Political Affiliation
I believe that people should vote based on qualifications and not on party lines. My political views lean heavily to the left, but are conservative enough on particular topics about which I'm passionate that I refuse to permanently affiliate myself with a political party. That said, I am outspokenly anti-Republican and will continue to be so as long as fundamentalists continue to run it.
Major Issues
Having two children with disabilities, I follow disability rights issues very closely--especially as it relates to education. Along the same line, I also keep an eye on health care reform ideas (both sides have it all wrong). I follow education issues both as a parent, as an advocate, and as part of my employment. Environmental concerns are among the greatest challenges and opportunities of my generation and the generation to come. There are too many issues to give my opinion on them all (although I probably do have an opinion), but that's what a blog is for, isn't it?
A Note on Boycotts
There was a time when boycotts were used to create social change in America. I am a firm believer in boycotts. If a company does something that I find repulsive, I don't purchase from that company anymore. I tell others why I don't purchase from that company anymore. If they make it right (they rarely do), I shop there again. If they don't, I find somewhere else to buy it. If there's nowhere else to buy it, I stop using it. The notable exception to this principle is the medical supply industry because, quite frankly, my son can't do without those.
The Boycott List
Amazon - There are a lot of good reasons to boycott Amazon and I can't link to them all. Do a search and you'll find a long history of racism, homophobia, poor treatment of publishers and writers, misapplied patent law, and large donations to candidates for public office that support all of the above
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BP, including subsidiaries of Arco, am/pm, Amoco, Castrol, and Aral
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Mars® Candy Bars
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Mel Gibson Movies
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Koch Industries products including: Brawny®, Georgia-Pacific®, Dixie®, Quilted Northern®, Angelsoft®, Soft N' Gentle®, Mardi Gras®, Vanity Fair®, LYCRA®, COOLMAX®, and others
