Describe your Political Philosophy in two paragraphs or less

Neo-whatever benefits myself.

I'm economically and socially liberal. And I want a moon base.

Fiscally conservative, socially liberal.

k arbiter

Very fiscally conservative, very socially liberal.

Don't be cvnty.

Burn it all to the ground.

My personal philosophy is utiltarian and that extends into politics. The aim of politics generally should be to ensure the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. There are many ways to misinterpret this and I can't address all of them in two paragraphs, but I'll just say that means that general political goals should be social equality, conservation, and sustainable industrial and energy policies. I also believe in a strong commons to this end, and in laws that protect equal participation in government for everyone as opposed to allowing government to be co-opted by the wealthy. I also believe strongly in protecting local industry and cooperatives, in utilizing subsidies intelligently in order to help grow young industries and not to give handouts to already established industry. This extends to corporate influence in politics as well, things like excessive military spending and lax regulation should not occur because of corrupt politicians. Finally, I believe in progressive taxation that is administered according to Keynesian principles to avoid large economics swings. I believe in low corporate taxation, higher individual taxation, but harsh penalties for entities that try to exploit loopholes and ship jobs overseas.

Beyond that, I believe that society as a whole has a duty to guarantee certain capabilities, in other words to guarantee a state where individuals are able to meet a minimum requirement. Bodily health is an example, all individuals should be guaranteed a minimum state necessary for a healthy existence. If one chooses to never see a doctor or to engage in unhealthy acts, in other words to not live up to that capability, they are free to do so, but society must provide them with the capability to reach a minimum standard. How this is achieved isn't always concrete. For instance, basic nutrition is a capability, but I don't believe that government is the best way to guarantee that capability. Where I do believe government is warranted is when there is rampant profiteering and when a not-for-profit system is more effective than a for-profit one, such as in health care.

I'm economically and socially liberal. And I want a moon base.

themajormayor

Only if we can put a giant engine on it and use it to attack Alderaan.

Government should strive to create a society where everyone has a fair chance at realising and maximizing their own personal abilties and potential. Government should minimize any limits on freedoms and liberties of people, and only apply such limits when necessary to allow this society to remain safe, productive and just.

Government should strive to create a society where everyone has a fair chance at realising and maximizing their own personal abilties and potential. Government should minimize any limits on freedoms and liberties of people, and only apply such limits when necessary to allow this society to remain safe, productive and just.

_BlueDuck_

aal;kjhfiosfh

mmmm.

Whatever is best for the advancement of humanity. I hate ideology as a whole, because it detracts from the logical assessment of every situation as an individual instead of blanket generalizations. As a general rule, I'm conservative and just don't really give a **** about social issues since they're mostly just reactions by politicians to the general publics average beliefs. There were probably politicians who people would've considered hardcore racists in the 60's that opposed the civil rights bill to get votes, and then voted for things like affirmative action. The same thing will probably happen to politicians who people would categorize as homophobic.

Fiscal conservative policies promoting individual economic rights and large econonomic growth and conservative social policies that keep our country in check. Also, large military spending to ensure our country's sovereignty in times of crisis and war.

Anarchy. F*ck rules and do whatever you want. Your wallet and purse are mine!

Libertarian.DroidPhysX

Fiscally moderate and socially liberal.

Society is a theatre by which the %99 are pacified.

Those on the bottom try to change the system, to create conditions whereby they become more powerful.

But that never happens, because the wiley rise to the top and feed their own clique.

The %99 trade baloney for borscht. Nothing changes.

Yesterdays CEO becomes tommorrow's communist party chief.

Under any set of rules and parameters, he just alters his methods.

Titles change, nobles become senators become party secretaries.

The guy at the bottom stays at the bottom.

If you want to make a real positive change in your life, figure out the rules of the game in your society, and concentrate on winning that game. Improve yourself, become educated (not necessarily college), work hard, take care of your health, get good sleep, etc.

Whether the society is capitalist, socialist, communist, buddhist or anything, it does not matter to you.

Just different game with different set of rules, you alter your strategy to keep you near the top.

There will never be a time where you will just sit around, coast and live a good life.

Unless you be smart and work hard, your life will be schit under any system.

The difference is not the system. The difference is you.

Monarchism.

[QUOTE="DroidPhysX"]Libertarian.kingkong0124

[QUOTE="themajormayor"]

I'm economically and socially liberal. And I want a moon base.

theone86

Only if we can put a giant engine on it and use it to attack Alderaan.

I'm fiscally conservative and socially moderate. I believe in individual liberty and personal reponsibility. Peace through strength is the only logical way to approach foreign policy. I believe in low taxes(in most cases) and minimal government spending(in most cases). I believe in a small, efficient government with a few very specific priorities(namely national defense and foreign affairs). Government should be beholden to the people, not the other way around. I also believe in a lightly regulated market where businesses aren't treated like the enemy.

Crook A vs Crook B.

No such thing as a "Lesser Evil"

Crook A vs Crook B.

No such thing as a "Lesser Evil"

jerk-o-tron2000

[QUOTE="jerk-o-tron2000"]

Crook A vs Crook B.

No such thing as a "Lesser Evil"

themajormayor

I knew I forgot about Crook C

I espouse anarcho-syndicalism and anarcha-feminism.

I don't really have a central political philosophy, really. I just have a set of moral beliefs and I go with what appears to fit that best.

Yeah.....

Some form of utilitarian, I guess. Generally speaking, fiscally/economically conservative and socially liberal.

Some form of utilitarian, I guess. Generally speaking, fiscally/economically conservative and socially liberal.

coolbeans90

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"]

Some form of utilitarian, I guess. Generally speaking, fiscally/economically conservative and socially liberal.

ghoklebutter

I've been meaning to. (TPO highly recommended)

Finally have the free time too.

:hmm:

Prob will d/l since am at a beach, far away from the home public library.

[QUOTE="ghoklebutter"][QUOTE="coolbeans90"] Some form of utilitarian, I guess. Generally speaking, fiscally/economically conservative and socially liberal. coolbeans90

I suggest you check out Wendy Donner's The Liberal Self. It's a wonderful book that discusses John Stuart Mill's ideas in great detail - and she even addresses the strongest objections to his moral and political ideas. If not that book, then check out an anthology of his work - I think they're pretty common. If not that, then at least take a look at his essays "Utilitarianism" and "On Liberty" - those two essays combined neatly encompass many of his ideas.

both parties suck and both are criminals end of story

Anarchy. F*ck rules and do whatever you want. Your wallet and purse are mine!

BluRayHiDef

All I know is that i hate politics, yet oddly drag myself into the debates like a lemming on an almost consistent basis.

[QUOTE="coolbeans90"] [QUOTE="ghoklebutter"] You know John Stuart Mill, right? He's right up your alley - I suggest you read his stuff.ghoklebutter

I suggest you check out Wendy Donner's The Liberal Self. It's a wonderful book that discusses John Stuart Mill's ideas in great detail - and she even addresses the strongest objections to his moral and political ideas. If not that book, then check out an anthology of his work - I think they're pretty common. If not that, then at least take a look at his essays "Utilitarianism" and "On Liberty" - those two essays combined neatly encompass many of his ideas.

Will try the first book and select works from his anthology.