I reflect my political views and opinions in the articles I write for Rousseau, for which I am the sole journalist. I describe myself as a democratic socialist, who is socially liberal and economically conservative — I believe in human rights and personal option, where no government should control what people think, do or think about themselves.

Philosophy

I am a social democrat, and admire the politics of and policies enacted by Scandinavian countries, which involve extensive social benefits payed for by taxes. I am not a socialist in the sense of distributing wealth, but I do think richer people should pay higher taxes to at least try and get people in poverty above the line. I am not afraid to progress my political positions as the world continues.

<aside> 💡 Social democracy involves capitalism with an extensive social security system like benefits and universal, single-payer healthcare. Socialism, or democratic socialism, involves the same social security system but a distribution of wealth between members of the public, whilst upholding a democratic system of government. Communism is the same as socialism, but is implemented by an authoritative state.

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Presidential endorsements

Pete Buttigieg

I endorsed Buttigieg for president in the 2020 Democratic primaries. Although not strictly a social democrat, I support all of his social positions except for his opinions on Edward Snowden and whistleblowers. His résumé involves being a 2020 presidential candidate and his role as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. I am happy that he's been appointed Secretary of Transportation in Biden's cabinet.

John Kasich

As a Democrat and moderate-left liberal, I am biased but I would have supported Kasich for the 2016 Republican primaries, and if he ran again in 2020. He is on the left wing of the party, is a Trump critic and as Governor of Ohio extended LGBT rights and implemented several progressive orders.

Social issues

Abortion

I am pro-choice, and believe all women should have the choice to abort their baby unless in the very late stages of pregnancy, or are getting an abortion because of the child's sex, other features or because of rumors that the child, in future life, could hold a certain characteristic, including being gay or developing a stammer. I vehemently oppose and call for the repealing of both the Hyde Amendment (barring U.S. federal funds to abortion services) and the Mexico City policy (barring, in the U.S., non-governmental organisations from funding abortion services).

Affirmative action

I oppose affirmative action policies. If we really want equality in the world, we should be solely employing people based on qualifications and skill. Forcefully swaying who gets employed by gender, sex or color just delays that aim of equality, and could possibly end up swinging the "domination pendulum".

Capital punishment

I oppose capital punishment — it just feels like those put on death row are getting the fast way out of being responsible of their crimes; additionally, it can be traumatic to the inmates' families. I will uphold that life sentences without parole is a far better option than ending their lives the "easy" way.

Crime

I believe that the United States should learn from countries like Britain, Canada and New Zealand. In Britain, all guns, including handguns, are banned except for certain rifles used for hunting, after just three mass shootings — as a Brit, it is mad to think how long America will take to realise that people who have guns will eventually kill people, children or adults. Canada and New Zealand banned assault rifles after their Atlantic and Christchurch shootings respectively. The federal government should, firstly, institute a super-strict and rigorous background checks system, then institute a nationwide amnesty, and confiscate guns found after without a permit.

Police should be trained to de-escalate more than using weapons and fighting back, in which there is a horrific disproportionate ratio in which those topics are taught in police academies.