I am. Here's the why and how. 

Americans have long been hollering about getting money out of politics. I attempt to offer that possibility, in my bid for Utah U.S. Senator (if you're not from Utah,  please read on, as help from "the outside" may be especially critical). I also offer other possibilities that have been on my mind and growing over the past four decades or so.

I believe in simplicity and operating from principles rather than dogma. This keeps things fluid, yet holds one on an even course--like following the North Star when you're lost, allowing for a change of course around unforeseen obstacles.

I will not accept money, none whatsoever, for this campaign. We should run our country and state on principles and good ideas, and money must not taint our decisions. Hopefully that small light in the dark will also serve as an example for others in Washington  to consider. I suggest that you view the $$$ signs that other politicians boast about as a direct reflection of how far these folks have gone in selling out any principles they may have had--and how far they're willing to go in working against your interests (I realize third party presidential candidates may have little other choice).

I am not looking to persuade, but simply state things as I see them, and, hopefully, offer a genuine vision we will all benefit from. I fail to see similar visions from other politicians.

I don't like political labels. I find them divisive, misused, and generally unproductive. They are also confusing, meaning different things to different people. However, if you feel a need to label me, I'm comfortable with the word "progressive," since I believe in progress for humankind. But I am also "ultra conservative," in that I advocate preserving those things that truly matter for humans everywhere, on this amazing and beautiful planet; likewise, I believe in fiscal responsibility and fiscal realism. My basic principles, summarized in one paragraph, stripped of labels:

Treat your neighbors as you'd want to be treated; help the less fortunate; forgive others; educate youth in a well-rounded curriculum; live in harmony with Nature and within our means; encourage recognition that we are one species on one planet, with many differences but also with the same ultimate fate; push for kindness and fairness as globally accepted norms. Recognize that humanity, not money, is what we are ultimately working for. More specifically:

Put children first. Seriously first, and make decisions in their interest and that of generations to come. The human mind, educated and guided by wisdom, is our greatest resource. Provide free education through four years of college, or the equivalent, as a right to deserving youth. Lower the boom on needless administrative costs in education. Study and strive to emulate the best school systems elsewhere, such as Finland's . Make physical education mandatory, every day of the week. Bring back arts, crafts, shop, and other life-skills classes. Focus on making public schools excellent and eliminate any perceived need for charter schools.

Make America  a genuine "shining light on the hill," leading the world by example. We have already flashed enough "shining gun barrels" around the planet. Bring to life a real vision in the interest of all humans everywhere, starting at home. Prove that democracy works, not by talking about it, but by actively demonstrating it.

Pursue truth and act on what is learned, even when it takes us "out of our comfort zone." Recognize that humankind exists on one planet and shares the same ultimate fate. Use science to help us make rational decisions. Explore the root causes of problems, such as unemployment, immigration, global imbalances.

Respect reasonable differences of opinion, but penalize outright lying and deception in the political arena, where such things are all too prevalent today, and tantamount to treason of the American people.

Be kind. Bring back civilized talk and actions. Reject willful ignorance; educate when and wherever possible. Bring a permanent end of labeling and name calling of other peoples and countries. With D.C. far worse than junior high in this department, you know that a serious change is needed.

Implement major domestic green jobs and infrastructure programs. Improve public transportation, encourage car-pooling, walking and biking, develop a new rail system, connecting major cities by high speed train, emulate local bus and train systems that work well and that have been established in many cities, both here and around the world.

Create a fair, democratic, transparent financial sector that serves the needs of start-ups, small business and consumers. End incentives for  U.S.  companies to send jobs and money overseas. Create a vibrant, sustainable economic system, providing meaningful jobs and a decent standard of living for all.

Develop an economy that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. Counterbalance short-term profits by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal policies are responsible to future generations. Look for and activate start-up programs and businesses most likely to produce long-term benefits.

Do not allow any media on the public airwaves if it veers from speaking the truth, or distorts reality for political or financial ends. Establish and safeguard an open internet, accessible to all, with the ability to trace statements or alleged facts to their original source. Harshly penalize internet censors which limit political discussion and free exchange of ideas; indeed, do all we can to eliminate them.

Apply established First Amendment Law to the use of the internet, and society in general. Government censorship of critics is all too prevalent and is a major, deadly gateway to the collapse of democracy. Recognize that First Amendment Rights are ultimately the most important ones we have, from a legal and social standpoint.

Preserve our environment, restore damaged ecosystems, do all we can to live within the means that Nature so generously provides. Operate with the understanding that we are part of Nature, not separate from it. Respect and learn from biomimicry. Live within the resource limits of our communities and our planet. Encourage agricultural practices that replenish the soil. Acknowledge and respect life forms other than our own, and work for the preservation of biodiversity, essential to life on earth.

Enhance environmental protection by strengthening the EPA, putting responsible parties in charge, and at the same time help companies reach reasonable goals over time. A close look at the toxins being poured, puffed, and dumped into our environment shows that we are literally killing ourselves, along with our children. Take aggressive action and leadership on the climate crisis and the environment.

Debate on climate change must be about details, timing, and what to do about it, not whether it's happening. Clean air is a fundamental human right. Ditto clean water. Every stream, river, pond, and lake should ultimately be clean enough to drink from, as they once were. This won't happen overnight, but it is the direction we should be headed in, and one reasonable measure of the health of the planet.

There is considerably more on my official political website, http://www.danielgeery.com. ; If you like what you see here, I encourage you to visit it and by all means spread the word around, commenting on articles online wherever these principles may apply, freely quoting me and sending folks here.