[[User:JLauttamus/sandbox|What I'm working on]]. Greetings! I am a 24-year-old nurse from Pittsburgh, PA. I have worked in orthopedics for over 4 years, and hope to use this expertise in contributing to the medicine-related articles on this site. {{Userboxtop|Expressions!}}{{User American}}{{User patriot}}{{User free speech}}{{User JesusTeachings}}{{User faveband|Bad Religion}}{{User pubschool}}{{Userboxbottom}} ==Articles I've Created<refbig>All of which contain external references, and none of which are one-sentence articles in Category:Dictionary</refbig><big><big><big>==*[[Jim Quinn]]*[[Acinetobacter]]*[[Socialist Party of America]]*[[Thyroid]]*[[Herbert Stein]]*[[Socialist Left Party (Norway)]]*[[ProQuest]]*[[Respiratory system]]*[[Saul Alinsky]]*[[Christian Democratic Party (Norway)]]*[[Sidney Crosby]]*[[Alexander Ovechkin]]*[[Evgeni Malkin]]*[[Marc Andre Fleury]]*[[Plus/minus]], [[Power play]], [[Even strength goal]], and [[Shorthanded goal]] ==My Views======Politically====I tend to think of myself as right in the middle of the political spectrum. My father was an avid gun owner, and so am I, although I am for a certain level of [[gun_control|gun control]]; I wouldn't any Tom, Dick, or Harry being able to purchase a firearm with no background check of any sort. Handguns, shotguns, and rifles I have no issues with; it is mainly the semi-automatic assault rifles I take issue with because they have only one purpose: to kill another human being. I am conditionally pro-life. The only time an [[abortion]] should be performed is if the [[fetus]] is already dead inside of the womb—in the medical community, a D&C is considered an [[abortion]]— or if it comes down to a decision between the life of the mother or the child. [[Abortion]] is not a form of [[birth_control|birth control]]. I do not see a problem with other forms of contraception, such as the birth control pill, or other prophylactic products. I don't agree with [[homosexuality]] for the simple fact that it does nothing to maintain the survival of the human race. [[Marriage]] holds no real religious significance to me (see below), although I take it very seriously. Marriage is taking two lives and molding them into one, and is one of the most amazing things a man and woman can experience. The welfare system is in shambles. Due to disintegration of [[family_values|family values]], one cannot depend on his family to provide for him in time of despair. This creates a population of squatters dependent on their government stipend check to get by. They have numerous children to receive more government aide. I see no problem with a short-term welfare system, however people who make a living off of it have no honor, nor shame. ====Economically====I am a fastidious economic conservative. I feel that many who lean towards a socialist-style economic system have not established themselves enough to take hold of the benefits of a free-market system. However, I don't believe that [[supply-side_ecomomics|supply-side economics]] can salvage what's left of the American economic system. A cheap overseas workforce and tax cuts for companies who ship job overseas is a major factor in our current economic situation. ====Religious====I call myself an [[agnostic]]. However, I don't completely discredit [[Intelligent_design|Intelligent Design]] as a theory for the origin of the universe. I also feel that it should be taught readily in public schools as an alternative to [[evolution]], but not in a science class. I don't believe that there is anyway to scientifically test the theory, making it unfalsifiable. I support it being taught in a philosophy or theology class. I have learned ''volumes'' regarding the evidence for and against it from the articles on this site. I feel that [[evolution]] cannot explain the intricacies of life nor the world that it populates. I can't quite swallow [[Young_earth_creationism|Young Earth Creationism]] as a sound theory. I have no problem with classroom prayer; I feel that students should be able to express themselves however they see fit. Teacher or administrative-led prayer in the public school system, on the other hand, cannot be justified. As an agnostic, I donHEATHEN't think I would want my children forced to pray in school, but rather come to their views on religion by their own means. It's not just [[Christians]] that pay taxes. ==Personal======Music====I grew up loving music. I play guitar and keyboard, and consider it to be my one true passion next to my wife and family. Here are a few of my favorite bands:*[[Led Zeppelin]]*[[NOFX]]*[[Bad Religion]]*[[Strung Out]]*[[The Clash]]*[[The Dead Kennedy’s]]*[[The Ramones]]*[[Crosby]],[[Stills]], [[Nash]], and [[Young]]*[[James Taylor]] ==My Intentions==Due to my obviously differing religious views from other higher-ranking members of this site, I plan on sticking to non-controversial, informational articles dealing mainly with medicine and perhaps economics. I would like to participate in debate, for that is how one truly learns; by free exchange of ideas. Please don't hesitate to leave a message on my talk page if you have any questions or concerns. Happy editing! ==Contact==Feel free to contact me either on my [[User_talk:JLauttamus|talk page]], [mailto:lauttamusjw@upmc.edu email], or my AIM (screen name is lauttaholic). ==References==<references/big>