Going to keep it short as I have posted my opinion on these topics numerous times.
marriage: if we really want government out of it, then we should have left it up to the church. Government got involved with “licenses, tax credits etc…and it’s an issue because if it. If marriage were left where it began, in the church, then game over. No discussion necessary. So, if you truly want Government out, get out. No license, no tax benefits, and leave it up to the church on who gets married. Getting government out, isn’t them legislating who can get married. So yes, we disagree here, and I have a hard time understanding the comment “get government out of it, but pass a law that anyone can marry”. It doesn’t compute. As for me personally, IDGAF what people do, or what the church does. Get government out of it.
abortion: Pretty simple for me. Pro life or pro choice? Both. No one ever took away a womans choice (except in cases of rape, and I will get there in a minute). A woman and a man make the CHOICE to have sex. Like anything else in life, I have a CHOICE, but once I make that CHOICE, I have to deal with potential consequences of that CHOICE. We don’t abort everyone who makes a CHOICE that is going to cost society. So….no one is taking away a womans right to choose. You CHOSE to potentially be a mom, and now you’re going to be one. FWIW there are also potential cost to society from mental health issues resulting in that abortion. There are other costs to society from abortion as well, but no need to get into that. So yes, I am pro choice and pro life. Also, who speaks on behalf of the unborn child? Do they get a CHOICE? Because almost certainly, none would CHOOSE death.
rape: morning after pill, you have a choice. Done.
I am more libertarian than anything, hence the marriage take, but abortion is always the sticking point for me. Life is a precious gift. It’s the one area where my libertarianism gives way to something bigger.
Those are the social issues, the giant issues I have with many moderates are more on the fiscal side of the house. Where they seem to cave more and more to big Government programs. Social security, healthcare etc.