I've sworn to uphold and defend the US Constitution several times. I own a copy, and yes, I've read it. However, as a historian, I think it is very important to understand the lives of its authors and the context in which it was written. The country has changed, and the constitution has changed with it. If the founding fathers had intended for the constitution to be interpreted with zero subjectivity they wouldn't have allowed for a Supreme Court.
I don't (generally) believe in absolute right and absolute wrong answers. I don't like labels like Democrat, Conservative, "Pro Life" or "Anti Gun." They are far too simple, and tend to pigeon-hole anyone who isn't "on-board" 100%, as being on the other side--for example, I hate abortion, but because I don't think the government has the right to tell you you can't have one, I'm a baby killer. But I really don't think people should be having them, and after a 10-min convo, I'm also likely to be labeled a fascist by the pro-choice camp. I think most people fear intellectual ambiguity... I thrive on it.
Ask me my opinion on an issue, and expect a lengthy conversation. But please, ask, b/c I'd like to hear your point of view as well. Maybe you'll change my mind (does this make me a wishy-washy flip-flopper? Maybe.) (posted on my fb profile about a year ago)

Beginnings

My intention for this blog is to be a place for me to work out my political opinions.

I think that opinions shouldn't be able to be expressed in one or two sentences. That's my opinion on that. (get it?)

I'm not always right, but I'm not always wrong either. The truth is that my opinion is mine, and I'm entitled to it. If you don't agree with me, that's good. Tell me what you think. I want to know. You might change my mind--you might not.

I think that people who refuse to enter into rational political discourse are afraid of being proven wrong, and it is a sign of strength to overcome that fear. I ask people to put away anger and tell me what they believe. I will be doing the same.

Of course, this assumes anyone actually reads this. Whether anyone reads or not, I'll be writing. And this blog IS being written with the full intention that people read it. Read it, and post on it. We can't come together as a nation if we don't know what each other is (are?) thinking.