Neither liberal nor conservative. I consider myself a practical realist politically. But most people reviewing my policies and preferences would classify me as far-left.
I try to vote for the people who will do the least harm.
If you’re born to privilege — white, male, straight, to a family with money, in a wealthy western country, in good health, etc. — then it’s a lot easier to “make your own way through hard work” than it is if you’re not privileged.
The fundamental difference between socialism and capitalism is that capitalism steals from everyone and gives to the wealthy, and socialism steals from everyone and gives to those in need.
On gun violence: Trauma, shock, and blood loss kills people. Often caused by people with guns.
On the death penalty: It costs about ten times as much to execute someone as it does to warehouse them for life. Even in Texas where death penalty cases are handled efficiently. Aside from the moral implications of the state killing people, I think keeping them incarcerated for life is a worse punishment and a better deterrent.
On taxes: In the 50s, when America was Great, marginal taxes on income at the highest bracket were above 90 percent.