I recently responded to a tea-party member on Facebook regarding nationalized healthcare. It isn’t too often that I post something that both completely and articulately states my opinion on a forum. I may never be able to get it out in the same way again, so I am reposting it here.

Context: I was responding directly to this comment made by tea party member, and ultra conservative ___ ___: “you have the belief, I think, that liberty is government taking responsibility and having fingers in every facet of your life so that they give a “sense” of happiness and quality of life as defined by bureaucrats.”

My response:

Not true. Does everyone who disagrees with your view get labeled Orwellian? To make it clear: I am for small government but believe that disparity in education, shelter, nutrition, and healthcare are things that we should work to limit for the good of society. As the government is representative of the people, and it is in everyone’s best interests for a vibrant society, it is obvious to me that the government should work towards these goals. How that takes shape requires sacrifice and compromise and should evolve over time. The “every man for himself” attitude from the extreme right reminds me of the wild west, and frankly, disgusts me. Lobbyists also disgust me, as does special spending (aka pork), and endless bickering. A government is responsible for the safety, security, mobility, and well being of the people it has been elected to serve. It is not to be a vehicle for propaganda, misinformation, spying, and the denial of rights — or the reclassification of rights as privileges for the betterment of a few over the detriment of the many.

There you have it. If this makes me a liberal, so be it. If it makes me progressive, so be it. Independent? label away. On Erased, I wrote a song called “Screw“, which is related to this argument about the size and role of government. Smart regulation is key, some government is necessary. But I do not want Patriot Acts and government secrets.

I’m curious. How much Social Networking is too much social networking?

I currently maintain two blogs (this one and a professional one), a Twitter account, a Facebook profile, a LinkedIn account, and I’m also a member of several other forums and newsgroups. Loosely calculated, I think I spend about 1.5 hours a day in this space. And I should mention that most of this time is spent early in the mornings before the kids wake.

But here’s my justification: For one, Facebook is necessary! It is the only way that I can keep in touch with more than 100 close friends and family. Without FB, I would feel completely out of touch. I live in Europe after all and most of my friends and all of my family live in the US.

On Twitter, I’m able to post links and interesting tidbits about the economy, politics, and technology with an eye towards marketing for my professional blog. On GrengaMa, I can post more personal accounts, musings, and rants on the blog without interference or contamination with the people who care only about what I have to say professionally.

All of these things to me are necessary to stay connected. But at what cost? Should I cut down? I’d like to know your thoughts if you have any on the matter.