Introductions are in order

I suppose the first thing I'll do is introduce myself to anyone who may happen to find my thoughts interesting. I'm a 23 year old graduate student at the University of Kentucky. I'm also a columnist for the student newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel; I write about every other week, usually about politics.

Since political topics will be the main issues discussed, I think it's important for me to define myself politically. I consider myself a conservative with libertarian tendencies. On economic issues, I am a fan of supply side capitalism. I believe, as John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan did, that decreasing the tax burden on citizens increases government revenue. I would like to see less spending in Washington. The government wastes too much of our money on programs that have failed Americans for years.

My views on security issues closely resemble those of President Bush. I believe that the US must carry the fight to the terrorists, so they cannot strike us here. I supported the war on Iraq when it began, and I maintain my support to this day. I think the government can afford to increase military pay so that the families of our troops can make ends meet at home. At the same time, our military must be adequately funded.

Social issues really are a mixed bag for me. I think the War on Drugs has been a massive waste, and I would support decriminalization of certain drugs, with stipulations attached. I am pro-choice to the extent that I believe that abortion should be an option for victims of rape or incest, or in cases where the mother's life is in danger. I do not think that abortion should be used as a means of birth control. I have no problem with gays getting married, because I don't think that it would destroy the institution of marriage.

Obviously, I've left out a lot of issues. Some will inevitably be discussed in subsequent posts. I've always enjoyed receiving feedback from readers of the Kernel, and I'd appreciate feedback from anyone who reads my posts here. I'll try to keep my posts up to date, but as a student, I might not always be able to find time. I hope everyone enjoys my posts, thanks for reading!