California conservative

Senior Les Stark is a registered republican in California.
"I'm more conservative than anything. A true conservative believes in limited government and giving people the right to do the things they wish to do as long as it's not hurting or imposing on other people. I wouldn't call myself a republican, I'm a conservative.

Do you side with McCain on every issue?

Les Stark: I don't agree with McCain on a lot of things, but I think that he's the least socialist of the group. My major thing is I think that people who work for their money deserve to keep it. I don't believe in the redistribution of wealth. Everyone has the right to have equal opportunity to achieve and everyone should have an equal opportunity to work hard and make money. I don't believe in equal outcome, life's just not fair.

So is the economy the issue you feel most strongly about?

LS: Well, yeah I guess, the redistribution of wealth is my biggest issue as far as the economy goes. I believe in a very restricted government. I don’t want them coming in and regulating banks or regulating social security, or regulating really anything as far as my decisions as an American go. I also feel strongly about less taxation. The economy is cyclical, there's always going to be ups and downs, but when you interfere with things you open up opportunity for corruption. It also creates incorrect distribution of money which causes bigger issues, I think it’s just better to keep your hands off it all together.

Which issues do you disagree with Obama on?

LS: Obama believe in expanded government and universal health care, basically the government getting too involved in everyday life. Our government needs to be hands off on those issue.

What issues do you disagree with McCain on?

LS: I disagree with McCain on issues like abortion and gay marriage. I don’t think that it’s the government’s right to decide those issues for you one way or the other. It’s the same way with drugs, it’s not government’s right to tell you what you can and can’t within the confines of your own home as long as you're not hurting anyone else. On a personal level I’m against abortion, I think it’s horrible and it shouldn't even be an option, but at the same time it’s not my right to say one way or another. At least not until they decide what is life and agree on the exact moment life begins. Until that argument is decided I don't think I have a say. In regards to gay marriage, I want to uphold the word marriage. I’m voting yes on prop 8 because I believe that marriage is between a male and a woman. Do I think that gays don't have the same rights as far as taxes and putting away money for retirement, absolutely not. I just don't want to call it marriage. Am I for gay marriage, yes, am I for calling marriage, no.