I'm thinking hard about being in politics.

You're asking the right questions. I'm interested in going into journalism, fully aware that a lot of what I've said and done in the past on social media and other digital avenues could always come back and bite me in the ass. It's something our generation will have to deal with in an unprecedented way - just as you used to be able to *bleep* up really bad as a newspaper editor or reporter and cover your tracks by simply not putting the mistake down on your resume, so too is it becoming more and more difficult for politicians - with the rise of nonprofit watchdog groups combing the Internet and public records for dirt (my favorite, perhaps, is PolitiWoops, a blog that posts deleted tweets from official accounts of American elected officials) - to hid their past positions.

I'm always for transparency, and I believe it's possible to reach out to younger people who are more Internet savvy and realize the perils of having a "submit" button so close to the fingertips to understand the evolving nature of our personal and professional lives online. I would continue to ask myself these questions, but I wouldn't nuke my online portfolio, either.

I can honestly say that I admire your positions and I agree. I should not try to hide anything because I am not ashamed to admit that I am a human being and that emotions play too big a role in what content is submitted online. I don't condone the things I have said, but I also admit that I have said them. And that, I hope, is enough. Growth is about being emotional, and finding the rhyme. I'm 23, I joined Neoseeker a long time ago and the majority of my discussions have been here. Facebook might also play a minor role, but here, where I feel I have real anonymity, falsely, I have probably said the most depraved things of my life. But I'm grown now and I feel like I understand who I am better than I ever have before.

And just so anyone is wondering, my position is Libertarian. I am exactly what I think Canada is lacking right now. We need a stronger economy, and we have a huge country to expand on that idea, but social and economic interests are 100% compatible and there is no reason why things like gay marriage and whether we should build pipelines in the north are related issues at all. There is no reason why we can't have a healthy society with tolerance and allowance of freedoms to all people and have to be over socialized and have little concern with our interests in China, the United States, and Russia. I don't even want to debate things like transgender issues and abortion because I don't believe it even should be an issue. There are too many restrictions on things that do not matter. At all. If someone wants to do, or be something that has absolutely no implications on how compatible they are with society and the economy, I see no reason why any religion, any creed, any gender, sex, identity, any form of marriage between 2, or perhaps even multiple partners should be banned. The government is consistently at war with our personal happiness and prosperity, and it is not necessary or fair. No matter what the circumstances, that is not appropriate for a free, democratic society. I think people have a very misconstrued idea of how free they really are in this country. It is just not something that I as a leader would just accept. Period. Our country needs an outlook overhaul, and all of the debate and economic interests are on the table. Canada needs better politicians.

Thanks, but I've decided not to do that. I'd rather be a human being, not just another face.

at this time of period, you're never gonna make it in politics if you're one of those "idealists"

quote Lazzara

at this time of period, you're never gonna make it in politics if you're one of those "idealists"

Idealists dont stay idealists for long in politics.

Libertarianism isn't about complete disconnection from the state. Laws and taxes still apply. However, they are reduced to only the absolute essentials, limited to what is important. The only laws and taxes that matter are those that without, society and government would crumble or become irrelevant. Laws such as bans on guns, narcotics, and marriage are considered non-essential restrictions. With reduced restrictions, you increase freedom and decrease taxes. Things such as financing foreign wars is also not essential to our own security. We spend more money than is necessary, and put too many restrictions on what law abiding citizens can and cannot do. Libertarians increase rights as a private property owner, allowing you to live and do things you wish to do on your own property, including business practices. They also stand for increased social tolerance through education, not affirmative action.

So to answer your question, yes, I would accept a pay cheque. Libertarians are not anarchists. A politician is leeching off of the state as much as a professor is leeching off of his institution. It's work. And with good work comes good pay. That is the model that drives our society and I think it works well.

Once upon a time, I was into politics since my relatives were all involved in the political circle. However, I have to say that politics is dirty and ugly. Idealists should not enter or get near such a world. I was a political idealist myself back in the days of college and before that. I don't like politics now though I am still involved somewhat. My relatives were all in the government and military ancient times ago. They fought against Japan and also Communist China, while others fought against the anti-communists. As a pro-Japanese.. (smile) I don't like them but at the same time, I know what not to say and what not to do or else, they will kill me without mercy. Its politics.. Kind people will do things you could never imagine as that politics is dirty and ugly. All the respect and passion will turn into bullshit as political ideals clash. In other words, it is best and safe to stay away from political circles and of course, the political world.. Just my advice!