Back at my "home" forum, DTF, we have a Politics & Religion board that serves pretty much the same function as this board here, and we have a thread there that newcomers to P/R often like to post in to introduce themselves to the regulars. It gives everyone an idea where everyone else stands politically on various issues, so it's like that political compass quiz except you can actually see what people answer for specific issues. The issues I'm gonna outline for myself aren't standard, these are just the political topics that I personally feel like I have a stake in and know a thing or two about. If there are other hot (or not so hot) topics that interest you, feel free to include or exclude at your whim. Name: SuperDude526, Super Dude, Super, SD, etc. Nationality: American (you don't have to add this if you don't want, again these are just the bullet points I think are important to include in my self-description) Religious Views: Atheist, but culturally Jewish Political Views: Somewhere in that liberal area ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Gay rights: Pro-rights, pro-marriage, national legalization (as opposed to state-by-state legal battles), etc. Gun ownership: Heavily restrictive licensing policies, stricter training and psychological examination policies. Market regulation: I'm a big fan of social democracy, which shouldn't necessarily mean a lot of state ownership but certainly a good deal of corporate oversight by government bureaucracies. Just to be clear I'm not a Communist, and I'm not a socialist per se, but I don't believe unbridled, run-wild capitalism can be trusted. History shows rampant corruption can occur in either extreme. Taxation: As comes with social democracy, I don't necessarily like high tax rates but honestly no system makes more sense to me. The Netherlands have a really high tax rate, but that translates into a lot of great state-provided goods and services which is something I like. Socialized/universal health care/anything: When it comes down to it, I'm a WITT, meaning "We're in this together." I believe a nation and its society is only as good as its weakest members, so I like the idea of a wide-reaching, good quality safety net. Abortion: Pro-choice, would like to see Planned Parenthood get more funding. Environment: As some of you know from an early post of mine I believe in global warming, but I don't believe it's as much of a threat as what could happen should we allow it to continue. Thus I'm a real greener; I'm a Politics major and recently I've been entertaining the idea of entering green policy because I feel really passionate about reducing carbon emissions and evolving our energy infrastructure into one that's healthier for the planet. I don't believe the answer is in alternative fuel cars, but making the change helps. Voting/Suffrage: This one may be pretty controversial. While I believe every individual in a democratic state should inherently have the right to vote, I think in some cases (i.e. America), it may be necessary to involve a political quiz. Registered voters would arrive at the polls and be given two booklets: one detailing the main political events and highlights of the previous term, and one that asks objective 'yes or no' questions about the information from the former booklet. The questionnaire would therefore quiz voters on verifiable, objective information such as "Did [politician] vote yes or no on [proposal]?" or "Did the U.S. Supreme Court render [Constitutional amendment] constitutional or unconstitutional?" If the voter can't be arsed to keep up to date on the political goings on of the country (or his state or municipality or whatever), or won't even bother to look through the "cheat" book or trust its answers, why should that person be allowed to choose who's running the country? I know a lot of people will look at this and say it's undemocratic, but in my opinion the only thing worse than suffrage exclusion is including someone who deliberately or carelessly abuses their constitutional right just because they don't appreciate the implications of such power. Race/gender relations: I don't know much about these issues, but in the back of my mind this whole past year I've felt almost as though our nation has gotten whiter and more sexist in its cultural mores, despite the rapidly diversifying demographics. And it's not just the birther thing with Obama; I feel as though our society as a whole is becoming unsettlingly close-minded, such that the old "white is good" paradigm appears to be returning, as is the "women can't do anything but mother" deal. It's so subtle I can barely point out an example, but it bothers me a great deal. Israel: This is gonna be another controversial one. I am a staunch Zionist and there was a time when I had seriously considered devoting my life to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a way, that hasn't changed; in my non-career life, I am still endlessly devoted to peace in the Levant. However my views of how to bring that about have changed immensely; I've gone from being somewhere in the center-right (Israeli political spectrum: in favor settlements and against negotiations with Arabs) to being surprisingly leftist (favor a two-state solution and are very anti-war). My loyalty is still and forever will be to Israel, and I'm still working this equation out, but over the years I've become increasingly opposed to the settlement policy. That said, I do stick to my guns concerning the difficulty beset on either side towards making peace concessions, and I will always (except in cases of pre-emption) advocate Israel's right to defend itself. There's a buttload more where that came from, so I'll just try to summarize the rest: - The Iraq War was a mistake - We should try to become friends with China, Brazil, and India - Time to get off oil 'cause it's running out for realz - Down with the PATRIOT Act - Weed: I would never do it, but I see no reason why my neighbor shouldn't be able to enjoy it if he wants to - That said, I'm anti-tobacco products, or at least I'd prefer the restaurant ask the smoker to leave rather than the non-smokers having to choose to leave (there's much more that goes into this one, so ask me to elaborate if you're curious) - Torture is bad, m'kay? - Abolish the Bush Doctrine - America should become more pacifist in general and work on soft power instead That's all I can think of right now, so list yours and enjoy!
For now I'm just going to be lazy and say that, besides all the stuff that's specific to America, my views are more or less the same as yours.
1) Everyone has the right to own a gun as long as they are psychologically fit to know the responsibilities that come with owning one. 2) Repeal the Patriot Act 3) Withdraw troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. 4) Cease military engagement in Libya. 5) Close down Guantanamo and secret prisons across the globe. 6) Abolish the Federal Reserve Act. That's all I have the time to say now.
- Campaign finance reform should be priority number one. - Markets, businesses and corporations should be regulated as much as possible. And then some. - Drugs like marijuana should be legalized and regulated so these "drug wars" can end. - The state should not have the power to restrict or censor the free and open exchange of ideas/information either online, in print, in media, et al. - It should not be the purpose of the state to "nationalize" citizens but to inform them. - I agree with OP that training should be mandatory for gun ownership (should even be taught in schools) but I disagree with psychological examinations. Getting a license should be very expensive but once you have one it isn't right for the state to hassle people with fees/paper work for constant renewals. - I agree with OP that there should be tests for voter eligibility but OP's examples are insane. Just something that makes sure the people know what country they're living in. Requiring intimate knowledge of voting records and Supreme Court case outcomes is beyond the pale. Almost nobody knows that. I don't know that and I follow politics and current events religiously. There should be clearer ballots that highlight the position of candidates so voters don't vote against their own interest. - Health care should be available and affordable. But it should also be the personal responsibility of people to stay healthy. - The definition of "child abuse" should be broadened and then strictly enforced. Parental "rights" are too lenient and should be rewritten to further protect children from physical and emotional torment. - The U.S. military should actively engage human rights abusers around the world. Bombs could be a supper effective catalyst for change. - Cultural equality is a myth. I could probably go on and on, there's so many issues.
I just want to clarify that I wasn't saying a voter should have to memorize voting records; I meant for example all the raging in the Tea Party about Obama raising the national tax rates. The fact is he actually lowered them, but Republicans can get away with fabrications like that because the people will and are willing to believe them, and because they believe what these politicians say, they continue to vote them in. If you ask on a questionnaire, "Did Obama raise taxes during his term?" that sort of thing should be reduced I expect.
I think a lot of these issues have already been raised in the Serious Chat and a lot of people were warned about not respecting other people's opinions, as I recall correctly to the Osama thread, as my newest example.
Oh, I didn't know, sorry. I'll keep it clean. I just wanted this to be a "repository" for people expressing what their views are, which they could then discuss in other threads. (My second post being an exception only because I wanted to make it impossible to misinterpret that one bullet point)
Nobody should own a gun unless it's used in your job Everyone should get health care Tax the living fuck out of rich people Extremely Pro Gay rights and pro-choice Kinda meh about the Middle East. Not sure what to think. Ok I'm bored now.
Name: Tha Handyman, CocoPuffSupreme, Cody Nationality: 15/16 European, 1/16 Cheroke Religious Views: Christian Political Views: Conservative ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Gay rights: You should be able to do what you want, but other than that I don't agree with homosexuality, it is against God's word. Why is this the first topic. Gun ownership: Should be 18, no gun violation/criminal charges, other than that I'm packin Market regulation: stay out of my country Commies! Lolz. Nah the government needs to keep Monopolies out of the industry, there's such a gray area though, is the At&T merger going to be better or worse for consumers? I love At&t, but probably worse. Taxation: I could care less if you make 20,000 a year or 200,000, tax % should be the exact same. People need to stop demanding handouts and start fueling the economy with the old American work ethic. Socialized/universal health care/anything: No. I want my doctors pushing the envelope, don't want the medical field to end up like our school systems. (my moms a great teacher, but some aren't). I'm all for helping the little guys out, and there are constantly church and school functions and fundraisers for people in need. Abortion: Pro Life unless its raaaaaape Environment: some people don't see conservatives as green or whatever, but I've never thrown anything other than food or gum out my window (no wrappers lolz) and I get the swirly lightbulbs, turn off my lights before I leave, the little stuff. I'm all for companies pushing to recycle and use cardboards over plastic. Voting/Suffrage: Boring, this isn't 1920 Race/gender relations: I don't think people are racist anymore. There will always be a little bit of 'racism' just because we're all different. Same as short people tall people fat people skinny people. Just keep the muslims out, thanks. I could care less about your race, but if your denomination thinks taking out Christians is the way to go, not gonna let you in any mo! p.s. Hang 10!!!
You may be the first republican I've seen that has said this and I applaud you for it. In response to "I don't think America is racist anymore"...think again. And I don't get why you have to limit abortions to rape victims. But whatever.
Name: Theazninvasion68 / Maverick68 Nationality: American. Religious view: Believer of God / Christan. Political view: According to that online political test, I tested exactly in the middle, up 1, to the right 1, or very slightly conservative leaning. ----- Gay Rights - You have every right to be whatever you like, and I'm comfortable with that. Civil unions permit almost exactly similar benefits as a traditional marriage imo. Gun Ownership - Available to purchase under given conditions. Market Regulation - No idea. : / Health Care - Needs improvement, that is for sure. Abortion - If, and only if, the lady aborting is a victim of rape. Environment: Well, specifically? I'm all for Nat'l parks, planting tree's, cutting energy, and recycling. Improving energy efficiency and output with fewer or cheaper materials. Voting - Everyone has a right to be represented by their congress reps / Senators, and ought to go vote when of age. Topics, policies, referendums, Initiatives, etc.. should also be explain by a neutral third party in easy-to-understand language. Race / Gender - I'm Chinese, and I for one will say that America must be good relations with China.
Name: Jay Sensei, Nemo, or Jeff Nationality: American Religious Views: Agnostic, but more leaning towards Christian. Political Views: Unsure at this point. ----------- Gay Rights: People are people. They should be able to do whatever they want to. It doesn't matter who is sleeping with who, since it's not going to effect or harm me in anyway. Gun Ownership: Only under extreme control and everyone purchasing a weapon should undergo a really thorough background check. Healthcare: I'm for a better healthcare system, but I don't feel that forcing it upon us is the right way to go. Race/Gender Relations: There definitely needs improvement. I find it really disappointing that people still have to worry about where they live just because of the color of their skin. My sister, who is biracial, has to struggle to get a job because she lives in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, which is pretty bad when it comes to white supremacy.
Name: Sarah/Castiel Nationality: Australian Religious Views: Not giving a shit since '89 Political Views: Varies ------------------------ Gay Rights - Love has no limits. Gun Ownership - Available to purchase under given conditions. <-- what he said Market Regulation - No idea. : / <--- what he said Health Care - Everyone has a right to health care, no matter of social status. Abortion - Depends. But I do believe it is not murder by any counts. Environment - Peter Garrett's entrance into parliament as of lately made me hate everything about the environmental topics. Especially when religious extremists in parliament come along and say that the Japanese Earthquakes were a result of Global Warming. Global Warming in my opinion is not a scam. Voting - Everyone should have a right to vote and if you don't choose to uphold this right, you shouldn't bitch or whinge about who gets into office and what policies they hold. Race / Gender - I'm half Australian and half German so I think everyone should just get the fuck along seriously, we are all mature adults.
I said I don't think people are racist anymore! Yeah Americans are gonna be like, darn those brits! Or dang black people in the hood! Darn white trash in the country. Just like fat people are to blame for bigger toilets and higher celings for taller people. I hold the door open for and say yes sir/no mam and will befriend anyone reguardless of race. Maybe Oklahoma is just that friendly of a place, but as for "i don't like them/think they belong here/derserve this" based on race, I just don't see it.
The Barack Obama birth certificate crap is the latest example. Racism isn't gone in this country by any means.
You know me, I tend to be pretty blunt about things: Name: Todd Nationality: American Religion: The world would be a better place without it Political views: Very liberal Gay rights: Don't like gay sex? Then don't have it. Don't like gay marriage? Then don't get one. Just shut the fuck up and let gay people get married if they want to. Abortion: Don't like abortion? Then don't get one. Just shut the fuck up and let women get an abortion if they want to. Gun ownership: We need more gun control, not less. Whackjobs like the asshole who shot Gaby Giffords and killed the poor girl (and other people) in Arizona shouldn't be allowed near a Nerf gun, much less a real gun. Market regulation: Yeah, what we have now has worked out soooo well. Regulate the fuckers. Taxation: The rich don't pay enough taxes. In fact, the teabaggers bitch and moan about high taxes, but the current tax rates are lower than they were under Ronald Reagan, their patron saint of low taxes and capitalism. Health care: No one should go broke when they get sick or be denied heath care when they don't have any money. The US system is the only one in the world of it's kind and the only one broken and fucked up like this. Obviously, what we have isn't working and what other countries have is. Everyone deserves good healthcare. No ifs, ands or buts. Environment: I'm a WITT on this one. We all breathe the same air, drink from the same water, rely on the same ecosystem. Don't do anything to screw it up. Voting/Suffrage: Yeah, not sure why this one is on here - any citizen who is 18 years has the right to vote and it should remain that way. The only change I would make is give Washington DC statehood so they have 2 senators and a representative. Or, exempt all citizens of the district from paying federal taxes. No taxation without representation, right? Race/Gender: Racism and sexism are still both problems in this country - anyone who says otherwise is blind. I see it all the time sadly, and IMO, it's only gotten worse since Obama was elected, not better - I guess having a black president really brings out the klan in some people. Middle East: US should GTFO.
Name: Ross Nationality: Canadian Religious Views: Atheist/Antitheist Political Views: ------------------------ Gay Rights - Should be the same as straight people with regards to marriage and such. I don't think marriage should be a legal issue though, so I would like everyone to get civil unions and let churches marry people by whatever legally unrecognized methodology they see fit. Gun Ownership - I don't have too strong opinions. Buy them and register them I guess seems reasonable. I don't really care much about hunting. Market Regulation - I honestly don't know much about economics. My sympathies lie with the free market, but some regulation is needed. Anti-monopoly stuff and stuff to keep companies honest. Taxation: I like a progressive tax system but the exact figures I am not sure of. I think there should be a very real option and incentive for people to get more money than they know what to do with, and don't expect a 0% unemployment rate. Health Care - I like Canada's health care, but am not opposed to a private + public system as I believe Britain has. Abortion - I am pretty pro-abortion Environment - I guess basic laws to protect the environment should exist, though I am not too environmentally conscious myself. Global warming is a real issue. Voting - Everyone should be able to vote, though I am not too committed to letting some criminals vote either way. I would probably lean toward everyone though. I have never voted though, and think it is a bit over-rated. People generally have this idea that an ignorant vote is better than no vote, and I don't think that is true at all. If you don't put in a good amount of research you should stay home. For this reason I am in principle in favour of the voting test, but worried about a non-biased implementation. Race / Gender - I am all for equality, don't care much for "equity". I am of the "equal means equal" school of thought and don't like Affirmative Action, "Positive Discrimination", etc..
Wtf is up with people who are pro-life but think it's ok for rape victims to get abortions? Wtf? I'm baffled.