A few of you love me.
A lot of you hate me.
But do you know anything about me?
Let's clear the air once and for all.
I am not a progressive. I have never claimed to be, nor do I think I ever will. There are some progressive policy ideas which I am unabashedly supportive of, and others I abhor.
I am a voracious supporter of the Bill of Rights...the ENTIRE Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment is just as important as the others and I cringe at interpretations of it that could lead to restricting gun owners to hunting weapons.
I am terrified of flying and literally cannot board a plane without having a few drinks beforehand.
I want to get rid of the for-profit health care system in the country, including long-term care. I've seen ER's full of people knowing full-well most of what they're seeking treatment for could have been prevented with a trip to the doctor and some antibiotics. I've seen one of my grandparents be abused in a nursing home, unable to speak out. Another grandparent was stolen from by an aide worker, probably because his/her pay was so low that theft was the easiest way to make ends meet. Single-payer health care would go a long way towards curing what ails us.
I love comedies. My favorite movie is The Naked Gun. My favorite TV show of all time is Arli$$, and my current favorite is Eastbound & Down. I will watch any movie Kevin Spacey stars in.
I love people who push the boundaries of what is acceptable in society. I don't enjoy Howard Stern (I'm more of a Ron & Fez guy), but I believe we should all cherish the way people like he and Larry Flynt stand up for all of us by pushing the First Amendment as far as it will go, because that's where it should be.
I am the son of a small-business owner and a health care lobbyist (for the good guys). I am a non-practicing Jew that loves the culture and history of my people. I vigorously support Israel, sometimes to a fault.
I'm in love with a beautiful woman who makes me smile every time I talk to her.
I believe taxes need to be way higher than they are now, on everyone, not just the well off. Everyone should be invested, even if only a little, in our country.
I support our troops, and not just with a bullshit yellow ribbon on a SUV.
I am incredibly stubborn, and I hate to apologize.
I am who I am.
-AB