Someone leaving a comment this morning referred to me as a “neo-lib.” I’m not sure what this is, but I’ll make a guess. Which means there’s something I need to clear the air about.

I am not a liberal. Here are a few things that apply to this writer:

• Orthodox Christian, Russian Orthodox Church Abroad
• Former law student/paralegal
• Pet lover. I simply love companion animals
• Registered democrat
• Extremely conservative, with some mildly liberal ideas
• Civil Libertarian
• White, 40-something, fan of the Grateful Dead
• Heterosexual, not that you asked

How conservative am I? I believe that the proper and rightful form of government is a God-annointed Christian King. Not that it would work in America.

I’m against abortion. Not that I think this government, which is killing tens of thousands of grown and half-grown people, needlessly and heedlessly, has any business regulating it.

Marriage is a sacrament of the Church, not an office of the State. City Hall has no more business marrying people than it has serving Holy Communion. And to pass a law concerning it is at the least a violation of the First Amendment and at the most a sacrilege. However, I believe that every citizen, regardless of sexual persuasion, has the right to equal protection and the due process of the law. If two people of the same gender wish to be life partners, they should have the protection of law and the same rights to tax status, health insurance, etc., as traditional couples. That’s not marriage, and only God is enthroned to judge our sin. So as a Christian, my only job is simple: to love other people no matter what. Divorce is also a matter for the Church, not the courts.

Am I starting to make George Bush look liberal? Not really. If he were a liberal, he’d be willing to let his government care for the poor and protect the environment. If he were conservative, he’d reign in his insane spending. Our president is something else. I maintain he’s founded a new party that has yet to be named. One which values strength over wisdom, bluster and violence over the peace that follows loving thy neighbor.

I’m a democrat because the policies of the left more closely align with my belief in an implied social contract among civilized people, to care for those in need and walk lightly in the world. To me, the Republicans – thought I sometimes agree with them – are more inclined to be exploitive and reactionary. For example, banning gay marriage is a stupid and fearful reaction, not a wise action. And none of the government’s business.

I think we will see greater autocracy and fearmongering in this country before the tide turns. Sorry, it’s not my fault. I would have run myself, but I don’t think the country is ready for a horse with red and blue stripes.