What are YOUR political beliefs?

[Guest Olympic Slam]

I have to deal with professors everday with political beliefs much different than mine so I CONSTANTLY have to re-evaluate and second guess my belief system. With an election soon on the way, I'm curious as to what makes each of us vote the way we do. What is YOUR political platform? What is your belief system or outlook on life? What in particular makes you think the way you do? Are there any life lessons or experiences you've had that brought about your beliefs? I'm very interested in what makes us think the way we do beyond the lame "Clinton is a pervert" and "Bush is stupid" litmus tests. I'd like to know the deeper reasons behind our political platforms. I'll post by beliefs later on today.

[Guest Kotzenjunge]

I'll be perfectly honest: I really don't know why I think the way I do, I just do, if that makes any sense. From what I can gather though, a lot of it comes from always looking at things from every angle, which gives me my moderate-yet-leaning-slightly-to-the-left way of operating.

 

I'm totally against any and all religion, but not to the point where I attack any of them, I just hate them being pushed on me, so as a result I don't like a lot of conservative ideas, since a lot(not all, but a good bit) are derived from religious beliefs from where I sit.

 

As for actual political thinking, I try and apply the same method, but it really isn't easy to do. I'm bombarded by Republican materiel here at home because everyone in the house is a registered member of the party and a contributor. As a result, I don't like the party on the mere idea that I keep seeing stuff from them.

 

Kotzenjunge

Doesn't Know Why His Mind Works As It Does

[Guest cdstunner66]

I tend not to believe in either the conservative or the liberal lines too much. I like to think I believe more in common sense than anything else.

[Guest El Satanico]

Everyone in my family is republican, yet somehow i'm not.

 

I'm not a republican or a democrat. I don't give a shit about either side and both are damn near identical now. I can't really explain my political believes because i'm very unpolitical.

 

I usually vote for whichever guy i can stand more. Last time i voted for Nader, but i don't know what that says about my political believes other then i didn't like Bush or Gore espiecally Bush.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

My entire family on my moms side is republican or at least independent thinking.

 

It doesn't take a rocket science to know my beliefs. I'm maybe the most hard-line conservative on this board, taking into affect all the issues.

 

I don't want the gov't interfering and telling me what's wrong and what's right. Some religious leaders like Falwell are overboard on their thinking but they aren't taken seriously anymore.

 

Voting this year for me has more do to with hating Paul Welfare, and the other two canidates for governor. I like Coleman and Pawlenty but honestly I hate the other canidates more than I like the Republican canidates.

[Guest Kibagami]

I don't adhere to any particular belief system. I try and take each issue on a case-by-case basis...suscribing to a strictly conservative or rigidly liberal political philosophy and expecting it to have the right answer to every question is the epitome of ignorance, in my opinion.

 

Just do whatever's next.

 

(Y)

 

S.

[Guest Mr. Slim Citrus]

I am a fiscal conservative who's social and political views could also be considered conservative, but most of which are just right of center.

 

I'd probably vote independently, but since the only "major" independent party appears to be the Libertarians, I usually tend to vote Republican by default.

[Guest hardyz1]

I'm closest to Libertarian, though I don't agree with everything they say. I've long thought that the government has too much power and is too wasteful. I also strongly believe in the Constitution, and I am a total mark for personal responsibility.

[Guest kkktookmybabyaway]

"With an election soon on the way, I'm curious as to what makes each of us vote the way we do."

 

I'll probably vote Republican across the board -- there may be a local Dem. candidate I'll side with but it's unlikely...

 

"What is YOUR political platform?"

 

Registered Republican with some sympathies toward Libertarians

 

"What is your belief system or outlook on life?"

 

bitter, jaded, cynical

 

"What in particular makes you think the way you do?"

 

Years and years of rejection -- getting passed over for jobs because I'm a man (I have proven this so don't say it's B.S. -- Hell, my better half has been passed over because she's a woman, so don't say I'm doing the Angry White Male routine)

 

"Are there any life lessons or experiences you've had that brought about your beliefs?"

 

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink

 

"I'm very interested in what makes us think the way we do beyond the lame "Clinton is a pervert" and "Bush is stupid" litmus tests."

 

I can't answer this question with a simple post on a message board.

 

"I'd like to know the deeper reasons behind our political platforms. I'll post by beliefs later on today."

 

Once again, can't answer this question with a simple post on a message board. Sorry, but I'm lazy...

[Guest bob_barron]

Everyone on my mom's side is democrat.

Everyone on my dad's side is republican.

 

I just became a republican on my own- I agree with their stance on a lot of issues

[Guest Kahran Ramsus]

I'm a conservative but I voted for the Alliance over the Tories in the 2000 election. The federal PC party is on its deathbed.

 

I vote PC in the provincial elections. I don't like the Liberals, and there is no chance in hell I will vote for the Commies..er...NDP.

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

I'm kind of weird. I recognize I've been brought up as a liberal, even though I went to private religious schools most of my life. I remember first paying attention to politics online, and finding there were people, who, for instance, were in favor of sacrificing the environment for things like energy (such as the case in the Alaska reserve.) This outright stunned me, as even in school as a boy I had been taught all this ecology stuff and how important it is to recycle and save the environment, etc.

 

However, the thing is I can get agree with quite a few of the old-school Conservative thought. For instance, I'm not sure what a moderate voter is considered in the rest of the country, but here in Cali it seems even the moderate voters are in favor of gay rights. I can understand both sides of the coin, as I don't think the government should be handing out benefits to every minority that wants them, either. Although I cannot agree with the way wacky religious anti-gay stuff.

 

As I said, I was raised in religious schools. I do not consider myself religious in any way. In fact, I'm almost anti-religion, as my life personally has been hurt by those who allow religion to make their decisions for them, and I also believe that if everyone worldwide didn't take religion so seriously, the World Trade Center would still be standing. I know saying that in an online forum such as this one can get me flamed to shit as people can be VERY defensive of religion, but I'm guess I'll just say that here and see what happens I guess.

 

At the same time, though, I do not agree with that Atheist guy running around here trying to get the courts to bar this and that. I feel comfortable saying something like "God Bless America" without feeling like I'm saying a prayer or endorsing Catholicism. It is just a collection of words to me, and nothing more.

 

Although my mind leans toward liberal thought more often than not, I agreed with Pat Buchanan on MSNBC a few days ago when he defended old-school Conservatist thought that we should get the military out of areas we don't belong in. In fact, it made me interested in that American Conservative magazine he's putting out next month.

 

I guess you could say my thought is all over the map, but not with the BUSH = PATRIOTISM = GOOD "neo-conservatives" who are happily generating a hitlist of countries for us to wage war with.

[Guest DrTom]

My leanings are going to sound similar to Citrus'.

 

I am a fiscal conservative, but a philosophical and social libertarian (small L). I believe in a small government that stays out of people's homes and personal affairs. I despise throwaway entitlement spending, favor a strong military and national defense, and I wish immigration laws were tougher (or at least that existing ones were enforced).

 

In elections, I have always voted Republican, despite the fact that I'm a registered Independent. It would take an AWFUL lot to get me to vote for a Democrat, since I think their pet policies have caused a lot of the problems we're currently experiencing.

[Guest ant_7000]

We seem to go through this every week pretty much. I am a Democrat YEAH I SAID IT WHAT!!!!!!!!!!. Anyways, Im for the AA, somewhat for environment, pro choice (moderate), though I am for less taxes (thats about conservative I will get), welfare to a certain extent, and not for censorship and anti big government.

[LaParkaYourCar 0]

I don't know much politics. I guess you could say belief wise I'm a mix of Republican conservativeness and Democrat economic ideas. Alas I usually vote Republican unless there is a fairly conservative Democrat.

[Guest Mad Dog]

I believe in common sense.

 

The Republican party seems to actually have it right now so I lean more in that direction.

[Guest RevEvil]

My family's pretty liberal, so it would be pretty hard for me to move to the right. Anyway, I figure that my vote won't make a difference, so I'm pretty much apathetic.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

I just vote for whoever's platform I like the most. Republican, Democrat, Conservative, and Liberal are four words I don't give a shit about in any way.

 

I really wish there was a spot to vote for "No confidence in any candidate" though. Last election, I voted for Nader based on the fact I don't like Bush or his father, would NEVER vote for Gore based solely on who he's married to, and Nader wanted to legalize weed.

[Guest Razor Roman]

I am also a Republican. I believe in personal responsability. I believe in letting people keep most of the money we earn. I (like most Republicans) am NOT a social darwinist, I do not believe in leaving people behind.

 

Some of my biggest problems with liberals and Democrats, in particular, is the fact that they use scare tactics, saying the GOP means "Get Old People" and they way they try to keep their power by seperating us. (They keep the who "blacks and whites hate each other" thing alive so they can continue to enslave the inner cities). They also don't grasp the fact that character IS important in our leaders. Case in point, in NJ (where I live) Senator Torricelli resigned, not because he took illegal bribes(which he did) but because since he did that, no one would pay attention to any "important" issues he wanted to talk about. HE TOOK BRIBES. And thats NOT important?

 

I also belive that a strong defense is our best hope for peace.

 

Vive Regan. :-)

[Guest HoffmanHBK]

Policywise, I'm a conservative, almost across the board. The one notable exception is the death penalty. I don't think we have the right to judge whether someone should live or die. It probably stems from my Christian religious beliefs (OMG RELIGION~!), although I know an argument for said death penalty can be made from the Bible as well.

 

Financially, I actually have found myself moving at least more towards the middle. I don't like taxes, and I don't like welfare, but they serve a purpose, at least ideally. I think a lot of financial programs need sweeping reforms, and more checks and balances, so that you don't have people using food stamps to buy a carton of cigarettes.

 

As far as why I think like I do, I'm not really sure. My dad never lived with us (although I was born in wedlock, before anyone starts with the "bastard" chants), and my mom is very unpolitical, so I guess I just got indoctrinated along the way. I have many friends who side with both political parties.

[Guest danielisthor]

I basically have been a Republican for as long as I can remember, even before I knew anything about politics. I remember back in 1980 in 3rd grade voting for Reagan over Carter. My parents were Democrats and even voted for Jessie Jackson in the 92 primary (a black spot upon my family that i shall never let them forget) but have been slowly converting over to the Republicans since. I think Clinton did them in and seen the evil that they are.

 

I believe the most important function of the Government is the protection of its citizens, whether it is by the expansion of our military to protect us from invasion, terrorism, illegal immigrants and illegal drugs. Its continuous funding of the pharmaceutical companies to find cures for cancer and AIDS with grants and services that provide clean water and air that we breathe.

 

It is important that the government uses all of our natural resources with great caution and to protect the environment when doing so. If they can get oil in the Gulf of Mexico or in the Wildlife Preserves of Alaska with minimal damage to the environment, then do so.

 

I am a firm believer in the Declaration of Independence and that all men are created equal whether they are man or woman, black, white, red, green or yellow, heterosexual or homosexual and/or disabled. Any law that is passed giving special rights to any group is discriminatory against the rest.

 

I have the right to pursue happiness and fortune as long as I do not hurt others by doing so. The government is not a backup plan.

 

I have the right to bare registered arms legally, to protect myself, my family, my home and my country.

 

I believe in a woman's right to choose. I also believe in having an abortion, that she is killing a human being and if there is a god, she will spend eternal life in hell, but while on earth, she will have to live with herself till she dies. I also belief in Father’s rights and if he can prove that he can emotionally and financially take care of the child, then he has the right to stop an abortion.

 

All Americans have the right to be taxed fairly and equally. Bill Gates should be taxed at the same rate as a waitress, be it 15% or 20%.

 

The government has the responsibility to spend our tax dollars wisely and appropriately. Pork barrel projects are neither. It is not the role of the government to provide for my retirement or tax me for it. I should not be penalized (taxed) heavier for working overtime or by receiving bonuses.

 

It is wrong to be French.

 

The government should not put any foreign concerns or government over our own including the United Nations.

 

Religious organizations should not be tax exempt except for the charitable donations. The property owned should be taxed, as any other property should. Charitable Organizations such as the Red Cross and should be subject to taxes as well for anything not considered a business expense or charitable donation. Their financial books should be audited regularly and open to the public if not already.

 

Federal and State courts are there to interpret and enforce the law. They are not there to change and make laws.

 

There should be a mandatory cap on frivolous lawsuits and the amount that can be asked for and the amount awarded to a plaintiff.

 

Lying under oath if you’re any governmental employee including the President of the US is a major impeachable felony.

 

There are many great evils in the world, Osama bin laden and Communist China are at the forefront, but take heed against other lesser evils: Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, Oprah, Rosie O’Donnell, NOW, and labor unions.

 

It is the role of both parents and teachers to make sure students learn, pass and graduate. There should be mandatory classes for soon to be parents. Children of unfit parents should be taken away until they learn to be proper parents.

[Guest I'm That Damn Zzzzz]

Live and let live, is that so goddamn hard? If it is, you have no place on this earth, even your ashes have no place on this earth. That's what I base any political belief on, and why I'm drawn to the Libertarian way of thinking.

[Guest meanmaisch]

I'm a democrat, as are the rest of my family. I've only voted Republican once, as I refused to vote for Jon Corzine

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

but have been slowly converting over to the Republicans since. I think Clinton did them in and seen the evil that they are.

 

There are many great evils in the world, Osama bin laden and Communist China are at the forefront, but take heed against other lesser evils: Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, Oprah, Rosie O’Donnell, NOW, and labor unions.

For someone who believes all (well, most all) should be treated equal, this is interesting. I know many Republicans with a low view of Democrats, but you think that makes them inherantly evil?

 

It kind of comes down to the same sort of discrimination you were speaking out against. "They don't think the way I do, they must be evil."

[LaParkaYourCar 0]

Policywise, I'm a conservative, almost across the board. The one notable exception is the death penalty. I don't think we have the right to judge whether someone should live or die. It probably stems from my Christian religious beliefs (OMG RELIGION~!), although I know an argument for said death penalty can be made from the Bible as well

 

I'm a Christian and I believe in the death penalty. It's about all we have left to steer criminals from that path. Prison is better living for a lot of criminals than what they're living in now so what reason do they have to not do crime? Free cable, work out, room, food, sure you have to put up with being raped, but that might not be a change for some and not everyone gets raped.

[Guest MrRant]

I think the way I do thanks to George Carlin and Al Bundy. A lot of what they say actually makes senses to me and is a lot of how I feel (for the most part). Flame if you will.

[Guest Ed_Neitz]

I would probably be right-wing. I believe in low taxes, and less government interference than is absolutely necessary. I don't mind the Liberterian party, but they go a bit too far.

I believe W is doing a pretty good job so far, but I could be persuaded either way about Iraq.

I am anti death penalty, and pro choice for things like abortion, sexuality etc.

[Guest HoffmanHBK]

Oh, I'm VERY much in favor for prison reform. One of my very leftist professors said once that Minnesota had one of the best prison systems in the nation. I had to bite my tongue on that one. Minnesota's prisoners, at least some of them, live almost as well as I do.

[Guest Midnight Express83]

My family isn't really a partyline. We are all on the issue.

 

I myself is more leftist on issues(pro choice, legalize gay marriages, ect.)

 

I am more right with other issues(school reform, cutting taxes, balance the budge)

 

I am down the middle when picking people for office. Their plantforms matter to me.

[Guest papacita]

My family votes democrat for whatever reason, but I personally don't follow party lines. I've also got little faith in the U.S. government for what it's worth.