CAPITOL PUNISHMENT. I am split on this issue. The logical side of me says that instead of spending thousands of dollars a year to keep a person in jail for life for their unspeakable atrocities, just shoot them in the head and be done with the whole ordeal. Yes, firing squad. It would create jobs for unemployed people, improve the economy (gun production and bullets), and also, it's a lot less expensive than the chemical injections. On the other hand, my moral side says that all things come full circle and God will handle the convict in the end.

RELIGION. I think Atheist and Agnostics are justified in what they belief or do not believe; it's their life, they can do as they like in that regard. Also, all religions have a right to exist because most teach good morals or in the very least give people something to believe in. However, I do not think that any forms of extremism are acceptable. Islam, for example, has a lot of high profile extremism going on currently in the Middle East as well as terroristic acts in other countries but that is not the core of the religion; in all actuality Islam is one of the more peaceful belief systems. That is an organization of extremists acting out and giving the religion a bad connotation. I'm not just picking on Muslims, Catholics have had a fair share of nonsense in the past as well (that whole Crusades fiasco). There's also extremism in speech for and against religions which is not right either. Religion is a person's connection with their creator/higher power/etc so to shove your religion down someone else's throat is unnecessary, uncalled for, and honestly just rude.

WELFARE/FEDERAL AID. In scope it was a good idea to put government money into a program to help the less fortunate in society. However this system has become a complete joke. The guidelines for receiving the aid have become ridiculous. At one time you HAD to have the NEED for help but with adjustments due to a weak societal view on people with addictions there, simply put, are no more funds. At this point any alcoholic and/or drug addict can obtain welfare but those who truly have medical limitations and cannot work have trouble obtaining the fiscal assistance if they receive it at all.

HOMOSEXUALITY/ BISEXUALITY. Basically anyone can do as they please in that regard as long as no one gets hurt, physically (obviously in all relationships there is a certain level of "pain" involved; no relationship is perfect). And about same-sex marriages, I do think that same-sex couples are entitled to the legal benefits and tax exemptions but there IS a separation between church and state that should be applied. A government is in place to set order not to say what lifestyles are acceptable.

DISCRIMINATION. Through all history there has been discrimination for a wide variety of reasons. Either religion, sex, race, social status, etc. Even in todays modern society there is discrimination. Discrimination in my eyes is a toned down form of racism. It leaves certain people at a disadvantage for a condition they cannot change. Sadly, it exists and will always exist because it's part of human nature to think anything like you is good and something different is just, well, different.

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS. To a degree being "PC" is respectable and in some cases necessary. There are fanatics that take it too far in the way that ANYTHING at all that could be seen as mildly offensive to a decimal of a population needs corrected. Myself, I think "PC" is more or less dependent on the individual's morals to determine acceptable ways to speak and act, although not all people have the same standards. With that in mind everyone does have different standards which is why complete political correctness seems an almost impossible concept.

RACISM. It exists. Plain and simple it exists and always will as long as there are different races. Racism is ugly and fueled by ignorance and fear. Ignorance of someone different and fear of a change in what an individual accepts as "normal". My view remains the same, if I like you or dislike you it is because of your actions and words not your color, creed, heritage, or anything of the like.

DRUGS. For the most part drugs are a good thing, prescription medications help with illness or can ease suffering. For those purposes I have no reservation that drugs are beneficial. On the other hand, drug abuse and recreational use is atrocious. Using drugs to "escape" from a problem doesn't work; it only makes the situation worse, messes with your mind and judgment, and hurts those who watch you decline. I don't like drug abusers and currently the media makes drug use seem like the "in" thing to do with celebrities being shown as drug users. Children often take celebrities as role models, is that model behavior to you?

MENTAL ILLNESS. This is an idea that is also widely popularized in the media and among peers. Too often in this country people that have no real mental problem claim things such as "I have OCD or something, I must be bi-polar", or something along those lines. The truth is, mental issues are not at all kool, fun, or something that inspires pride. A mental affliction is a torment, it can feel like a punishment. Feeling like you have no control in your life is bad enough but when you feel you have lost control of your mind; well, nothing is worse than that.

ALCOHOL. Alcohol has been around since the earliest of civilizations. It is well known and widely used for many reasons such as celebrations, mourning, medicinal needs, even boredom. The thing to keep in mind if you are a drinker is moderation. Alcohol, in my opinion, should be used to relax NOT to become drunk and loose all inhibitions. Personally, I did drink before, I never got "trashed" but anyway, things in my life have changed and I will not drink again.