Five answers to questions they didn't really intend for me to answer

A few years back, the archconservative organization known as Focus on the Family was circulating a five-question survey in an effort to become relevant to more people in the 21st century.

Some of you may have seen this at the time, but I thought it might be interesting to print the five questions along with my own answers to them.

1. What are the social and political issues you care about?

I believe that the words of the Declaration of Independence still resonate, that our unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are crucial.


I believe that concentrating only on political liberty ignores the economic bondage in which many people find themselves. A system in which 1 percent of the people of the world control 80 percent of its wealth is anything but Christian.

I believe a system of progressive taxation serves the country best, and I believe that spending more than $1 trillion a year on our military is at least counterproductive and at most insane..

Simple humanity ought to dictate that we make sure the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, the homeless sheltered and people given at least a minimum level of health care. The dignity of the individual is more important than some Ayn Randian fantasy.

2. How do you decide what issues are most important?

In my opinion, economic issues matter, moral issues -- gay marriage, school prayer, etc. -- should be left to the individual.

If we can somehow work out a fairer system in which those working their way up from the bottom economically can make more money and have more time to spend with their families, that's freedom.

3. What can we do to reach your generation with a conservative message (what obstacles do we need to overcome)?

Follow the true teachings of Jesus instead of some inane Prosperity Gospel. Follow Christ's teachings to avoid judging others to avoid judgment yourself. Stop being obsessed with the thought that someone somewhere is having sex for reasons other than procreation and still enjoying him- or herself.

4. What inspires you to get involved in a political cause?

Tom Joad said it first and best.

”Wherever you can look - wherever there's a fight, so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Wherever there's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there. I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad. I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry and they know supper's ready, and when the people are eatin' the stuff they raise and livin' in the houses they build - I'll be there, too."

Thank you, John Steinbeck.

5. How can we help equip you to make a difference in your community, country, and world?

I'm fine. Concentrate on your own efforts, and please stop thinking that the only good people in the world are those who believe and live as you do.