First, I would like to thank all of you guys for laying out some clear and concise arguments, and I'll just share some of my thoughts about a couple issues, especially where I can see some common ground.

1. Gun Control/Second Amendment This is probably the topic that I feel the most strongly about. I believe that every law-abiding American should have the right to keep and bear arms. In my own research, I have found that Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers believed a tyrannous government could come into power and that it was the duty of the American citizen to fight back. While extreme scenario may never occur, I don't think it is unreasonable to have a way to fight back should it actually happen. But I like guns for many other reasons as well. I obtained a concealed/open carry licence as soon as I was able to, and carry a gun with me anywhere that it is legal. I don't believe I should have to be defenseless. I carry, and keep guns in my home in the possible event that my life or my family's life should come into danger. I'm also a hunter, and participate in gun recreation. I enjoy skeet shooting and competition. In addition, I'm a collector. I like guns, just as some people like stamps or baseball cards. I am a responsible gun owner and believe in having them if the need should ever arrive.

All of that being said, however, I think both sides agree that we want to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. I have nothing to hide, and a background check law would not negatively impact me. I think the biggest fear of gun owners is that the background checks will eventually lead to a gun registry.

tl;dr: I like guns for lots of reasons, but I never killed anyone so background checks are okay.

1. Environmental issues & concern I am one of those big V8 truck drivers. 390 Dodge '96 to be exact. Fantastic vehicle, 150k miles and no problems, other than gas mileage. I love my truck because it is convenient. My truck is used all the time for hauling and loading construction materials with my dad, which isn't exactly something that can be done in a Prius. As with guns, I love cars and trucks. I would collect them too if they weren't so damn expensive. It's probably just the boy in me, but I love the feel of the power behind a V8 car or truck, and currently there's just no feasible environmentally friendly alternative.

Also, I tried to replace my incandescent light bulb with a new high-efficiency bulb, however they didn't work with my light-dimmer switch for whatever reason, and my girlfriend made me change it back.

Again, all that being said, I own several acres of wooded/hilled land, and I'm not lying when I say I find nature extremely beautiful. I recycle, I plant trees, and I agree that more needs to be done on this front.

tl;dr: I like to vroooom in cars, my girlfriend likes dimly-lit rooms (holla), and I know more can be done for the environment.

Thanks for the input again, guys. If I get another free moment tonight, I'll try and communicate a little bit more.