Where Do We Stand?
I cannot remember if this has been posted before or not, but either way, let's take it back a step. We often discuss how both political parties are failures to the people they supposedly represent. Our elected officials are nothing but self-serving elitists on both ends of the spectrum; they are spoiled and too privileged to have any concept of what affects Americans day to day. Whatever faction of the day comes along, that is who they represent, and we just hear talking points, we hear a good game being talked, but how often do we see results? So anyway, a little quiz for everyone. Now, I will admit, I think this test is somewhat angled/geared/designed to make everyone think they are a libertarian, it does come from the Libertarian Party's website after all. The sight could be improved, but what can't be these days? That is why I have posted this, I figure we could all elaborate on what we have selected, discuss the issues a little further, and help each other define what we believe and who we really are. I am guessing some have seen it before, maybe not. Let us see where each of us arrive at, and take it from there. The quiz can only accomplish so much; we need one another to truly know who we are.
posted by DM at 12:55 PM
13 Comments:
So I am a libertarian. A couple of topics here that pique my interest: Drugs, I clicked maybe because there might be drugs I would legalize/decriminalize, and others that I certainly would not. I have always questioned how alcohol is regulated and sold and legal, etc and marijuana is not. Welfare: watching the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I saw how much money comes in from the private sector, charities, and benevolent individuals- not government spending. It made me more faithful in the private sector than the government. Free trade: given the impoverished state of many nations as a result of certain free trade agreements, I do not know how strongly I feel about this. Social Security, oh man, how much does everyone have to listen to me rant about this? Anyway, in order from top to bottom, this is how I answered:
PERSONAL: A, A, A, M, A
ECONOMIC: A, D, M, A, A
My answers:
PERSONAL: A, A, A, M, M
ECONOMIC: A, M, D, D, M
My results pegged me as Liberal. I don't think government social services should be eliminated. They were established because private charities were not up to the task. Not that they wouldn't like to be; it's just the reality.
Free trade, it depends on how it's implemented. Commerce is great; child labor, sweatsops, and toxic contamination are not. Social security: it, too, was established because of need, so I am in favor of it as long as the unfulfilled need exists.
I used to frequent a blog (it is not so active anymore) run by a right-wing libertarian who was also very anti-Bush/Cheney. I think it was him who said something like, "if you put a 100 libertarians in a room together, you'll have 100 different definition of 'libertarian.'" 8^)
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Social: AADDA
Economic: DAAAA
It pegged me as Libertarian. Holy Crap. I thought my pro-life, anti-legalized drugs positions disqualified me from that party. Actually, there's another party more akin to Lincoln's Republican Party than today's: The Constitution Party, formerly the Taxpayers Party. I don't think my religious views would ever make me feel welcome as a Libertarian. Heck, I even think anti-sodomy laws are fine and dandy.
These polls are mostly useless.
Hey, kids, if it's time to go shopping for political parties, here is a site I like - I think it's got 'em all!
Here another...
Libertarian. I disagreed with the welfare and social security statements. Was expecting to be labeled a communist fascist. Disappointing.
Just out of curiosity Kevin Mark Smith, what good are anti-sodomy laws?
Ys, Kevin, I tried to issue the warning of the angle of the poll. But I like how it asks basic questions pertaining to vital issues that seem to get easily lost in the media and elsewhere nowadays.
Jack Mercer, I need to hear from you on this one, we all know you got something for us!
Ha!
CH, I was going to sit this one out. :)
Ok, I'll try to avoid writing my usual bible, but...
Thought the questions were a little open ended and general. Hard to answer them in the form they were.
It branded me a libertarian.
I think though that I have to go back to what I told Smorg, though, as a conservative I am a staunch advocate of freedom, but that freedom has to be coupled with a strong degree of responsibility and accountability. This would play out for me like this:
Government should not censor speech, press, media or Internet. Agree, but cite the "fire in a crowded theater" limitation.
Military service should be voluntary. There should be no draft. Agree. Conscription is the cornerstone of Marxism.
here should be no laws regarding sex for consenting adults. Agree. It all depends WHERE though. :)
Repeal laws prohibiting adult possession and use of drugs. Agree. But also make sure there are provisions prohibiting any socialized medicine or disability benefits for such addiction, treatment or injury, stiffen abuse laws that affect others (dui with injury, life imprisonment, etc.!) I see drugs and alcohol as one in the same and it is hypocrisy to allow one and not the other.
There should be no National ID card. Maybe. Since realistically we live under socialism then anyone dipping their hands into the community bucket should be part of the community and identifiable as such. Don't we already have this card?
End "corporate welfare." No government handouts to business. Maybe or disagree. Without busines there is no economic activity and the government gets from business more than it gives...ALWAYS. I'm against subsidies, but tax breaks that create economic stimulus I can agree with.
End government barriers to international free trade. Too open ended. There is a difference between free trade and fair trade. Two government barriers we refuse to remove which cause disparity are regulation and taxation of American businesses. We have too much in house to clean up for free trade to work most efficiently.
Let people control their own retirement; privatize Social Security. Agree. FDR said that the welfare system that was then created should eventually be changed to an annuity system. Unfortunately our government doesn't want to give us control of our money or the ability to prosper from it. If the average person who works the average job had been allowed to annuitize their social security they would be retiring as millionaires and not the poor wretches that have to scrape out a living on a thousand bucks a month. No brainer.
Replace government welfare with private charity. Agree--this is the way it should have always been, but alas, reality bites. We're too far down the social welfare road for this to reassert itself practically.
Cut taxes and government spending by 50% or more. Just 50%? That would be a good start...
-Jack
This is all great stuff. I never set out to prove everyone was a Libertarian, because that is most obviously how the test is designed. I just about assumed anyone here would rate as a Libertarian. Ulitimately, what this proves is how we are a nation in dire need of more than two-party representation, because what we have now is what no one really wants, or is content with. I should not be complaining about my situation; I wake up, go to work, eat, sleep and get by. But some do not, and still, it could so easily be more effectively managed.
Good grief, Shea! Whoda' known! I knew many of these, but the Christian Falangist Party of America? Freedom Socialist Party / Radical Women?
-Jack
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