What I Stand For

What I Stand For by Michael Scanlon
It would be easy to write an anti-Trump screed to define myself here in 2025.
But I’m going to assume you know I’m opposed to President Trump and his policies – and you’re absolutely right! Instead, I’m going to share my beliefs.
I’m gonna start in the deep end and go in random order:
1 I believe in univeral health care. Where universal means everyone.
2 I believe we have one planet, and we’re living against it, and we need to start living in harmony with Mother Earth because there is no Planet B.
3 I believe in justice. Real justice, not purchased justice for the rich and justice denied for the rest of us.
4 I believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s the equity that gets them all worked up. Another reason why you need a union.
5 I believe in unions. I believe in the free flow of capital. I’m a capitalist. I believe capital should be allowed to congonlomerate in any fashion it’s owner(s) choose. For us working stiffs, that’s our labor. These two hands might be the only capital we’ve got. We have the right to organize, associate and sell our labor any way we like. Union For All!
6 I believe in free markets. The science and the data have shown time and time again that a command and control economy will never be the most efficient and the most prosperous. Regardless what the Great Leader commands.
7 I oppose hatred in all its forms. Whether that’s hating people for being transgender or hating people for smoking cannabis, all hatred is harmful and wrong.
8 I believe in a great public education system. Not adequate. Not good. America at it’s best is an America with an amazing public education system. P-12+.
9 I believe in immigration. Let’s fix this broken system once and for all. We’re a nation of immigrants for God’s sakes!
10 I believe Coloradoans have the right to expect security in their homes and workplace, their schools and their shops.
11 I believe in a strong national defense. And I believe in rewarding, not ignoring, our military veterans. Veterans have unique needs. They deserve better. We owe them.
12 I believe in freedom, whether you’re a woman seeking an abortion, or a stressed our working guy seeking a little cannabis relief at the end of (another) long week of work, you’re entitled to freedom of choice. The government needs to be scaled back.
13 I believe the Democratic Party needs to get back to working people as our front and center priority. We must keep working folks top of mind in all policy decisions.