Isn't it quite incongruous to title yourself an "independent thinker" and yet insert one of the most broadly-repeated tribal-identifying phrases of the right? (Ironically, the moniker "independent thinker" is also adopted with little reflection especially by people on the right.)

If you actually want to think independently, it's generally a good idea to think more deeply about controversial issues than you have displayed yourself doing here. This is the most superficial take one can have and still present evidence. Independent thought isn't useful if you don't gather the information to think about. In that case, you're better off--if you want to base your views on facts--just trusting someone else who you determine to be well-informed.