This probably should have been my first post on the blog; nevertheless, let me lay out some thoughts so that you have a frame of reference for how I think.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I consider myself a moderate Republican.  I do so, because controlling the size of government and providing for a strong national defense, are in my view, the two issues to which all others are subordinate.  We cannot ultimately achieve our potential as a nation and as a people unless those matters are properly addressed.  I also consider myself a pragmatist.  I'm very skeptical of absolutists.  I have a strong aversion to extremes on either side of the political spectrum.  Virtually all issues have nuance and room for compromise.  I do, however, value and promote vigorous, challenging debate.  It's the only way I know to better understand thought processes and motivations, and ultimately to find common ground.  Let me provide some examples:

• I believe in the first amendment, but I don't believe it gives paparazzi the right to relentlessly stalk, harass, and invade others' privacy.
• I believe in the second amendment, but I don't believe it should give hunters the right to kill squirrels with an AK-47.
• I believe in voter rights, but I don't believe it is unreasonable to ask for identification.
• I believe in protecting the environment, but I don't believe that regulation can be done in a context that doesn't balance the concerns of the public and private sector. 
• I believe that workers should have rights, but so should businesses.
• I believe in the right to sue and collect substantial damages, but not to the point that resulting insurance premium requirements make us less competitive, cost jobs, and ultimately hurt those who are supposed to benefit most from the protections.
• I believe in personal responsibility, but I don't believe that means we should walk away from the less fortunate.
• I believe government should provide a hand up, not a hand out. 
• I believe government has a responsibility to provide a framework for achievement and self-sufficiency.  I do not believe government should contribute to a culture of dependency.
• I believe in a public education system, but I don't believe in the stranglehold the teachers' union has over anything that smacks of progress and/or accountability.
• I believe that discrimination still exists, albeit in more subtle ways than in the past.  I also believe in Affirmative Action, but I wonder if we've gotten to the point that it harms more than helps. 

These are just a sampling of my views.  As you'll learn, I have many, many more.  I look forward to exchanging ideas with you and learning along the way.