Political Beliefs - Tommy Barbato

The Political Compass test placed me as an economic leftist, and socially a libertarian (-6.13 economic left, -4.82 social libertarian). I believe that on social issues, the government should allow for total freedom in citizens' right to choose. Women's bodies are their own, and thus the government should not have any influence over that. People should be able to express their identities in any way they feel true, and the government has no right to limit those identities. Economically, the government has a duty to look out for the less fortunate, rather than strictly supporting the wealthy and powerful. The idea of a democratic government is to serve the people, so if it is not serving all the people, it is not doing its job. Wealth and the power that comes with it give the wealthy influence, but the poor need the government to have them in mind so that they are not swept under the rug.

The majority of wealthy people in this country feel no obligation to help those who are less economically stable. While I do not think they need to want to aid in the prosperity of the entire country, I believe the government has a duty to require them to by raising taxes. It does not make sense to keep taxes on the wealthy low when they are the ones who will remain financially stable in light of heavier taxes, and when this change would greatly aid in the economic stability of the country.

I believe three values that every American citizen should have regardless of age, creed, color, religious affiliation or sex is the right to vote, the right to a livelihood and the right to speak freely without fear of retribution. The right to vote and the right to speak freely are the basic grounds for instituting change in this country. That is how people can voice their opinions and band together with those who have like-opinions, a group which can then make a real difference. The right to a livelihood guarantees that everyone has the opportunity to provide for themselves and their family, which guarantees the necessities of life.