My Views

Eratork's Views

Ahh, welcome to my soapbox ... just kidding! This page isn't that bad. Unless you are a conservative narrow minded fool, then maybe this page would be considered that bad! Anyway. My highest principle is borrowed from the Wiccan religion: An ye harm none, do as ye Will. This simple idea that all people are free to do what they wish so long as they are not violating the rights of others to do the same should be an American, if not universal, standard, but the unfortunate truth is that it is not. Various religious and political groups have polluted the American dream with there singular moral belief system and tried to make this democracy into a theocracy. I am confused as to where the ideal of separation of church and state went to in this country ... and hope it will return soon.

Politically speaking, I am not associated with any one party, though I do seam to be liberal on many social issues. I believe in personal freedoms and stricter constitutional adherence. I also believe in ending the war on drugs (which in actuality is nothing more than a war on personal freedoms), an end to censorship, and an end to unconstitutional forms of taxation.

My philosophical view point is that of a secular humanist (more). A secular humanist believes in looking at life through logic, critical thinking, and the scientific method tempered with compassion and understanding for others. It is a search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being, and individual responsibility. Astrologically speaking, I am an Aquarius (some call me and "Aqueerious") born in the Chinese year of the Tiger with Mars rising.

My religious views are very simple: They are not. That's right folks, I'm an atheist. I do not believe in the concept of a SENTIENT higher power that created us, rules us, or guides us. This does not mean that I have contempt for society or individuals -- far from it. My views as a secular humanist are that of caring for all people and working to achieve a free and safe society for all. What it does mean is that I treat others with respect and care because I believe these are the right things to do, not because some deity has ordered it so. And it also means that I do not endorse the Christian dogma relating to what proper behavior is or is not (an idea created in ancient times to control an ignorant society by the Catholic church) and its need to be forced onto others. This righteousness is what has spawned the murder of millions throughout time with such things as the Crusades, the exploration/exploitation of Africa, the take over of Americas, and the Salem witch hunts to name a few things all done in the name of God. I could not in good conscious endorse such a philosophy.

Finally, I have been openly gay since 1994; I guess you could say I've suspected myself of being gay since 1993. I don't see what the problem with this lifestyle is; I mean, it fits my motto of And ye harm none, do as ye will and is a loving, creative, imaginative, and caring society. I still don't understand why a change in the gender of our loved ones constitutes a crime, and believe me plenty of people have tried to explain it to me. I have been a politically active member of this society since 1994 through various on campus organizations in college. Now-a-days I am a member of the Human Rights Campaign, which fights to end discrimination based on sexual orientation through political lobbying and education programs throughout the US. To help with the legal defense of those whose rights are violated, not only on the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and/or Trans-gendered (GLBT) front but on many others as well, I became a member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In the 1980s I thought this group was a bunch of punks ... now I think they're just the group of punks this country needs to keep it safe and free. I also endorse research, treatment, and education on HIV and AIDS. To this aim, I have participated in several Washington, DC AIDS Rides. This is not just a "Gay Disease" and everyone needs to know that this deadly pandemic is not only destroying people and families, it is destroying entire countries, and is completely preventable.