Hello, everyone, I'm Jeremy McCracken. I'm currently in my sixth year at the University of Akron, majoring in secondary education in social studies.
I graduated from Springfield High School in 2002. During my time there I was in band, holding first chair in each ensemble I participated in. I was also in audio/visual
for about a year and a half starting in 2001, so you may have seen my name in the credits on some of the programs on Springfield Warner Cable channel 15. In the spring of
2002, I was a part of Springfield AM.
Musical history
I have continued my musical hobby at the University of Akron, where I was briefly in the marching band (fall of 2002),
and was in the university band while at Akron.
Fall 1998- Spring 2002
Springfield marching band/ pep band (section leader 2000-02)
Politically speaking, I am an independent. I oppose the idea of party politics. One of my favorite speeches is that of Joe Lieberman at the 2008 Republican National Convention.
(link) If you're a die-hard Democrat that hates Lieberman simply for making this speech (a.k.a. you've referred to him
as a traitor), well, you've just proved my point.
My positions
Abortion
Pro-choice
Affirmative action
Opposed: it says that people of a different race are inherently different. They aren't.
Budget & Economy
Low taxes, defecits are okay in a poor economy (typical republican-style). In addition, large corporations often stiffle smaller businesses and some, including Microsoft and WalMart, should be split.
Civil rights
Always very open. Flag burning and dsnouncing the U.S., while wrong in many ways, are legal and protected. Banning these acts would go against the intention of the country.
Crime & Punishment
In cases of addiction, rehabilitation should come first, and if the offender continues, then the law should apply. For example, a good penalty for drunk driving would be rehabilitation for the first offense,
coupled with a three-strike policy. I am in favor of legalization of marijuana and am against the war on drugs.
Death penalty
I am opposed to it, not because of the humanitarian aspect, but because it voids the accused's right to appeal.
Education
Education is of the utmost importance. It was what allows someone to rise from poverty. Education must receive a high level of funding, and supercedes welfare programs. Often, education is the cure for unemployment.
Energy/Oil
Ethanol is a great solution, as it combines a decrease in oil consumption with a replacement of farm subsidies. While strict mileage standards would lower the cost of oil, I am against the idea, as people should be free
to choose their own vehicles.
Foreign policy
The United States has a responsibility to help struggling nations. This includes removing brutal dictators. The Iraq War was justified, and in large part, sucessful. We must also contribute foreign aid to help developing
countries develop- mostly in technology.
Gay marriage
I would like to see it totally legal. Marriage is a government contract separate from religion, as defined by the separation of church and state. It should apply to any two people. Since many areas don't agree, it would be
best to leave it to each state, and I will continue to push for Ohio to end its policy of discrimination.
Gun control
I'm against it. As per the fourth amendment, citizens may own firearms with out restriction. The previous assault-weapon ban was pointless as it was based on cosmetic aspects; additionally, assault weapons aren't used in most robberies,
handguns are. I like Ohio's conceal-carry licensing policy and would like to see it national.
Health care
It should be provided to a limited extend to those who can't afford it. This is already the national policy, through Medicaid.
Immigration
It is a great idea, as long as the subject undergoes security clearence. Illegal immigration needs to be dealt with, via a better barrier along the Mexican border.
International Trade
It can not be totally free, as we in the U.S. can't compete with lower minimum wages in other countries. Sometimes tarrifs are necessary when the importing nation has much lower working standards.
Minimum wage
There is a natural equilibrium of wages. The minimum wage should only be put above that if it is very low. In Ohio, it is about $6.00 per hour. The new minimum wage of $6.85 is a detriment and will hurt small businesses.
Moral values
Morals are in the eye of the beholder. The government should never legislate morality.
Social security
It will continue to get worse. Don't prop up an already failing system, replace it. I am in favor of privatization.
Welfare
It should be limited. In most cases, a better education would solve the poverty problem.
I summary, I'm in favor of the Iraq war, the war on terrorism, supply-side economics, and limited government involvement, and I'm against restricting rights to homosexuals, banning abortion, and prayer in schools.
I'm also a big opponent of the improper use of eminent domain, and I am a member of the Castle Coalition, a PAC based on limiting the use of eminent domain.
Religion
I am a christian, but, as the paragraph above states, I'm not in favor of government involvement. I prefer the phrase, "Live and let live."
My life
I have also written/edited many articles on Wikipedia, an internet encyclopedia.
