choose not to. However, freedom should be extended to those who want to pray. Then comes the question of offering time for all religions. Maybe private schools would be a better approach. Once in high school taking any type of spiritual class could be amoung the chosen electives, but again the problem of providing the means for all religions may be considerable.

I might have to call partial bullshit on that, bro. Being in an environment where Spanish is almost the primary language (Florida, Texas, etc) doesn't encourage people to want to change or even try to learn English. People come on over (typically illegals) and then neglect to adapt for various reasons. They segregate themselves off from society instead of embracing our diversity and trying to blend in with their neighbors. We turn out society into little ethnic bubbles. It's pretty friggin' bad if you live in a country for 2, 3, 5, 10 years and don't learn a lick. Zero excuse. People talk every day.

I had a Russian citizen in my team in A-stan. Best soldier I've ever had. Kid grew up in bumblefuck Siberia and came to the states to support his new wife and to evade a life of poverty, joining the US Army to gain his citizenship (irony: in his quest to get away from poverty, he ended up in A-stan immediately). He didn't know much of the language when he landed in Florida, but he picked it up quick. I asked him how he learned the complicated mess that is English so quickly and you know what he told me? "I just watched TV." I think motivated people like him want to learn. They should be citizens.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? Yes. I believe that 'marriage' has too much legal meaning.
2 - do you support the death penalty? Yes.
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? Freedom of speech should be absolute unless it breaks other laws.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Absolutely not.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? Once they are there, yes. My uncle learned English in three months watching Seasame Street.
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? No.

1 - Yes
2 - No
3 - Absolute
4 - Yes
5 - Yes
6 - Yes

1. Yes
2. Only for rapists and certain cases of murder
3. As long as it doesn't amount to hate speech or incite violence
4. No
5. People should not be forced to do anything they don't want to...it will be the decent thing to do however to learn the official language of the place you want to immigrate to.
6. No

Well, I'll tell you, I used to think that was the case too. Then my lovely wife started working for a literacy nonprofit that does a lot of work in ESL, and I learned the reality quickly. North Carolina has the fastest growing spanish-speaking population of any state in the country, and--from the perspective of somebody close to somebody inside a service being offered those people--they're hungry for advancement and they know that English fluency is the ticket. There may be exceptions who are satisfied working construction or domestic roles, but in my experience, those ARE exceptions. Everybody wants to do better.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? Yes
2 - do you support the death penalty? No
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? Absolute
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Yes...in part
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? Yes
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? No

Wow, there are some of you who think freedom of speech should be absolute, or nearly, yet say prayer should be prohibited from schools. Please explain.

Well I'm seeing it as some sort of mandatory prayer should be prohibited. My tax money should not go to sponsoring any sort of religion. Should someone want to pray for themselves or form some sort of bible group, I have no problem with that.

I think the bankrupt concept of 'multiculturalism' did a lot to destroy this ideal. Its a much bigger issue in Europe right now, but making English the official language of the US would be a good start here, we need a common link.

I certainly find it interesting that people can find that rights that they agree with or believe in can be absolute, while others can either be written away or simply dismissed. fascinating.

I find it curious that you can't be bothered to state your own opinions while criticizing others' choices.

Fascinating.

This comment is inane. Why would someone support a right they don't agree with?

Anyway, on to my own answers.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
Yes. Marriage is not simply a religious convention. There are important legal ramifications to being married; every couple should have the same rights. Or see Crompsin's answer.

2 - do you support the death penalty?
No. Unlike incarceration, the death penalty cannot be reversed and I do not trust my justice system that much. To paraphrase, it's better that a thousand guilty men live than one innocent man die.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
Absolute. "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to my death your right to say it." There is no spoken word so heinous that it shouldn't be allowed and that includes hate speech and the like. I'm free to choose not to listen, but trying to police people's opinions is a dangerous line to draw.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
No. Taxation is a way for all of us to contribute to the cost of services and benefits we collectively enjoy. I like having paved roads and hospitals, and I have no problem chipping in my share to make sure I continue to have those things.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
Forced, no. ratbastid speaks the truth, though; I do believe that most folks who legally immigrate to another country that speaks a foreign language are likely to take the initiative and do so on their own, since it's in their own best interest. If you're going to go to all the trouble of the immigration process itself, why wouldn't you want to give yourself the best possible chance of success once you get where you're going? If the resources are made available I can't imagine many immigrants would need forcing.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
Define prohibited. Prayer does not belong as part of the curriculum, but if a student decides that he's gonna say grace before eating his lunch every day, more power to him I reckon. Separating state and religion is about not forcing choices on others. Banning religion is forcing a choice and thus makes little sense. Mind you, this also ties into question three, I reckon.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
I say remove the legal definition of marriage and make it a religious definition. Then create civil unions that all currently married couples have. Thus everyone has a civil union and if a church wants to marry couples they can. In absence of this yes allow them to marry.

2 - do you support the death penalty?
Only in extreme circumstances where the crime was very bad and there is absolute proof of guilt (a much higher burden than beyond a reasonable doubt).

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

There should be few limits, that is one cannot plan crimes and claim it was freedom of speech. For the most part spoken words should not be considered a crime.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

Yes, taxes should help benefit society as a whole and part of creating a good society is keeping poverty to a minimum as poverty breads crime.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

No, but they should be encuraged, and there should be programs to help them learn the language. If an 85 year old grandma immigrates with her children forcing her to learn the language could be a very big burden. Same with disabled and others. If the programs were there to help them learn most would learn as it would be in there best interest.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

School sponsored yes. Individual prayer, no. If a group of students want to pray among themselves at recess why should the school stop it? Banning prayer is just as bad as enforcing prayer.

I criticized noone, I simply stated my observation on the willingness of some people to go from 'no right is absolute' to 'some rights are absolute'.

why would someone feel they are in a position to know whats best for others? I may not like it that some rights actually exist, but it's not my place, nor anyone elses, to tell you that that particular right really isn't all that important, simply because that's how I feel.

in other words, ALL rights are important, whether you agree with them or not. The second anyone starts mitigating rights because they don't agree with it, any right then becomes a target to be whittled down and removed.

Dude, answer the questions. This obviously isn't framed as a thread for attacks or argument. The premise is simple: answer the questions.

In another time, in another place, it would have been my right to beat my wife when she complained about my right to force my children into working as chimney sweeps.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Yes with the caveat that no church nor church official should be forced to perform such a marriage. If a church won't recognize the marriage, they should not be forced to.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

No. Neither courts nor judges nor juries are perfect. Sometimes innocent people are convicted then found guilty later. Capital punishment is retribution for the victims and their families, not to deter or punish crime.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

No right is ever "absolute". It doesn't matter what the right is, but there is always an exception. Always. For freedom of speech, for instance, libel and slander immediately spring to mind. The government has the right and duty to protect me from, again for instance, Cynthetiq from calling me a gay pedophilic canibal who prefers his little boys with a side of gravy. In an absolute world, that's in bounds. We do not live in an absolute world.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

Since this is phrased as an absolute, no I don't. Some resources should be redistributed more equally, but certainly not all. Some resources should not belong to those who want them (Arizona, get your stinking eyes off our Great Lakes water). Should the poor get special assistance? Generally yes.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

I don't agree with official languages to begin with, especially in the US, so no. Every immigrant I've ever met has been able to deal with English at least on a basic functional level. They have to if they want to work or learn here. If you're truely going to emmigrate, learning the language would seem nothing less than prudent.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

All prayers all the time? No. Official prayer required of all students? Yes. Groups of students praying together? No. Groups of students led by school employees? Yes.

How about the half dozen or so of you that felt the need to pass judgement on everyone else's opinions share your own? If you don't want to share, you don't belong in this thread.

Lets define absolute free speech.

Lets say I work for a Newspaper and I find out the US has found a way to track terrorists using their cell phones. Its obvious that running the story will compromise our ability to track them.

Should that be allowed?

How is it different than yelling 'Fire' in the crowded theater?

That depends: Is there a fire in the theatre?

anything that would potentially destroy or compromise the privacy of a US citizen who has broken no law, should certainly be disclosed.

Does it compromise innocent Americans' privacy? If so, it's illegal and any ethical journalist would have to run the story. Just because the government does it and puts the "anti-terrorism" stamp on it doesn't make it sacred.

mark this occasion. ratbastid and I agree on something. :thumbsup:

It happens more than you think! ;)

Actually you are adding to the concept in areas it need not go to get a feel.

I'm saying the government is legally using a cellphone as a tracking device on terrorists in say Iraq. We know their numbers, we can triangulate their location based on it.

Now, would that story be free speech or treason?

This has become a threadjack. I'd be glad to start a thread, or more likely find an old thread, on free speech if you're interesting in discussing it.

If you found out about it by illegal means, then it is illegal to print...anything that mission critical is probably classified, and therefore for you to have that info, someone is breaking the law.

If you found out about it by legal means, fuck it, I'm sure they already know.

Edit: Yes, threadjackery has ensued. moderator split? I liked this thread. I think it should be pinned, and any new politic members should be required to contribute their dossier.

Loose newswires, cause quagmires?

For What It's Worth:

1. Yes, what people do behind in the privacy of their bedrooms is between them. And yes, the "spouses" should have just as many legal rights, benefits as the traditional marriage. Do we need laws to permit same sex marriages? Not necessarily, provided legal rights, benefits and recognition of partners are observed.

2. I support the death penalty, I also believe if a man is sent to death row and wishes to die, his life should be taken immediately with no waiting for appeals and so on. Save taxpayers money.

3. I believe in total free speech provided it does not incite riots or disturbances of the peace. If I go into a minority area and start shouting prejudiced language, I should get the beating I deserve for being ignorant, but I also believe I should be fined for disturbing the peace. Chances are if I hadn't been yelling the epithets I wouldn't have been attacked.

In other words, I think there are decency limits we must follow and that we must be willing to accept responsibility for our actions/words.

4. I believe taxation should be distributed to help others move upward. This is done through giving Small Business Loans, Education subsidies and controls on public university tuitions, classes and retraining for displaced workers, economic development for urban slum areas, and help for those disabled. But do I agree with welfare, spending money on those fully capable of working but know how to work the system, etc? HELL NO. I see too many of my clients on disability because they had good lawyers and it is pathetic to know my tax dollars go toward them using drugs instead of working and trying to improve themselves.

5. Absolutely, if you are an immigrant you should not only speak the language but know the laws and immigrate LEGALLY. If you try illegally and get caught, you get deported back the first time.... the second time mandatory 5 years imprisonment.... NO country can afford illegal immigrants and our nation's leaders are pandering solely to a voting block by trying to make it acceptable. IT is a drain on our economy in many ways and is unnecessary.

6. Prayer in school should never be banned. It is a right to free speech. The only caveat here is sponsored religion. Schools should allow for prayer and in the process teach all the major religions equally and without prejudice, perhaps even have local leaders of the respective religions come in and have a one week class or so. I believe by doing this we promote acceptance of others beliefs and even possibly understanding why a certain religion believes a certain way. Of course the classes would be by choice, if the parents are absolutely against a certain religion, the kids sit out of that week's classes and have a study hall. (When I went to school, the school, had a program much like this and it worked very well.)


My question to those opposing this idea is what do you have to hide? Your kids will learn of those religions one way or another. Why promote ignorance and hatred.

As for atheists..... it is still a religion, it is a spiritual belief in nothing. Do not push your beliefs upon me nor call my religion names. ALL beliefs are equal and need to be taught. By telling my children they cannot pray or have religion classes is a push for YOUR own spiritual/religious beliefs and that is supposedly what you are fighting against.... right? (I state this because it was because of an Atheist that prayer and religion started being banned.)

Your 6th issue was okay up until this point. Are you saying all atheists are nihilists? If that's the case, spiritual beliefs would be impossible. I think you mean to say something along the lines of "secular morality."

Exactly. Like being a gentile is still a type of jew. :shakehead:

It's just my belief that most Atheists tend to want to be as "devout" as some other religious zealots. I'm not saying that they are not moral or lack anything.

It's just a devout belief there is "No God" is to me, the same as saying "I believe in God". The atheist still spiritually believes in something, even if it is nothing.

I will gladly discuss this elsewhere, but I answered "where I stood on 6 issues", which is the title of this thread. I don't think a threadjack is necessary just because you don't like one sentence I put into my stance. IT"S MY BELIEF, MY STANCE.... that was the question. You want to discuss something let's take it to another thread.

My non-belief is god is nothing like anyones belief in god, karma, etc.

There is no 'spiritually' factor to it, but then again I've never met an atheist who says 'there is no god' as an absolute, most of us think it is extremely unlikely that their is a god and even less likely that if there is a god it will be anything like the god/gods that man has come up with.

Saying there is no god as an absolute would be not unlike a religion as it would be based on faith but this is atypical for atheists.

I moved the conversation regarding atheism to the atheism thread.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? Yes.
2 - do you support the death penalty? No.
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? There are limits.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Yes, because the existing distribution is often unfair.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? No. It should be a very strong policy from the state to push for it, and to make it easy. But people should not be forced to do it. However, the advantages for speaking the language are, and should be, great. This is coming from a current emigrant trying to learn a difficult language :).
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Yes

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
I have no problem with it. But, then again, I'm not a huge supporter either.
Sort answer...yes.

2 - do you support the death penalty?
I can think of so damn few cases where the death penalty is truly warranted, that I'm going to say no. Especially if there is even the tiniest fraction of a percent of a chance of an innocent person being executed.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
While I do not believe that limitations should be placed on free speech, I also feel that those excercising that right also be subject to its' reprocusions. Nor does freedom of speech mean that your platform must be supplied.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
No.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
The question implies that the language must be learned prior to immigration. No. I do not support that. I do, however, feel that every effort should be made after immigrating.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
As long as the school is funded by tax dollars, then yes. Absolutely. Although I do feel that some of my ilk take it to far. I'm sorry, it's a Christmas Pageant, not a Winter Program. A little common sense goes a long way.

Dude, you've got my vote for President. Nicely worded responses.

1. Yes

2. No

3. No limits, however, you can be held accountable for what you say (libel, slander, threats, disturbing the peace, etc.). Also, free speech doesn't mean you can sue the mall after they kick you out because you were wearing a Fuck Bush shirt.

4. Yes

5. No, I'd like it if everyone spoke English but we shouldn't force them to. However, I don't think we should be required to spend buttloads of extra money accomodating those who don't speak English (voting ballots in foreign languages, interpreters, etc.)

6. Depends on what you mean. They should be allowed to pray as long as it isn't disruptive to others. I'm fine with kids forming groups also, as long as they aren't getting money directly from the school. Teachers can lead the groups but they will NOT get paid for that time. I am not cool with paid employees leading a prayer (like the football coach or pricipal, etc.).

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Yes - any adult should be able to declare the rights and responsibilites with regards to another adult person that he or she sees fit. Not the government's business.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

Undecided. There seem to be some truly, truly, sick people out there that we can't help. Should we imprison them for life or end it? I don't know which is less wrong.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

Limits. "Fire!" in a crowded theater, for one. But unless there is clear and immediate harm, freedom should win.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

Yes.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

No. But they should be encouraged,

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

No. But prayer dictated or led by school authorities should be.

1. Yes, they're not hurting anyone.
2. No, but only because innocent people might be sentenced for it by accident.
3. Well you shouldn't be able to yell "FIRE" in a crowded place. But you should be allowed to publicly express your thoughts.
4. No, taxation should be used for the betterment of society, e.g. research, healthcare, defense, etc.
5. Yes, you can't contribute to society if you can't speak the language.
6. You shouldn't be able to tell someone not to pray. You also shouldn't be able to have an official prayer or endorsement of religion.

yes.

no

i support an expansive freedom of speech.
there are some limits that are required: the example of yelling fire in a crowded theater comes to mind.

this is obvious: part of the function of (modern forms of) taxation is the redistribution of wealth. i don't see this as a question of belief. it is a simple fact.

why have an official language?
i see nationalism as a collective mental disorder and an "official language" only rational as a variant of nationalism.

on the second part: i lived in france for 5 years. based on that experience, i dont see the function of *forcing* people to learn the dominant language--i would think that being able to operate day-to-day would do that on its own.
any idea of *forcing* emigrés to learn an "official language" seems to me neurotic, a redundant ritual that serves mostly a therapeutic function for others.

baraka raises the sticky point about this one above.
i would make a distinction between school-endorsed/required prayer (including a pledge of allegiance) on the grounds that a school is public (if applicable) and that public spaces are governed by the separation of church and state.
but i do not support any suppression of kid's rights to pray independently.

As a religious conservative I believe:

1. Absolutely yes. Whether marriage or civil unions, as good conservatives, we should be promoting and encouraging these types of family values. It is not for the government to meddle in other people's lives. I really don't understand why it is even an issue. I will go one step further and advocate adoption for homosexual couples as well (assuming they are qualified: stable, financially well etc). Seems like a perfect solution to me.

2. No. It is not the purview of mankind to play "God". For the same reason I am against abortion, I am against the death penalty. I agree with roachboy's contention about "state sanctioned murder or violence. I also agree with host's view that we need to be better and above this type of punitive measure. I suppose I will have to elaborate on the other thread.

3. Freedom of speech is directly tied to freedom of religion. Yes, it is absolute but with the caveat that should your speech cause harm to others, you will be held criminally or civilly liable for it.

4. If redistribution means robbing Paul to pay Peter, or "by those who can to those who can't", or anything else remotely Marxist or socialist, then no, no, no, no ,no!! Taxation is a financial tool for government operations, not as a theft operation from one set of people to "give" to another.

5. Yes!! An official language is a wonderful way to unite our awesome, multi-cultural, and diverse country (not for nationalistic reasons). I would use "required" rather than "force" (these types of questioning is really prejudicial and points out the flaws of polls). A basic command of the language should suffice.

6. No. Why should prayer be banned from schools? It is directly tied in to question 3 - freedom of speech. Every one should be allowed to pray in school, teachers included. I think schools should accommodate Muslim students who need to pray etc. and if a Muslim teacher wants to lead them, they should be allowed. Same goes with a football coach who wants to lead his team in prayer. It's all about choices and options. No one should be forced to suppress their religion and no one should be forced to participate either.

Cool thread StrangeFamous.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

I believe that the decision about who to <i>marry</i> should rest solely within the religious institutions that marry people. I believe that the state should recognize the legal equality of GLBT individuals joined in a union. In short, I believe the state shouldn't marry any couple, gay, straight, or otherwise, and that civil unions should be the standard for government with marriage reserved for religions.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

In theory, yes. But in practice I cannot support a system that deals out final judgment and has a potential for error. I can see it, as is now, in only extremely limited circumstances such as confession or undeniable evidence (like a clear video).

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

No, but I believe in maximizing the right and requiring the strictest of standards to justify limitation. Clear and present danger suffices. The Supreme Court can be, and actually is, trusted with the authority to adjudicate issues that arise.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

No, the purpose of taxation is to build infrastructure, fund armed forces, and, yes, some social programs. I believe in a limited welfare system that technically redistributes some wealth, but the goal should not be to distribute the wealth more equally but to ensure that the poorest can get by.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emigrate to it?

Not outright, but neither should the government have to accommodate those who don't by printing documents in other languages or even being required to hire foreign speakers. So perhaps it can be constructively required, but the more power to someone who wants to get by without.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

Not prohibited, but absolutely never endorsed. You can have student prayer groups as long as there is equal support for secular and other religious groups.

1) No
2) Yes. In cases where the person has confessed or where there is reliable evidence and/or witnesses, appeals should be limited.
3) For the most part, yes. If the purpose of your free speech is to incite violence or panic, there may be consequences.
4) Absolutely not.
5) No. However, the government and businesses should not be forced to accommodate you. If you are unwilling to learn English in order to get a job, the government should not be expected to support you.
6) No, although it should be totally voluntary. Intimidating or harassing someone because they don't participate should be illegal.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? yes, what the fuck do I care?
2 - do you support the death penalty? no, we should be above the barbarism of killing each other as penalties by this point in our civilization's evolution.
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? not absolute, but as free as possible-I think the "clear and present danger" rule is a good one in theory, though it doesn't get used as well as I'd like.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? definitely not. Taxation should be about providing public goods and services as efficiently as possible.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to immigrate to it? yes, though I wouldn't require fluency. Communication is too important to an individual's ability to contribute to society to not have language be a requirement.
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Organized prayer conducted by faculty members as faculty members should absolutely be prohibited in public school. Informal prayer which does not disrupt the learning environment by individuals as individuals should not be, however.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
- Yes. Any adult couple ought to have the right to be seen equally in the eyes of the law.
2 - do you support the death penalty?
- No. Deadly force should be limited to use upon those who are in the act of killing or creating an imminent threat on the life of another.
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
- No. All rights have limits. However, protection of rights to the maximum level possible should be absolutely important. Limits shall be universal, not special-case.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
- No. Taxation exists to fund the actions of government to protect and improve the lives of all people under its jurisdiction. Redistribution may be a side effect, but should not be a goal.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
- N/A. I can only speak for my own nation, the United States. Since the USA does not have an official language, this question is moot for me. (Hypothetically, if we did, my answer would be no, though.)
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
- No. Students ought to be able to exercise free speech. Naturally, this means it must be non-disruptive. Public schools should not sponsor or otherwise encourage or discourage prayer by students.

BTW... a non-scientific count through this response (brought to you by the wonderful folks at Diebold):

1 - Gay Marriage? 36 Yes, 1 No, 2 Maybe
2 - Death Penalty? 17 Yes, 22 No, 2 Maybe
3 - Limits on Free Speech? 14 None, 26 Some
4 - Taxes for Redistribution? 18 Yes, 23 No
5 - Forced Language? 19 Yes, 19 No, 3 Sometimes
6 - Ban School Prayer? 12 Yes, 28 No

Interesting.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
yes. marriage has become more of a legal entity than a religious one. why should gays have the same legal benefits as hetros.

2 - do you support the death penalty?
yes but the current system needs an overhaul

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
there are no absolutes

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
no.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
if there is an official language, sure.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
yes for public schools.

1. Yes.
2. No.
3. Yes, with few exceptions.
4. Unclear question, but based on my interpretation, no. It's not the role or purpose.
5. Yes. When in Rome ...
6. Prohibited? No. Special prayer time for all? No. Silent prayer for those who so desire works for me.

Simply stating my position, as SF asked for in the OP:
Yes.
No.
No, not absolute.
Yes.
Forced? No. Encouraged? Yes, and offered completely free classes at any time of day that is convenient to them, including at their work place, where their language learning should be part of their paid hours of work. I also happen to think every American should have to learn Spanish and French, in addition to English, from elementary school onwards.
Yes -- if you mean prohibited from being enforced in any way. However, I think prayer should be allowed as long as it doesn't interrupt the regular school schedule and doesn't interfere with the learning environment.

1. The state should recognize it as something different than 'marriage', but they should get the same rights.

2. I support cruel & unusual punishment if you premeditated a crime.

3. Yeah, fuck yeah.

4. Yes, and to keep people from holding on to too much money. It also pays for socialized public programs that are good.

5. Yes, they should get a book or something at the library.

6. I don't care as long as it is voluntary. If you aren't religious, then you can sit and relax for a while.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? Yup.
2 - do you support the death penalty? Also, yup.
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? There needs to be limits.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? No.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? Oh hell yeah.
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Nope.

I'll start off by prefacing that I am an American citizen, and all of my responses are therefore America-centric. I do not purport to know how other countries should be managed/governed/run.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? - Yes...and I also support contract marriages, "community" marriages, etc.

2 - do you support the death penalty? - YES, in cases of 1st degree murder and/or treason.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? - Against the government: No limits, aside from where such speech would be treasonous.

Against individual entities: Limits for defamation should exist.

Artistic free speech: No limits, although limits may be made for the viewing of erotic/pornographic/obscene artistic endeavors. The ruling on what is, exactly, considered erotic/pornographic/obscene enough to be limited should be placed at the local government level via a two-thirds majority of the popular vote.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? - NO. I believe that the role of taxation is to fund the Governments' responsibility to provide vital services to the populace at large.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? NO - not in order to immigrate to a country...but in order to obtain citizenship, I think some basic level of fluency must be obtained. It is very difficult to know one's rights if that fluency is not achieved.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? For Public Schools: NO - As long as there are examinations, you will always have prayer in schools!

But let me elaborate: I believe that school-mandated prayer should be prohibited. However, I do feel that voluntary, student-led prayer must be allowed!.

1. No, but let us separate 'marriage' as a blanket term and use instead civil union or some variation of that. Let that be the legal terminology for all unions, MW,MM,WW,MWM,WMW. Let the church, synogoge, mosque, decide if they will participate. Then further, let that entity along with the couple call their union what ever they want.

2. Yes, but not as a deterent, but as a means of clearing the jail cells.

3. Freedom of speech should be absolute, even yelling fire in a theater. But you should be made criminally liabe for any trouble you cause. Ensite violence and share a sentence with the one who committed the act. Yell fire and be prepared to cover the cost of any injuries or damage from a broken nail to revenue lost when everybody evacuated.

4. Taxation should be used to fund the services government provides.

5. No one should be forced to learn an official language, but we shouldn't bend to accomidate those who chose not to. So have an official language and as an immigrant you'll know that until you learn it you won't prosper.

6. Prayer should not be forced or prohibited in schools. We got that quite time deal now, do what the hell you want.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
Yes, marriage is a religious thing, and should have nothing to do with the government.
2 - do you support the death penalty?
I tend to support this idea, but since a large portion are later found innocent, the government has no business attempting to implement this. .
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
There should be one limit - When it can be proved that by speaking you have compromised the rights of another. Otherwise no way i.e. libel or taking a megaphone to times square and shouting a name then associating it with a social security number.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
No, I believe this is the only role.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
Nope. They should be expected to abide by the law, and hire a translator as needed.
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
No, but in public schools no kid had better hear it or see it. If restricted to silent prayer, I couldn't care any less provided that no time is taken other than breaks.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
Yes. I've never heard any decent argument against it.

2 - do you support the death penalty?
Ambiguous. States cause the deaths of human beings in a lot of different ways. i don't think this particular method stands out as unique.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
Limits defined precisely, narrowly, and apolitically.

If you sign an NDA, you can't speak freely on the subject it covers.
If you have a clearance (or don't, for that matter), you can't disclose classified information.

Actually, a caveat on that last point. If you have classified info that you think is critical for the nation to know, and you can find no recourse within government, maybe leaking it is the only moral choice. But I think it sufficient to leave that option technically illegal and allow individual courts to decide if the act merits punishment. This is similar to my position on the 'ticking time bomb' interrogation scenario - if such an extreme scenario actually arises, I trust the courts to see the spirit and not the letter of the act.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

Yes. If you do not believe this, then you are proposing very radical changes to our current tax structure.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

I echo roachboy on this. The short answer is no.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

Communal prayer, yes. Individual prayer, no.

My answers...
1) No.
2) Yes (In situations such that a person admits guilt to a crime).
3) Limits should be put on Freedom of Speech.
4) I really dunno.
5) Yes.
6) No (Provided it is not forced on students).

1 - Absolutely
2 - No.
3 - While there are limits, they are of the "Fire" in a crowded theater type.
4 - No. It's more subtle than that.
5 - No, but they should not expect services in any other language than the official one.
6 - Yes.

1. Yes
2. No
3. Some, but not many, limits
4. Of course
5. No
6. Trick question. Prayer shouldn't be prohibited - you should be able to pray according to your religious beliefs - but absolutely, positively no state endorsement of religion or prayer should be countenanced in any manner

My answers

1 - without a doubt.

2 - I think unless we are 100% sure of a person's guilt, we should not take his life. no matter how much it seems like they've committed a crime. I would like to see our justice system used more effectively than it currently is.

3 - freedom of speech should remain just as it states. free. that's it.

4 - absolutely. one could only dream of such an ideal situation.

5 - No I don't think anyone should be forced. But it should be encouraged that they take the class. Maybe offer it as part of the citizenship preparation.

6 - I will say this. A prayer led by a teacher, adminstrator or janitor for that matter, should not be allowed. But if a student or small group of students wish to pray at school, so be it. Just don't drag my daughter into it, and make her feel like she's a freak for not praying. She's there to learn facts and develop ideas, not to have religious agenda pushed on her. If I wanted her to pray in school, I would send her to a faith-based school.

Penalizing someone for being successful != hire tax brackets for people with higher incomes. The fact is that the majority of wage growth has been in the top 5-10% of jobs in this economy, with the most drastic increases coming from the top 1%, those people being amongst the top 10 executives at major corporations. I believe part of our government's responsibility is to provide education and healthcare to its citizens, and the only way this is going to happen is if they tax people with astronomical incomes--somewhere to the tune of 50% or so.

You might think that number is ludicrous, but back in the 1950s-1970s the highest bracket of income tax paid 80% of their income to the U.S. Govt. That's how we paid for things like the federal highway system, put a man on the moon, and got medicaid and social security off the ground.

It doesn't make much difference anyways--people who are that rich already have a million and one different accounting tricks they employ to shelter their money and beat the system, so it's doubtful anything much can be done about it at this point.

Yes, as I see no good reason to prohibit gays from marrying.

Yes, but only for a few specific crimes, all of which, with the exception of Treason during wartime, require the death of at least 1 victim as a result of the crime.

Pretty close to absolute. About the only exceptions I would think of are slander, incitement to riot, and "fire" in a crowded theatre. I can't think of other exceptions at this time.

No, not really a fan of welfare, but then again, I could live with it provided there are some restrictions. Time limits would be an example, work/education requirements are another.

The United States does not have an official language, but I do think that if you wish to emigrate to a nation, learning it's language would be the polite thing to do.

Depends on the specifics.

If a student wants to pray to himself prior to class, or during class, they should be allowed to do so, though they should be respectful that others may have differing points of view on this. (IOW don't make a scene about it)

If we're talking about special times set aside for prayer, or faculty lead prayer, or anything along those lines, then no.

I want to change my answer on #3: Freedom of speech is absolute as regards truth, and fiction presented as fiction. Freedom of speech should not apply to untruth presented as truth. That covers Fire in a crowded theatre. Also - Money is not Speech.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? Yes, absolutely. If we're going to have civil marriage, it cannot discriminate.

2 - do you support the death penalty? Not in any form we've ever had it in the US. Capital punishment, IMO, is essentially just vengeance. Which I don't necessarily have a problem with, unless the government is getting into the vengeance business.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? There should be very minimal limits, only such as would be covered by minimal and non-intrusive public safety, fraud, and libel laws.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Yes.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? No. I think it would be a good idea for immigrants to at least learn a basic knowledge of the predominate language of their new country, but it shouldn't be a prerequisite for emigration.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? Prayer should be prohibited from public schools in the classroom during school hours, or at official school functions, whether during school hours or at other times. But I see no reason why a public school can't have, say, a religious club as an optional afterschool activity, so long as it's not the only club, and so long as it keeps to itself.

1 - Yes
2 - No
3 - Some limits in very extreme cases decided on by supreme court
4 - yes
5 - yes
6 - yes

1. Yes
2. No
3. Freedom of speech should be nearly absolute. You know the whole yelling fire in a crowded room argument.
4. Not sure I understand the question completely. I do believe those with the most have the most responsibility.
5. Forced to, no. encouraged to, yes.
6. No, I think religious groups and clubs should have the same access that other clubs are given. If the chess club has a place to meet I think the "Good News Club" should as well. I do not think the schools should be engaged in any activity that promotes any religion.

1 - Absolutely however religious institutions should have the right to say they will not marry same-sex couples.
2 - Never
3 - There should be very few limits. Libel, public safety, and anti-hate-literature laws I'm okay with.
4 - No
5 - No
6 - Depends on what you mean. If you mean should an individual be allowed to pray in school? Then no it should not be prohibited. If you mean setting aside time for prayer, then yes.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
No

2 - do you support the death penalty?
No, but I do believe rapist should be imprisoned for life, and have to bunk with Buba

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
Natural it should not be absolute, but I do believe government is pushing the limits.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
No. It should be up to the people. The government is to protect.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to immigrate to it?
Yes. It is key to know the language, otherwise, they will not be able to do any more than just survive.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
No.

1) I support civil unions for everyone. "Marriage" is too entwined with religious observances and the government can't get involved in how religions conduct themselves (though we can revoke their tax exempt status for failing to observe our Constitution).

2) No. (though I think suicide and euthanasia should be safe and legal)

3) There should be some few limits as observed above. I think public slander and libel should be treated more seriously, though. We're free to say what we wish, and responsible for every word.

4) Yeah, absolutely.

5) Governments should fund national language/common language courses for immigrants.

6) Government funded programs and facilities should be compliant with all laws, including the first amendment.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Yes. This is the civil rights movement of the 21st century.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

No. The same problems that existed in Furman v. Georgia still exist.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

99.99% Yes. Things such as "yelling fire in a crowded theater" should not be protected, almost everything else should be.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

No. The role of taxation should be to provide public services and protection (Roads, police, fire dept, military).

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

If they want to be an citizen, yes. If they want a visa/green card, no.


6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

Yes. Religion has no place in schools.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry? YES
2 - do you support the death penalty? YES
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say? Limits imposed on criminal/mischievous acts, such as the fire in a theater example. Other than that, absolutely not.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally? Absolutely not.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it? YES
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools? YES. However, if a group of students wish to pray, I find absolutely nothing wrong with that, campus grounds or not. If one employee involves themselves or tries to break it up, other than to tell the students to get to class after the bell has rung or other actual school-related reasons, then it becomes an issue. It should not be an official event, sanctioned or otherwise.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
Yeah, I mean, why not. Mind your own business and I'll mind mine I guess.

2 - do you support the death penalty?
Of course, why deal with them?

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
Absolute of course. Say whatever you want.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
Yep. How else will roads be built and police exist if not the people using them pay for them?

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?
Nope, not forced. Do what you want, but we should also be allowed to be bias against them should they require special effects such as specialized jobs. Hey, you never bothered to learn the language how do you think you will interact with people then? C'mon, common sense.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
YES DEAR GOD YES. Religion is not a defining factor in schools. Schools are for dispensing facts that we don't need to have "faith" in. Take your voodoo elsewhere.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Yes.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

Yes, but let's go back to public hangings and firing squads. I want people to know what happens when you do really bad things to other people (That merit the death penalty).

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

Yes there should be freedom of speech but only if I am not in charge.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

No, I want it to pay for the things I take for granted.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

Yes, if I go to a country the first thing I want to learn is how to communicate with those in that country.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

No. I think forcing people to pray to someone else's god/goddess/flying spaghetti monster is wrong. I don't care what you do in your head, just don't make my kid do it with you. It's intolerance of other people's beliefs that fucked up the religion in school thing.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Yes and No. It depends upon the circumstances. This question is somewhat loaded and not black/white.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

Yes, in the case of particularly heinous crimes.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

It should be limited.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

No - it may have been originally designed that way, but now it just pays off debt or pays for government spending.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

No, they cannot be "forced" to do this anyway. And who is going to police or enforce it? Oh wait, let's throw some government money at it--that will work....

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

No. People who want to pray do so anyway, whether students or teachers or administrators. And I've yet to attend a graduation ceremony that didn't begin with a public prayer.

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1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Absolutely! I can't imagine that this is really still a question.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

Yes, but not in its current form. There are some people who cannot be 'reformed' and need to be edited out of the population.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

Freedom with limits on injury to other parties. Notice I say injury, not offense.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

Not so simply, but yes. And the people who say no to this, I'll go ahead and call bullshit. They just don't like some definition of what is in the common interest of the country.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emigrate to it?

Encouraged, assisted, yes. Enforced, not really. But nor should people of that nation be made to feel that the new arrivals can speak whatever language they please and it is all in the name of diversity and should be accepted.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

Absolutely! Pray in your home or your church. Schools are for education. Religion is indoctrination and inimical to education. As the saying goes, 'Don't pray in my school, and I won't think in your church.'

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?

Sure, as much as non-gay couples should be allowed to legally marry. I'm fine either way.

2 - do you support the death penalty?

Yes, but probably not in the way you think. By the time someone is locked up and in a box and we have proven that they have done something really horrible, just keep them in the box. It is less bother than killing them.

At the same time, the death penalty happens more often (state sanctioned murder) when a police officer uses deadly force.

3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?

Preventing someone from saying something is very difficult. There are some things that when said, deserve punishment. Ie, if I promise you to give you 11,000$ tomorrow in exchange for 10000$ today, and I don't come through...

There are a myriad of other examples. If I threaten to kill someone, incite others to kill someone, tell someone to kill someone -- all are pretty non-controversially criminal acts.

So no, freedom of speech shouldn't be absolute. It should be incredibility broad, but not absolute.

4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?

I am not aware of a taxation scheme that does this to any significant extent -- most first world taxation schemes redirect wealth at best from the super-wealthy to the merely ridiculously wealthy (or what the first world calls the "poor") on this planet.

And there are plenty of arguments that don't involve redistribution that make national welfare programs make lots of sense.

In short, this really hasn't been tried. It might be worth trying on a decent scale.

5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emmigrate to it?

I sort of think that nations should have the right to determine who becomes citizens/residents of the nation in question. And I think that a nation encouraging immigrants to learn the local language in order to become citizens/residents seems like a reasonable system.

6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?

Naw -- I think if students want to pray about something, they should be allowed to... on their own time (even in school they should have their own time). On the other hand, I think that non-denominational schooling should be around, and that the teachers in a non-denominational school shouldn't be telling/ordering their students to pray. Quite possibly they shouldn't even be praying in public with the students while they are working.

1 - do you support the right for gay couples to legally marry?
Yes
2 - do you support the death penalty?
No
3 - do you believe that freedom of speech should be absolute, or are their some limits on what people should be allowed to say?
Yes, say what you will, but take responsibility for saying it.
4 - do you believe that part of the role of taxation is to redistribute resources more equally?
No, we already redistribute wealth, it's called employment.
5 - do you believe that people should be forced to learn the official language of a nation if they want to emigrate to it?
Yes
6 - do you believe that prayer should be prohibited from schools?
Yes, separation of church and state.