I do not believe in moral relativism. That said, I do not believe that religion, or god, or faith is the source of moral authority. I do not believe that men with pointy hats, or shiny hats, or powdered wigs, or slick hair are the experts on moral authority.

Sometimes I wonder if we live in a society that promises freedom so long as you use it the way you’re supposed to. While that may sound dark, it provokes a line of thinking that I believe has to be expressed and questioned. Often a candidate is slammed for not believing in our core American values. It’s a successful tactic – and I’m not entirely sure it’s an illegitimate one – but it raises a question.

What are American values?

My political identity has had a strange ride. Along the way I have slowly come to realize that no party truly represents my beliefs. But what are the beliefs of a secular conservative?