Nobody is apolitical, nor does anyone lack a set of ideological inclinations. Some are adamant about their values, while others are still searching for the right place for themselves.
 
I have my own very strong ideological standpoint. And I find it imperative to state it explicitly—for some it may be surprising, for others it is nothing new.
 
There are numerous reasons for choosing a particular side of the political spectrum. It may be due to current societal circumstances, cultural evolution, influence from peers, or the media consumed.
 
Once anyone has chosen their side, they become fixated on its echo chamber. A flip-flop is not uncommon, but it may be due to adulthood enlightenment or basic opportunism.
 
I personally find myself a free-market liberal.
 
I believe in liberalism.
 
What is being a liberal for me?
 
I believe in individual liberty; everyone should have the freedom to make their choices without the supervision of any higher institution, provided they do not harm others. Important of all, you live your life as you see fit.
 
If you wish to follow a certain religion, it is your prerogative. Or if you wish to voice your opinion about something, it is your right to do so.
 
Importantly, all the decisions being taken are at an individual level, outside the sphere of influence of the government.
 
I believe in equality; all individuals must have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their caste, culture, creed, color, religion, or gender.
 
Whom you are born as is not under your control and should not define the access you have. An individual’s ability to climb up the ladder should be decided on the basis of merit, not birth.
 
I believe in democracy—a political system that is just and representative of the vast majority of society. A system that is elected by the people and works for the people—not decided by the few—works for the few.
 
Democracy does not imply only electing leaders; it is not viable to have an electoral process that elects democratically but chooses autocrats as its leaders—an “electoral autocracy.”
 
It is a system where there is constant discussion about the progress of all stakeholders in a civil manner; debate is the fulcrum of its success. Only when the best of all minds come together and reach a consensus can the democratic system function. 
 
I believe in the Rule of Law; the principle of law should be applied to all unequivocally, no matter who they may be. Fundamentally, justice should be delivered in a fair and consistent manner without causing societal pain or hindrance to daily work. Jurisprudence should evolve based on the evolution of society itself.
 
I believe in free markets; everyone has the right to aspire to be an entrepreneur, and the government should not have an overarching say on economic transactions. Transactions are voluntary, promoting greater competition, which in turn drives innovation and efficiency.
 
State planning has only led to devastation; its negative effects on the wealth of citizens are clear, as seen in Cuba, India before the 1991 budget, China before Deng, and the USSR. Allocation of resources by the state does not uplift poverty; on the contrary, it promotes depravation of the poor for political relevance.
 
I believe in social welfare; the state must commit to the basic standard of living for all its citizens by distributing part of its resources to the periphery of society, building social safety nets, and providing public services that are bedrock for human development—healthcare and education.
 
I believe in tolerance and pluralism; diversity is a fact. And all must live with each other in a harmonious manner. Celebration of diverse perspectives, cultures, and lifestyles, promoting a society where differing views can coexist.
 
Rejection of a group of people due to their background is pure vileness, evilness, and outright racism.
 
And yes, immigration serves for the betterment of society. It further enriches it with new ideas, skills, and employment. It does not penetrate poison as it is propagated.
 
I believe in global cooperation; success can only be achieved through united efforts in a globalized world. Only by working side by side can the problems of the 21st century be resolved, be they regional conflicts, environmental challenges, or the collective endeavor to revitalize the least developed economies.
 
A constructive discussion between the diverse ideologies does not prevail; fear and acrimony are at their highest levels. Due to the negative effects that engaging in political debate has, most opt out of it.
 
Not knowing what is happening around the world is at an all-time high.
 
I characterize it as sheer ignorance.
 
Ignorance of those who wilfully ignore the facts—they are the cause of their own terrible state.
 
Everyone must be informed about what is happening at the moment and what has happened. Everyone must also know the people who should be held accountable for their current state of living.
 
Having political standing and a clear judgment are essential.
 
I firmly stand by my philosophy of hope, freedom, and justice for all.
 

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