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MCSPOCKY

Trolls, no trolling in my threads please!
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Poll: What's Your Political Ideology?

Mon Aug 23, 2010 2:43 AM EDT
politics, tea-party, poll, republican-party, democratic-party, political-parties, independents, green-party, libertarian-party, constitution-party
By McSpocky

Live Poll

Which best describes where you stand politically?

View Results
  • 110957
    Far Left Wing
    66%
  • 110958
    Left Wing
    11%
  • 110959
    Slightly Left Wing
    6%
  • 110960
    Center
    6%
  • 110961
    Slightly Right Wing
    4%
  • 110962
    Right Wing
    4%
  • 110963
    Far Right Wing
    1%
  • 110964
    Undecided
    1%

VoteTotal Votes: 471

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The first president of the United States, George Washington, was not a member of any political party at the time of his election or throughout his tenure as president. Furthermore, he hoped that political parties would not be formed, fearing conflict and stagnation. Nevertheless, the beginnings of the American two-party system emerged from his immediate circle of advisers. (source: Wikipedia.com)

There have been a number of political parties throughout the history of the United States. Some were never large enough to have an elected official at the Federal level. Others only lasted a short time.

We currently have two main parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. A third large block of voters call themselves Independents, not giving their allegiance to either of the main two parties.

In each political Party, there are also subsets. For example, there are those who call themselves Progressive Democrats, Conservative Democrats, Liberal Republicans, Conservative Republicans, etc., etc.. This sometimes makes it difficult for an entire Party to speak with one voice.

Since, usually, it is difficult for all parties to speak in one place without a lot of conflict, I have posted this article for that purpose. Everybody is welcome, and all that I ask is to not put a political figure or another political Party down. Please tell us what your political Party and political ideology is, and why that is your choice.

Note: This is not for having a discussion about political candidates or government representatives, but for discussing political ideology.

  • Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.

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Published to:

  • McSpocky's Column, All of Newsvine
  • Groups: Bar Room Debates, Centervine, Free Spirits & Thinkers , Gut Check America, Live Americans, NewsVine Addicts, Open Mic, Politics in USA, Psych, Soc, Philos, Seeders and Posters w/ Manners, Soapbox, The Vine 12 Step, US News and Views
  • Regions: none
  • Public Discussion (141)
Jump to discussion page: 1 2
McSpocky

I'll start this out by saying that I consider myself a progressive Democrat.

I have made this choice primarily because I believe the Democratic Party best looks out for the people of our country, as opposed to favoring large corporations over people. I feel the Democratic Party best stands up for the the civil rights of all people, without discrimination.

OK people, now it is your turn!

  • 20 votes
#1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 2:48 AM EDT
Angela1586572

Does that fist represent " Power to the People?"

  • 4 votes
#1.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:19 AM EDT
CCArm

I am a left leaning centrist. I am a social progressive, believing in a strong safety net system including social security, medicare and "leg up" welfare. I believe in a strong military but don't believe in paying large contractors to do our fighting and security as I feel that is the biggest waste we have right now in military spending. I am for stricter regulations in the financial sector, oil industry and campaign financing. I also believe we should have a fair immigration policy and we need it soon as the current situation is encouraging illegal immigration.

If I have the power I would:

  • take the cap off social security payroll deductions
  • promote infrastructure spending
  • promote education spending for grades k-12
  • promote single payer health care
  • promote green technology and give tax breaks for green tech home/business improvements
  • promote fresh water education and conservation projects.
  • and much, much more to do with conservation
  • 20 votes
#1.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:03 AM EDT
madvargr

Used to be from a family of Teddy Roosevelt Republicans. Now we are all progressive Democrats instead since the GOP seems determined to win the clinically insane demographic. It used to be both parties were made up of all kinds, and politics was the art of compromise between different positions, now it is scary watching how closely in lockstep the new Republicans march - all they lack is brown shirts. As they continue to push moderates and progressives out of Lincoln's Party, they become more regional and irrelephant.

At least there is still political debate within the Democratic Party.

  • 16 votes
#1.3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:42 AM EDT
Auteur 1536

I'm mostly Liberal with a side of Democrat.

  • 8 votes
#1.4 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:54 PM EDT
notanymore

I am a left leaning centrist. I am a social progressive, believing in a strong safety net system including social security, medicare and "leg up" welfare. I believe in a strong military but don't believe in paying large contractors to do our fighting and security as I feel that is the biggest waste we have right now in military spending. I am for stricter regulations in the financial sector, oil industry and campaign financing. I also believe we should have a fair immigration policy and we need it soon as the current situation is encouraging illegal immigration.

CCArm,

Wait, didn't Obama say he was all of that too? What happen?

  • 2 votes
#1.5 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 2:48 PM EDT
McSpocky

As I said in the article above, everybody is welcome, and all that I ask is to not put a political figure or another political Party down.

Please follow the rule. Thanks.

  • 7 votes
#1.6 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:15 PM EDT
notanymore

As I said in the article above, everybody is welcome, and all that I ask is to not put a political figure or another political Party down.

Please follow the rule. Thanks.

McSpocky,

Then clearly you misinterpret the context of which I am speaking. I actually liked what CCArm wrote and felt he/she should run for office on that platform. It sounds similar to what we have been promised by the current Administration but nothing seems to be coming to fruition and I want to know why not.

  • 1 vote
#1.7 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:38 PM EDT
McSpocky

the current Administration but nothing seems to be coming to fruition and I want to know why not.

And that is the part that doesn't fit the discussion. You can create another thread to discuss that, if that is what you want to tak about. :)

  • 7 votes
#1.8 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:43 PM EDT
Angela1586572

I concur ... McSpocky....well stated my friend !!

  • 6 votes
#1.9 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:50 PM EDT
redshadowwithgreenbackground

I have no political philosophy. I decide each issue separately. I am a libertarian because I hate dems and reps but I often oppose Libertarians.

  • 9 votes
#1.10 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:11 PM EDT
kjmgirl

Yeah, McSpocky, where is the libertarian stance in all this? We are positioned to become more powerful simply because we believe

1) People can think for themselves. Let them

2) The Constitution is the law of the land. Keep it safe

3) Stay out of my personal life and stop trying to legislate morality.

The libertarian stand on fiscal responsibility is WAY more centrist than either repub or demo. The libertarian position on business and free market is a bit too liberal for most Americans. But as a whole, it works the best for me.

  • 12 votes
#1.11 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:58 PM EDT
McSpocky

Thank you for sharing. :)

  • 2 votes
#1.12 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:06 PM EDT
Sgt W

libertarian

  • 6 votes
#1.13 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 12:38 AM EDT
SCTexan

Libertarian with Republican leanings

  • 6 votes
#1.14 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 7:32 AM EDT
northern girl

Slightly right leaning libertarian

1 Stay out of my bedroom, I'll stay out of yours

2 If its not hurting you, why do care what I do

3 Screw foreign aide. If the government feels they HAVE to spend the money, spend it HERE in the US, or use it to pay down the debt. Better yet, let the taxpayers keep it.

4 Dont spend what we dont have

5 The STATE should be more powerful than the FED

6 Get rid of all illegal immigrants

7 Teach people to take care of themselves instead of letting them reley on the government for support.

8 Keep religion out of politics and keep politics out of religion

  • 9 votes
#1.15 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 8:01 AM EDT
McSpocky

Thank you for sharing. :)

  • 2 votes
#1.16 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 8:48 AM EDT
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Tim O.

Would have to say for myself, I'm more of a Liberal Democrat. I do not follow strictly along party lines because not every or any one politician is going to say/be 100% of what I feel is the correct direction for a city, county, state or this country. You have to go with your gut, what feels right for what you have beliefs in and who sounds and can back up what they are saying.

I'm open to new things, green power, less emissions, recycling, and the like; we cannot stay stuck in 1776 or even 1850, we have to progress and move forward.

  • 9 votes
#2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:03 AM EDT
Cellsnbirds

I support secularism, fair not free market and main street not Wall Street economics, evidence-based not faith-based policies, education, and (further) healthcare reform. So I'm strongly in the Democratic Party's camp. But I am ambivalent about social policies such as the abortion and gay marriage...

  • 8 votes
#3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:32 AM EDT
Angela1586572

Consider myself a Democrat. Will vote for republicans if their platform fits my needs. Actually, it is suppose to be a government by the people, for the people. Did a few get lost along the way!

  • 5 votes
#4 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:44 AM EDT
Cerridwen

Darn. Everyone leaves out the most obvious: "None of the above."

;)

  • 4 votes
#5 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:51 AM EDT
Angela1586572

Great call Cerridwen. Using common sense. Wow. I feel silly:)

  • 5 votes
#5.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:16 AM EDT
Plantsmantx

The poll, as it's shaping up so far, is very telling. Thanks for putting this up.

  • 6 votes
#5.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:36 PM EDT
Cerridwen

@Angela: The keyword in the subject of this particular poll raises red flags in my mind. That keyword is "ideology." (Had the question been phrased "political philosophy," I might have passed it over, but ours is a very precarious situation.)

I believe that ideologies (and ideologues) of all stripes are blinding Americans to the truth of our predicament and that many Americans are willfully and even cheerfully, in some cases, allowing it to happen. The reason why I think so was handily illustrated in Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy's essay, Farewell to Descartes [pdf], if interested.

  • 4 votes
#5.3 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 2:18 AM EDT
Plantsmantx

Hmm, that poll is still very telling. Why are the right-of-center people seemingly so shy about declaring their political orientation?

  • 3 votes
#5.4 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 8:54 AM EDT
Sgt W

Hmm, that poll is still very telling. Why are the right-of-center people seemingly so shy about declaring their political orientation?

That poll is very telling, of the makeup of the people on NewsVine. It is pretty established, even by self proclaimed Progressives and Liberals that the aggregate make-up of NewsVine is somewhere in the neighborhood of 66% - 80% left. This is what you are seeing. Nothing more.

  • 7 votes
#5.5 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 10:58 AM EDT
RT8

That poll is very telling, of the makeup of the people on NewsVine

Very true. I wasn't surprised by the results.

  • 5 votes
#5.6 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 11:39 AM EDT
Plantsmantx

That poll is very telling, of the makeup of the people on NewsVine. It is pretty established, even by self proclaimed Progressives and Liberals that the aggregate make-up of NewsVine is somewhere in the neighborhood of 66% - 80% left. This is what you are seeing. Nothing more.

Only 19% right of center? It certainly seems to me that the percentage of conservatives on NV is higher than that.

  • 2 votes
#5.7 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 11:43 AM EDT
Carloz

That poll is very telling, of the makeup of the people on NewsVine.

Newsvine polls are not scientific. They are meant to spark discussion, which they tend to do quite well.

  • 5 votes
#5.8 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 1:07 PM EDT
Plantsmantx

Newsvine polls are not scientific.

Of course not, but I expected it to be more reflective of what seems to be the ideological makeup of Viners.

They are meant to spark discussion, which they tend to do quite well.

Yes, and the thing that struck me about the poll is what sparked discussion for me:).

  • 3 votes
#5.9 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 1:16 PM EDT
Dee-1100246

I was independent for 35 years, recently changed parties and voted for a Democrat.

  • 5 votes
#6 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:10 AM EDT
Minan59

I favor the left leaning politics of Bernie Sanders. Far too many Democrats have shown themselves to be part of the problem instead of part of the solution. I support strict regulation of corporations, fair not free trade policies, and a balanced budget. I support rescinding the Reagan tax cuts until the deficit is paid off. I support a drastic cut in military spending. There is no valid reason why this country needs to spends almost as much money as the whole world combined on military spending.

  • 11 votes
#7 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:20 AM EDT
MikeBravo

I am with you Minan59. I send Bernie a few bucks now and then because he embodies a lot of what I think.

  • 3 votes
#7.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:53 PM EDT
RT8

Being such a civilized seed, I'll hold my tongue and respect it's rule of not criticizing particular politicians or parties. I think I'll have to keep it at that, though. ;)

  • 5 votes
#7.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:28 PM EDT
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UnAmericanLiberal

I'm not too sure what I would be called today. By Republicans probably a socialist I'm sure. I favor balanced budgets when possible but think the government has a role in regulating the economy to prevent catastrophe. The Presidents I consider best in history are Lincoln, FDR, Eisenhower, and Clinton.

I think Kennedy would have been a great President if he was not assassinated by one of the many public pariah groups he was willing to stand up to.

I think Nixon would have been a great President if he wouldn't have run campaigns that ruined decent people's lives by painting them as Communists. I feel Nixon's success in ruining people politically through invoking fear of Communism is partially to blame for how stupid crazy the modern Republicans have become since losing popular support. I feel the same about Ronald Reagan. I think the whole anti-Communism campaign has only served to divide the country and entire planet, so I can't consider any Presidents who have used it to gain votes to be great.

  • 8 votes
#8 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:26 AM EDT
McSpocky

Thanks for sharing, UnAmericanLiberal.

  • 4 votes
#8.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:53 PM EDT
Better Careful

I'm a liberal. I believe in making things better for the group, as opposed to taking away from the group for personal, individual indulgence. I believe that there are common interests which apply to everybody, and that our common government has a duty to manage them well and wisely. Among those common interests are:

  • our economy
  • our infrastructure
  • our competitive position
  • our educational system
  • the health of our people
  • our communications and energy grids

Please add more to that list, if you like. Our government ought not aide and abet those who would prey on Americans and America; that is antithetical to the purpose of a modern, democratic government.

In the class, "our competitive position" that applies as much to our domestic economy as it does to the international economy. Internationally, the USA is a poor competitor now, when we were once on top; that has been cashed-in for immediate gain and transitory higher stock prices. Domestically, our free markets have been eliminated in banking, energy, health care, and communications, with functional unregulated monopolies existing with the ability and legal blessings to plunder Americans and the American economy. Let's have free domestic markets, and a stronger international capability.

On social issues I'm a liberal. Gay marriage is merely equal protection under the law. I don't care what your religion is; I hope you don't care what religious choices I make, or decline to make. I will do unto you as I would have you do unto me; I would like the same consideration in return.

  • 10 votes
#9 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:57 AM EDT
McSpocky

Thank you for sharing, PDeuth.

  • 4 votes
#9.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:52 PM EDT
blackheywood

Center Here.

  • 3 votes
#10 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:34 AM EDT
blackheywood

I must qualify my statement. I really don't know what my leanings are here is why I am for all of the following:

  • our economy
  • our infrastructure
  • our competitive position
  • our educational system
  • the health of our people
  • our communications and energy grids]- But I am against illegal immigration or amnesty, tax breaks for the mega rich, outsourcing of jobs. I loathe The Republicans, some spineless Democrats, The MSM and FOX Opinion/News Entertainment Network for promoting and shoving the embarrassment and national idiot Sara Palin down our throats as well as hate mongers like Newt Gingrich, Rush, Beck, Hannity and that crowd of people whose sole interest is to cause confusion and division in America. I guess I'm Not Center,Left or Right.I'm registered as NO PARTY Affiliation.
  • 6 votes
#10.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:48 AM EDT
McSpocky

Thank you for sharing, blackheywood.

  • 4 votes
#10.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:51 PM EDT
blackheywood

You're welcome. I might add I'd believe the military budget should be cut in half and all troops in foreign lands should be returned home.And we must cut our foreign aide and stay out of the affairs of other nations.

  • 8 votes
#10.3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:20 PM EDT
Angela1586572

Absolutely. Certainly Concur without any doubt.

  • 5 votes
#10.4 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:06 PM EDT
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Voter No. 9

I mirror CCArm's views but would add I'm also a secular intellectual fiscal conservative with a big twist being a member of the altermondialiste movement I encountered while traveling abroad. I support capitalism but I don't support laissez faire principles or Reaganomics, having understood the fatal flaw in Ayn Rand's work. Economic justice on a global scale is one of my biggest concern.

I have not been a member of any American political party while being very politically active. Labels like liberal or conservative are too often used as oversimplified products of uber partisanship, which I consider akin to a mental disease similar to rigid religiosity. It comes as no surprise they travel together.

As previously pointed out, I would have liked another category. Either none of the above or it's more complicated than that.

  • 6 votes
#11 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:28 AM EDT
McSpocky

Thanks for sharing.

  • 3 votes
#11.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:50 PM EDT
Brad-436809

When the leaders of the new Republican party look like rednecks from a Steinbeck novel or a crazy bible church lady from a Stephen King novel, it is no wonder moderates are leaving the GOP. The danger is that this group is constantly active, from the national to local level. Where the majority of people ignore mid term elections, the far right extremist are out in force, voting for whatever lunatic mirrors their views. I wish there was a law requiring adults 18 and over to vote and a change to a parliamentary form of government in the U.S.

  • 7 votes
#12 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:59 AM EDT
McSpocky

As I said in the article above, everybody is welcome, and all that I ask is to not put a political figure or another political Party down in this thread. Thanks.

  • 5 votes
#12.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:20 PM EDT
Brad-436809

My apologies, McSpocky.

  • 5 votes
#12.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:49 PM EDT
Brad-436809

I would call myself a Progressive Democrat, because I believe the government has an important role in all our lives and collective action is necessary for the big problems our nation faces.

  • 7 votes
#12.3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:56 PM EDT
McSpocky

Brad-436809

My apologies, McSpocky.

No problem. I just thought I should keep a tight rein on this thread, or things will quickly get out of control. :)

  • 5 votes
#12.4 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:45 PM EDT
green dolphin street

Damn! it's refreshing to see a civil discussion on Newvine again.

  • 8 votes
#12.5 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:12 PM EDT
McSpocky

They don't occur too often, do they? LOL

  • 6 votes
#12.6 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:04 PM EDT
green dolphin street

When it comes to politics no!

  • 5 votes
#12.7 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:43 PM EDT
Tom's view from outside

I don't think it works on one axis - you need at least two :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolan_chart

  • 2 votes
#13 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:25 AM EDT
Voter No. 9

That would be an improvement but still kinda crude, considering.

  • 3 votes
#13.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:47 AM EDT
McSpocky

I just wanted to keep this simple for everyone. In the comment they can fine tune their political ideology further than the options listed on the poll. :)

  • 3 votes
#13.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:18 PM EDT
Sgt W

Political Compass

  • 3 votes
#13.3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:09 PM EDT
McSpocky

Yes, I've done that before. For this article, I kept the poll simple, and allowed people to present the "fine tuning" of their political position in their comments. Have you offered us yours yet?

  • 2 votes
#13.4 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:00 PM EDT
green dolphin street

I would like to see people define their terms. How do you define Democrat? How do you define Republican?

It seems we all have a slightly different idea or definition of what the parties are supposed to represent. For example I saw Ron Paul (not a fanboy don't spit on me) say once that the Republican Party for the longest time was anti-war. And what about environmental issues? Up here in Canada one politician (right-wing) once got riled up that people think that "the left" are the only ones that care about the environment. Why can't right-wing folks acre about the environment?

How do you choose between two parties when you may be a mix of the two?

Or do you vote for the individual in your area?

Although I don't know if it can be done, I would like to see an issue-driven democracy without any parties.

  • 3 votes
#14 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:23 PM EDT
Voter No. 9

To be truthful, I almost don't consider those anymore. Not especially helpful for how I look or consider since I'll vote for brains in any packaging I can find it in. I am about as issue driven (more like solution driven) as it gets.

  • 3 votes
#14.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:54 PM EDT
McSpocky

I believe this country would be better off without political Parties. I doubt, however, that change will ever come about. :(

  • 3 votes
#14.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 3:22 PM EDT
Angela1586572

You never know. We could go back and call ourselves federalists, whigs. Why do we have declare a party anyway?
I enjoi thinking outside of a box. I prefer angles 2 squares. I prefer equations and cosign and tangents. Symbols
)( )( ... I am free. Can't wait to get back to the beach;) Cheer up McSpocky, & don't forget to fuel UP. We all need
our energy. You have one heck of an intellectual discussion going on, my friend.

  • 3 votes
#14.3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:04 PM EDT
Voter No. 9

I believe this country would be better off without political Parties. I doubt, however, that change will ever come about. :(

I don't think it can or should. Parties are inevitable, given the human need to be tribal. But wearing one's tribal aspects loosely or even the self actualized human who's only biological need for tribe is to belong to the homo sapien species so all other aspects are just a want, not a need, might be what evolution has in store for future humans ... that is if we live long enough :(

What we could use about now is a slightly scary but not actually threatening alien encounter, especially with ones bearing stories about ruining their planet, lol!

  • 3 votes
#14.4 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:14 PM EDT
Angela1586572

Are you referring 2 the unexplainable as in Roswell, New Mexico. R U wanting 2 C & witness something totally
new. I am curious? Happen to C by chance the metorite shower over southern cali. A round the 11th @ 3:30am?
Spectacular.

  • 2 votes
#14.5 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:43 PM EDT
Voter No. 9

Are you referring 2 the unexplainable as in Roswell, New Mexico. R U wanting 2 C & witness something totally
new. I am curious?

Naw, I'm just conjecturing in a silly manner what it might take to speed up our evolution, or barring the impossibility of that, raise our collective consciousness a bit, get us to realign priorities on our messy tribal aspects, wishing for something to kick the "us and them" to the next level as we slooooowly outgrow the need to be so self destructively binary about stuff. Call it egghead wishful thinking. It had no real relation to Roswell.

Happen to C by chance the metorite shower over southern cali. A round the 11th @ 3:30am? Spectacular.

Didn't see but it sounded lovely.

  • 3 votes
#14.6 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:27 PM EDT
Angela1586572

Eye understand. U know we cannot change people. Some things will never change. On a personal level, am trying
to figure out how to stop time. Time is going far 2 fast... F= M x A Knowing that one cannot stop time at least
my being needs 2 C time slow down. Not sure if that is considered " egghead wishful thinking," or completely
banana thinking! Been thinking about this for over a month now. Any theories you may have on this?

  • 2 votes
#14.7 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:16 PM EDT
Voter No. 9

Eye understand. U know we cannot change people.

Very clear on that .... but we can invite them to consider and be invited in return.

Some things will never change.

Actually all things are changing all the time (check your physics if you think this is in error) but not in the way we wish them. Better to tell ourselves the truth, I think.

On a personal level, am trying to figure out how to stop time. Time is going far 2 fast... F= M x A Knowing that one cannot stop time at least my being needs 2 C time slow down.

Time does speed up and slow down but I have yet to make much affect on its velocity. Mostly its just a perception thing. What I like to remind myself is that time is endless but my present manifestation is not. All the more motivation to be fully conscious in my choices. I know that sounds like I believe in reincarnation but I'm not sure I do or would even wish to.

Not sure if that is considered " egghead wishful thinking," or completely banana thinking! Been thinking about this for over a month now. Any theories you may have on this?

Apparently I am familiar with banana thinking. Who knew! lol I hope that was in some way helpful. It certainly was fun.

  • 2 votes
#14.8 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:05 PM EDT
Angela1586572

Indeed it was fun. Your perception, i needed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Deep, highly intellectual.

Will dwell on your thoughts when this soul absorbs the eternal ocean, the full moon, high tide, surf, waves...

Yes, everything is changing..........eternal.........)(.... i thought there was an eternal sign on these keyboards..

will leave it at that......quiet........unspoken....

  • 2 votes
#14.9 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:44 PM EDT
Voter No. 9

Thanks, lol, your post is a trip! And we should probably knock it off or McSpocky will be offering us both a McSpanky for straying so off topic, no? Feel free to hail me privately anytime.

  • 3 votes
#14.10 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:43 PM EDT
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cowgrlz

I am a registered Democrat (although that doesn't necessarity mean anything). I believe:

  • domestic issues should be more important than foreign issues
  • environmental protection / conservation is important (and therefore green technology)
  • education should be a priority
  • civil rights and equality for all Americans

Those are a few of the ones that came to mind immediately. I tend to vote for who I believe closest shares my opinions and view points and is the most qualified, regardless of political affiliaiton. I am one of those that will actually research the candidates (even local ones...I just did my research for Secretary of State, Govenor, Attorney General etc last weekend) before I vote.

  • 7 votes
#15 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 2:22 PM EDT
RT8

I answered right wing. This being said, I don't solidy identify with the GOP or any other party. For the most part, I feel that too many of the "big names" in our current political system (especially those in Washington) are more worried about poll numbers and pork barrel spending, as well as not straying from their party, than real values and getting things done. In other words, there is too much emphasis on the "game" of politics (cheesy photo ops, fundraisers, greasing of palms, etc.) than real policy.

Although I do usually end up supporting the candidate with the R next to their name, it's because what they think most closely fits with my view, not simply because of what party they're in. This isn't to say I don't cross party lines, either. I've gladly voted for one of my local state reps (an "old school" Democrat).

Me on the issues: With the overall premise of sticking to the Constitution as written and intended

  • Balanced budget, no "pork"
  • Legislation should be clear and focued, consider each issue on it's own (i.e, no "tacking on" another issue onto a bill so that it can get passed and our legislators can say that they voted for the bill because of one issue and not for another)
  • I would personally like to see no abortions, but to avoid claims of a theocracy, only to save a mother's life (not elective)
  • The right to bear arms is an individual right, whether it be for marksmanship, hunting, or defense. No bans of handguns/semi-autos/magazines of a certain capacity. The AWB was a joke. If citizens can enlist in the armed forces at age 18, they should also be able to purchase a handgun. Gun free zones only give criminals target-rich environments. Current restrictions on full-autos are ok by me, but a gun in only as dangerous as the intents of the person holding it.
  • A flat income tax
  • Welfare and other social services should be a "hand up, not a handout." I know of too many people and families on the system who assume that everything will be taken care of and they don't have to work or contribute. No joke, during a discussion of school bus service in our city (which is totally unncecessary seeing as the area is only 1 square mile with adequate pedestrian infrastructure) one mother who lives in the federal housing project said of how to fund a possible service "Go ahead and raise property taxes through the roof, I don't pay them."
  • Energy and conservation: As an outdoorsman, I know the value of our natural areas and environment. We should focus on keeping our forests healthy and our wildlife populations managed so that future generations can enjoy them. I'm all for wind/solar/tidal/geothermal power, but until these and other green technologies can be developed and proven to be efficient, fossil fuels are here to stay in one capacity or another. Nuclear energy is safer and cleaner than many opponents claim, especially using fuels other than uranium (thorium, for example, is beginning to look promising)
  • Minimal gov't regulation: Seat belts, labor laws that say I have to get paid $X per hour, and other rules are good. Bailouts and stimulus projects? I'm not so sure.
  • Separation of church and state: It's meant to protect religion from the government, it doesn't mean that you have to have a "holiday tree" (instead of a Christmas tree) at school or that you can't display the Ten Commandments (the general basis of many of our laws) at the courthouse.
  • Security and defense: "If you want peace, prepare for war". There will always be evil people in this world, we should do what it takes to keep our nation safe.

Sorry if this has been a bit of a rant. I could be here all night and write a book about my political views, but I don't have the time or energy right now, and most of you probably don't want to wade through it, so I'll stop here.

  • 6 votes
#16 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:37 PM EDT
green dolphin street

That wasn't a rant, that was a great posting! I like depth and I am so tired of sound-bite culture.

  • 4 votes
#16.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:47 PM EDT
McSpocky

Thank you for sharing, RT8.

  • 3 votes
#16.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:48 PM EDT
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McSpocky

I was going to thank everyone individually, but I started, I decided it is better just to put a general thank you here to everyone for participating. :)

So, thank you everyone!

  • 3 votes
#17 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:56 PM EDT
Voter No. 9

Thank you for the opportunity, McSpocky! Did you learning anything you'd be willing to share from the opportunity maker viewpoint?

  • 1 vote
#17.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:09 PM EDT
spudpundit

I placed myself in Left Wing. I'm not so far left wing that I believe CEOs should be jailed, but I do believe they've been robbing the country and need to be put under tighter reins. I believe that the amount of suffering in the country is directly proportional to the amount of unmitigated greed. I believe in leaving a world to my children and grandchildren that is live-able, both in terms of the environment and the economy.

What I find in common with other left wingers is a willingness to let people be who they are without a lot of judgment unless those other people are trying to control or harm others. Also a tendency to accept people for who they are without trying to expect more of them than what they bring to the table. They believe in equal opportunity without necessarily assuming that people are innately equal. They believe peace and agreement are better than war and discord, and they don't see having a conversation as a form of surrender.

I believe on the furthest extremes in either direction one begins to see a greater closed-mindedness. I have lefty friends with a take-no-prisoners attitude about politics and who tend to label the other side rather than take them as human beings who want the best but have a different vision of what "best" is. I sincerely believe that politics is life-and-death -- because it can influence the lives of others in terms of food, housing, healthcare, disaster relief, crime, war, and so many different areas. Because of that I have a passion for politics while trying to avoid the notion that the world would be better off if the other side would just dig a whole and bury itself.

  • 6 votes
#18 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:59 PM EDT
McSpocky

Thank you. :)

  • 3 votes
#18.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:10 PM EDT
I'm Ringo

Hmmmm, covered the spectrum down at the authoritarian end of the axis, but completely ignored the whole libertarian end. Hard to have a real discussion about it if you want to eliminate one entire side of things.

Kind of like polling to find out what baseball team people like most, but only listing those in the National League.

  • 5 votes
#19 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:16 PM EDT
spudpundit

covered the spectrum down at the authoritarian end of the axis

I almost think a pure libertarian sits closer to the middle than either end. Libs tend to be libertarian about social issues, like drug laws and most constitutional issues -- cons tend to be libertarian on the economy and regulations but more authoritarian on social issues. As someone somewhere said, liberals worship the entire Bill of Rights except the second amendment and conservatives worship the 2nd at the expense of the rest.

  • 3 votes
#19.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:24 PM EDT
I'm Ringo

I almost think a pure libertarian sits closer to the middle than either end.

Not really, a 'pure libertarian' would be found on the extreme end of that axis. Republicans and Democrats are both fairly moderate (from left to right) but on the authoritarian end of the spectrum. Your choices only cover one of the axes.

  • 3 votes
#19.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:10 PM EDT
McSpocky

I'm Ringo

Hmmmm, covered the spectrum down at the authoritarian end of the axis, but completely ignored the whole libertarian end.

As I said in a couple of other comments, that is the purpose of the comment section. To fine tune the position where you stand in your political ideology. If you are a Jupiterarian Centrist, you can put that in the comment section with an explanation. That way anyone can state where their political ideology is.

  • 2 votes
#19.3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:14 PM EDT
kjmgirl

I'm Ringo - haven't run across you before but like what you said. FR sent. Accept or not - libertarians are capable of making their own decisions.

  • 2 votes
#19.4 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:00 PM EDT
Shroggle

For me, it's an issue by issue thing.

I think health insurance for all is a good thing. I think affordable healthcare is more appropriate. As an example...an appendectomy is an appendectomy, whether it's performed at John's Hopkins or at some rural hospital in Kansas. So, why does it cost more at John's Hopkins?

I agree with no fully automatic weapons, but I think everyone should own one that wants one. If you take away guns from the regular populace, the only people who will have are the criminals, and based on the prisoner/policeman ratio, there are lots more of them than there are cops to enforce.

I think abortion is a woman's right for first and second trimesters. I think a lot more thought should go into third trimester abortions. But, I also have no problem with employing something like enforced Norplant or equivalent, for anyone who comes in, oh say 3 times in 2 years for an abortion, since she's using it as a means of birth control, rather than as a one time mistake.

I think foreign aid is bogus. We have too much stuff going on here, to spend our money somewhere else. Take the Pakistani flood vs Katrina. How much did Pakistan send us to help aid us after Katrina? We'll match that in what we send to Pakistan to help them. How much did we spend on education/housing/medical aid in foreign countries? Personally keep it here and use it to turn our own neighborhoods (what we call inner city and slums) around.

I'm all for a flat tax, with absolutely no loop holes.

And the list goes on and on.

And no matter what, I think there is some form of compromise that can be reached on all issues, and until we start to do that, and remain divisive, and so sure that our belief is the only belief we will vote for, then we'll continue to be divided rather than a unified great nation that we used to be.

  • 3 votes
#20 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:44 PM EDT
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D Luniz-1282741

Left of center I guess

  • 2 votes
#21 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:38 PM EDT
McSpocky

Thank you everyone. :)

  • 2 votes
#22 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:09 PM EDT
Cipher-0

Militant Moderate.

Compromise - OR DIE!

  • 2 votes
#23 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:12 PM EDT
Tom's view from outside

I don't think you can classify ideology on a single axis - that's what always gets into illogialities and fights. imho you need at least 2 axes/axises (er..) .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nolan_chart

Personally, I'm socially liberal and economically central. Though I try not to be dogmatic or absolutist in either view, rather trying to look at issues on their merits and understand the views of those on other ends of the spectrum.

I'm assuming that this scale is the US scale - but it's worth pointing out that the US political scale is far to the right of that of europe. The democrats would be considered center or center right in many european countries, and the republicans far right.

(Though again, it doesn't really break down into an easy scale - on many issues europe is more liberal than the US, but on others it's more conservative. The current UK prime minister, for example, would probably be seen as financially conservative in the US (though he'd never dream of opposing healthcare) but socially lliberal (but not on every issue).

Like Washington, I think splitting into two distinct camps limits us, and makes people blindly dogmatic to everything that that camp supports - disagreeing with the expected party view on even one point is often unthinkable. Disagreements with the other side simply because people feel they should always disagree.

PS/ It's always struck me as rather ridiculous that the US only has 2 political parties. there is no way that a nation as large and diverse as the US can be adequately broken down into just two viewpoints. IMHO the US needs more parties on a national level.

  • 2 votes
#24 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:14 PM EDT
McSpocky

Yes, I have used the chart before. For this article, I kept the poll simple, and allowed people to present the "fine tuning" of their political position in their comments.

Thanks for sharing. :)

  • 2 votes
#24.1 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:23 PM EDT
Angela1586572

McSpocky Thank you so much. Felt the world, DC, reading everything. Keep up the great chi, truth. Truly pure

totally real. Teacher is calling me...from afar.. need to meditate...train...japan time...:) i bow in humility....

  • 3 votes
#24.2 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:31 PM EDT
Tom's view from outside

The other major difference is the impact that religion has on political ideology in the US. It's mostly on the right, but not exclusively. It seems to me that there's a very strong link between being right wing and being Christian in the US - almost to the extent that they are the same thing. Is it un-christian to be liberal in the US? Because I sometimes get that sense..

This seems much less prevalent in Europe, even in strongly religious countries like Italy. On the whole, the church stays out of politics, and religious views are seen as a private matter - not a political one.

It's strange that the US, a country founded on religious freedom and with a separation of church and state bound into it's constitution, has a much stronger link between church and politics than many other countries. People often say it'd be impossible for a non-christian to become president. (and I remember hearing that John Kerry was the wrong kind of christian, though I don't know the details).

Many European leaders aren't religious, or at least they keep their religious preferences mostly to themselves, and no-one really cares.

  • 3 votes
#24.3 - Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:37 PM EDT
DJ-867199Deleted
agagnu

I am a-political.
Political parties have taken the place of religions without spirituality and the pied piper machine churns out noddies exploited by politicians as representative of the people's wish who in turn are corrupted by the corporate socialists.

What has happened to COUNTRY FIRST?

  • 5 votes
#26 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:21 AM EDT
McSpocky

Thanks for sharing!

  • 2 votes
#26.1 - Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:35 AM EDT
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