Glad to have you here. I'm also in Alabama (Mobile), so I completely understand how you feel with the dynamic that surrounds us. I like to say I'm a 'middle of the road' kind of person politically, but I know I lean left, and I make no apologies. I believe in Altruism, and I know that the system can be fixed because its a man-made construct, not something from nature.

Grad student in the arts, eh? Any particular focus? I'd like to know more.

I like the way you articulated that. There is a great fallacy that lower taxes are inherently good, higher taxes are bad. The fact is, when we all put in our share, on a macro scale, we can do those things that a great and wealthy society should do... Care for the elderly, lessen despair and suffering, provide opportunities for People to be more productive, make strategic choices that position society for future success... like the great infrastructure building projects of the middle part of the last century, and the social security system. Do you like drinkable water coming out of your faucet, do you value your ability to transport yourself long distances with ease, do you like living without intestinal parasites and foodborn illness? If not, just stop paying your taxes. Its called the 3rd world... And they don't pay taxes.

I'm a Progressive as well..I want healthcare for all, 15 dollar an hr minimum wage, college for all..free, legalized marijauna, no ban no wall for immigrants, allowance of the DREAMERs...things like that. Still identify as a Democrat but that could change depending on who is running.