What are you most like politically?

[Gods_Mercenary]

Niether is it right, on both ends of the spectrum (stalinist communism and facism) it's pretty much the same anyway, law of the jungle fits pretty well into the middle, but they could be right in international politics today.

[Nono]

I don't agree. If Stalinism and Hitlerism, say, have so much in common it's because they aren't really at opposite ends at all.

In fact I'd say that fascism is a kind of libertarianism to the extent that the big guys have arrogated unto themselves the right to devour the little guys. (Jeez, that'll get Oz going.:))

What's missing in both is the rule of law.

Of course, this is leaving aside the key question of distribution of wealth in society.

[fushigi]

It's like asking my favorite religion.

lmao Ish don't you believe in anything?

[Wizzle]

Wizzle, how would you characterize a "left" libertarian (of all things). Libertarianism seems to me to be based on the Law of the Jungle. To me, that ain't left.

The Libertarian Right tends to be characterised as 'I'll do what I want regardless of the consequences. Extreme individualism, if you like.

The Libertarian Left, a more sensible position, is more like 'I'll do what I want,as long as it doesn't harm others'.

That's my take on things, anyway.

[Gods_Mercenary]

Quote by: Nono I don't agree. If Stalinism and Hitlerism, say, have so much in common it's because they aren't really at opposite ends at all. In fact I'd say that fascism is a kind of libertarianism to the extent that the big guys have arrogated unto themselves the right to devour the little guys. (Jeez, that'll get Oz going.:)) What's missing in both is the rule of law. Of course, this is leaving aside the key question of distribution of wealth in society.

Both involve the big guy stomping on little guys, and they do it in the same way, with secret police, government control of everything (though facism allows the market to run it's course, as long as it's good for the nation) Censorship, a omnipresent enemy, and cults of personality of a great leader figure. In many ways the one dimensional graph of left to right twst around so that both ends meet. What differs is the excuse that the leaders use to take power, for communism it's the evil capitalists, for facism it's super nationalism(1000 year riech, new roman empire etc.)

[Wizzle]

Censorship, a omnipresent enemy, and cults of personality of a great leader figure.

That rings bells.

[Gods_Mercenary]

I don't think we have a cult of personality of bush, if that's what you're getting at, most people now have a vague distaste at the very least, and he's not a persuasive enough speaker.

[Wizzle]

I was thinking this side of the atlantic. Bleurgh, specifically. Although Bush was portrayed as the only man tough enough to deal with terrorism. Maybe Giuliani will pull the same moves, "Look how I dealt with the WTC disaster", etc.

[Jack]

Ish don't you believe in anything?

I believe I don't. :rolleyes:
Seriously, I don't consider politics or religion as sacred cows. That's why I'm comfortable discussing them and their shortcomings. I'm not a follower of the "gentlemen don't discuss politics or religion" attitude.

[Scribbler1]

Quote by: Isherwood I believe I don't. :rolleyes: Seriously, I don't consider politics or religion as sacred cows. That's why I'm comfortable discussing them and their shortcomings. I'm not a follower of the "gentlemen don't discuss politics or religion" attitude.

I think that was originally started because it caused too many fistfights among "gentlemen".

And I KNOW from great experience this applies in bars, too.

[G. Adams]

Quote by: Wizzle The Libertarian Right tends to be characterised as 'I'll do what I want regardless of the consequences. Extreme individualism, if you like. The Libertarian Left, a more sensible position, is more like 'I'll do what I want,as long as it doesn't harm others'. That's my take on things, anyway.

For the following I'll use the term libertarian/libertarianism to mean libertarian right, as this is it's most common use.

Justify those claims. The core values of libertarianism is none coercion and the respect for life, liberty and property. No one can rightfully initiate violence, theft or fraud against others, although using vioence to defend yourself is permissible. In which case, how is it that libertarians do not care for consequences? If my chemical factory is poisoning your river, I'll pay you compensation and change my practices. If it continues, my business will have to be closed down until I can find a way to fix the problem. This is an example how under libertarian organisation, there are consequences for our actions when they negatively affect others.

[Wizzle]

Justify those claims. The core values of libertarianism is none coercion and the respect for life, liberty and property.

Not sure I agree . Libetrtarians may claim that, but when pushed they will say things like "what about my right to smoke in pubs?". Right-wing libertarians think of their own pleasures first and last.

[bishop]

Quote by: Nono Right. The ones on this board are right alright. Wizzle, how would you characterize a "left" libertarian (of all things). Libertarianism seems to me to be based on the Law of the Jungle. To me, that ain't left.

it isn't really a matter of left vs. right to me, but since people do tend to look at these things in somewhat black & white terms, i decided to give the appropriate answer..

libertarians don't have any qualms about liberal policies regarding drugs, same-sex marriage, etc... the old addage of "fiscally conservative, socially liberal" is the correct way to characterize them imo.. that, and pro-constitution - using the original interpretation of the constitution, rather than applying years of case law.

[PatrickHenry]

Quote by: bishop that, and pro-constitution - using the original interpretation of the constitution, rather than applying years of case law.

Right you are, bishop.

The advancement of the Executive Branch in supremacy over the other two branches is resulting in the demise of the Federal republic and a looming Imperium.

It is a fearsome prospect for the long term, as students of history will recall from the Roman empire and its devolution from benevolent rule to tyranny.

A return to constitutional rule would correct this most unfortunate turn of events.

[G. Adams]

Quote by: Wizzle Not sure I agree . Libetrtarians may claim that, but when pushed they will say things like "what about my right to smoke in pubs?". Right-wing libertarians think of their own pleasures first and last.

You don't have a right to smoke in pubs. A pub owner has the right to allow smoking upon his property. Someone who objects to smoke around them has no right to walk onto someone else property and impose their wish to smoking or use governmental force to coerce such a change. This is the position of libertarians and is in keeping with the principle of none-coercion and the respect for life, liberty and property.

[Wizzle]

Should you have the right to drive emissions-heavy cars in built up areas?

[Matt W]

*shrugs* Do you have the right to derail topics?

In Misc, yes

[Praxius]

I selected Other (3rd Party) because I already feel every current pollitical party in power or near power to date are all wrong, corrupt and screwed in the noggin.

I classify myself as a revolutionary.... in other words, I'm for anything new, better and may improve our way of life..... anything outside of the known box.

[Sarah22]

Honestly, I need to become more politically informed. I have been told my beliefs are considered moderate.

[Gods_Mercenary]

How boring, it's so much more exciting to be a facist or a stalinist or something. Even a regular old communist would be funner. :)