Politically, how do you describe yourself?

[KoKo]

Trying to find some info out here:

[Dr Ron]

1. None of the above

I don't see any of those as a good description.

[Inland]

2. Is "angry" and "disgusted" a political description? nt

[existentialist]

8. angry and disgusted as a political type

I kind of agree. I don't really want to be involved in politics, but given what the neoconservatives have become--and are doing--I don't feel or believe that I can remain responsibly uninvolved.

[stillcool]

11. add some fear to that description....

and the shoe fits!!!!

[Spike from MN]

81. You beat me to it. Actually, if you want to get down to it, I'm in the

"angry, disgusted, and looking to move" category.

[H2O Man]

3. populist/agrarian

I think of the options listed, that might come closest. I am a "communalist." I favor the "hamlet with outlaying family farm" culture. I think that John Lennon's "Imagine" is the best option for stable human development.

[KoKo]

21. I do too...

but I understand that's it's too "utopian." Just as Lennon was. Doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for altruistic causes, though. We live in an anti-altruistic, anti-agrarian (unless one means "Agri-Busines) culture where we've forgotten what living on the earth/land means and we are not in a time of "enlightenment" but a "Dark Ages time" when Science and Innovation are looked on as anti-Christian. When "innovation" is looked on with suspicion.

So...I'm a little Socialist, Mostly Populist, but there's a little bit of "just sick of it all" and "we need to get together on the far Left" side to me. Still I'm anti-Janet Jackson's Boob Exposure, and feel that violent, sexual media games, movies and other content that children under age 9 should have warning labels on. So, that's a little what is today called Fundie part of me...to add to my way leftist views. Yet, many would agree with me on that who don't want to fit into some Fundie/Christian Label...we just care about the content of what's out there that kids are seeing...Think there should be some shields or if not shields then at least do some worthwhile programming that engates the minds of our "little ones." (Who decides what's "Worthwhile" though, is the question):shrug:

[marmar]

4. If you'd asked me on the street...

I would have said "Progressive" or "Very Liberal," but when I looked at the definitions in the question, I guess I'm a socialist because I definitely support nationalized health care. I guess my politics are "Northern European" or "Canadian."

[KoKo]

26. I tried to "nuance" my post...

and even then couldn't get all the differences in that I thought might be important. We Americans have all shades of differences. The Mainstream Pollsters just ask very basic questions...which don't really reflect nuance. I did the best I could..and didn't get everything in...but wondered as a community how we might fit in together with the nuances I could suggest. :shrug:

[Skittles]

5. PROUD LIBERAL

ALWAYS HAVE BEEN; ALWAYS WILL BE

[Moderate Dem]

6. Liberal/ Moderate on social issues

Pretty hardcore for a strong defense.

[LiberalFighter]

9. Weren't Kennedy, Johnson, Truman, FDR? Strong on defense

[RoyGBiv]

7. Don't like the definitions ...

For example, supporting universal health care and the right to labor unions does not in and of itself make one a socialist.

[Endangered Specie]

14. Agreed...

It would have been best just to stick to titles and not have 'examples' in parenthesis.

[KoKo]

29. But, Repugs have always hit at Dems who support those two issues as

"SOCALISTS" and they spit that word out as a "dirty label." So, it backs many Dems off labeling themselves as in favor of some "Socialist" programs or ideals because we are afraid of being lumped into a group that's been dissed for so long.

At least that's why I shy away from the "Socialist Label" even though so much of what I believe seems to be socialist rather than DLC/DNC Dem policies. :shrug:

[Trajan]

34. The word 'Socialist' has a meaning ...

And while great Democrats like FDR and LBJ have promoted social legislation, the policies they promulgated did NOT constitute a bona fide 'socialism' .....

Using the term plays into their strawman ....

I am NOT a sociaist .... I am a liberal Democrat who promotes progressive social legislation ... There is a huge difference ....

[dissent1977]

101. I am a socialist, but I definately see your point

The word socialist has been tarnished by the right to such an extent that many view it as a dirty word. The same thing has happened to the word liberal, but to a much lesser extent.

As a proud socialist, I do want to take the word back to it's true meaning and get people to realize that socialism is not the evil that the propaganda makes it out to be. Yet at the same time I realize that the term socialist goes far beyond supporting Universal Health Care and labor unions, and we should not label everyone who supports those initiatives as socialists. As much as I want to get people to accept the word socialist, I worry that if we move too quickly and apply that label where it is not appropriate we are playing right into the hands of the right-wing.

[RoyGBiv]

39. Exactly ...

This, as constructed, is a Republican label, so why use it?

I know what a socialist is, and I am not one. I don't shy away from the label; I reject it because it doesn't describe me. I support many socialist ideas, but not the whole of the ideology and therefore am not a socialist.

Of course, the bigger problem is that traditional labels don't really describe most of us. Also, it's hard to draw clear distinctions between terms like liberal, progressive, socialist, etc. because these terms can be used variously to describe a political party and its platform, a concrete ideology, or a general direction in one's thinking. When those concepts are mixed, the lines start to blur.

[Djinn]

62. particularly outside the US

I know many many supporters of trade unionism and public health care who'd be very insulted if you called them a socialist.

[Syrinx]

10. lefty libertarian

[KoKo]

32. I didn't have space to put Libertarians in...but what is a "Lefty

Libertarian? Could you give more info about this? It sounds interesting. I probably should have added "Libertarian" instead of Fundie Repug...I think I'll edit my post...

[Syrinx]

47. lefty-libertarian

I'm left-wing on the liberal/conservative axis, and very anti-authoritarian. Basically, the exact opposite of Bush.

[KoKo]

54. Are you for drowning government in the bathtub like Norquist, though?

:shrug:

[Syrinx]

59. definitely not

I like "big government" when it helps people and improves lives. I hate "big government" when it aims to keep people down.

[Warren DeMontague]

65. Norquist is an ass

and he should personally be put in charge of dealing with this bastard deficit he's partially responsible for, preferably by working at a paper hat job to help pay it off.

[Warren DeMontague]

64. Left Libertarian here, too.

Let's put it this way- I support a single payer health care system and strong environmental laws and regulations; some things are better left to collective responsibility as opposed to pure free enterprise- but I don't think it's any of the government's business what consenting adults want to do with their own bodies, as long as everyone involved is a consenting adult... which gender they want to screw, which plants they want to smoke, whether they want to watch porn (or play porn-containing video games) ---that kind of thing.

In short, I am in favor of more rights for individuals and more oversight for corporations, which is the opposite of what we have now.

The political compass is a good test to to check out for a different take on it than the standard left/right linear dichotomy:


http://www.digitalronin.f2s.com/politicalcompass/index.html

For the record, my results were: Economic Left/Right: -4.38 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -6.97

[Syrinx]

111. hi impeachdubya!

I think we are on the same political wavelength. My political compass says -5.93 economic / -7.54 social.

:hi:

[Warren DeMontague]

113. Good numbers

:hi:

It's been a while since I took that, but it seemed pretty accurate.

[Syrinx]

115. I thought at first it made me sound more radical than I am

I don't really think of myself as RADICAL. (I'm mostly about trying to be nice and loving freedom.) But after considering the current political situation, I decided maybe I am radical. Sad. But nice to have company!

[Warren DeMontague]

127. It's funny. It seems to me a bedrock concept, for instance, like this:

"it's none of the government's business what a consenting adult chooses to do with his or her own body, insofar as it doesn't impinge on anyone else's freedom or endanger them"

...not only wouldn't be "radical", it would be common sense and pretty self evident in the land of Jefferson and Franklin.

[Syrinx]

135. totally agree!

I would agree with conservatives if they practiced what they preach about personal freedom. But I'd still be a lefty.

[leyton]

120. That is exactly what I am.

I guess I might term it populism, but I for the most part support policies that tackle big problems like the environment (that can't be addressed solely through individual effort) and that increase the economic power and leverage of the individual and keep in check the economic power and leverage of corporations. Other than that, I think the government needs to be as trim and hands-off as possible.

[Syrinx]

110. I just noticed you capitalized "Libertarian"

I had purposefully put "libertarian" in lower case. I have certain libertarian leanings, well expressed by "impeachdubya." But I find the Libertarian Party to be "cuckoo bananas." Just a clarification.

[BillZBubb]

12. The Socialist choice sounds like Repug framing!

Just because I support health care, unions, progressive taxation, government regulation, etc, doesn't make me a socialist--except to right wingnuts.

[Syrinx]

114. maybe "socialist" isn't such a bad word

Judging by your description I think you might be a "socialist" by current American standards. And there's nothing wrong with that.

[BillZBubb]

118. I strongly object to such weakening of the language.

The American "standards" you talk about are the framing done by the Rush Limpballs of the world. We let the Repugs frame things and then we talk in their terminology. That is a BIG mistake. We should demand accuracy.

Yes, I am a "socialist" to any right wingnut. But, the key element of socialism is something I do not support in general--government ownership of enterprise. Without that, one cannot really be a socialist.

So, sure, I may agree with socialists on some issues. But I even occassionally agree with Repugs on some issues as well--and that doesn't make me a fascist.

[julianer]

117. Even self-declared socialists have

vehement disagreements about what socialism means. For some it is the marginal reform of capitalism - health care, worker's rights etc - for others it is complete public ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange.

[Endangered Specie]

13. "Progressive Democrat" or just plain "Democrat"

so I guess that means I should vote either "DNC" or "progressive left"... sometimes, I will use "Liberal Democrat", but that can get confused with British politics (although I would vote for them If I lived there).

Whatever it is, it will not involve the words, 'green', 'radical', 'neo' 'communist', 'socialist' or 'libertarian' (and, obviosuly, any republican/conservative term). Also, I wont use a term that shares the name of a politician/person (such as "Michael Moore Democrat" or "Howard Dean Democrat", even though I like both, especially the latter).

Part of picking a descriptor for your political views is using words that arent too charged, and dont 'overstate' your case.

edit: Now, on DU, I think "moderate" is the best descriptor, as DU is, of course, futher left than the population at large'. In the end, Id like to think of my views as moderate, but the country, and most the world, leans heavily and too far to the right.

[LynnTheDem]

15. SOMEONE's on the wrong board...

Dear "bush republican";

Fuck off. You're too stupid a MFer for this board.

[DemGirl7]

20. maybe they were just being a smartass

I know I choose those choices sometimes, just because I'm in the mood for being a smartass, not I was the person this time.:evilgrin:

[Trajan]

36. Duly noted ....

[noiretextatique]

16. common sense american

i support policies that do the least harm and the greatest good for the most people.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Trajan]

25. As a liberal .. I DESPISE those who kill innocents ...

and I WANT the power of the state to be utilized to PROTECT its citizens against REAL threats ...

Yet: I am a liberal, progressive FDR Democrat .... Can you explain WHY we Democrats are 'pigeon-holed' as 'soft' on terror ? ...

Having said that: You are right about the 'loading' .... the choices as shown are extremely limited ....

Frankly: islamic extremism, judaic extremism, hindu extremism and christian extremism is JUST as deadly .... Islam lashes out now, yet EACH does in its moment ....

Toss the whole lot into the roiling sea ....

[Zhade]

82. I despise those who kill innocents as well...

...like the traitors and terrorists in the b*s* administration!

[Name removed]

27. Deleted message

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[Endangered Specie]

28. North Korea?

but, its appropriate abbreviation is DPRK

:shrug:

[Name removed]

73. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[really annoyed]

76. Take a closer look at The Bible

Plenty of violence. According to your book, "non-believers" like me should be put to death. I guess you missed that part.

Even Jesus preached some violence in the NT, but no "progressive Christian" would admit to it.

Also, it may be a good idea to take a secular aspect at why the Muslim countries are so angry with us.

I take offense at you because I have family members who are Muslim. Are you suggesting my little niece is "flawed" because she goes to Mosque every week? She reads Harry Potter too.

[Name removed]

88. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zhade]

85. The Qu'ran does not say that.

Jihad is personal struggle - it's just that some (a tiny percentage, akin to the ratio of Randall Terry-style terrorists to Christians) have purposefully twisted the teachings to mean what they don't mean to the vast majority of Muslims.

Kind of how the ultrafundamentalist idiots who believe in the "Left Behind" nonsense purposefully choose things from their bible to "prove" their (wrong, heretical to their church, created-in-the-1800s) belief in "the Rapture". Or how the Catholic church claims homosexuality to be a sin and evil, even though their alleged lord Jesus never uttered word one on the subject.

(Full disclosure: I'm an atheist. I lack a belief in any gods because there is no convincing evidence of any, so I have no dog in this fight other than accuracy and truth.)

[Name removed]

93. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zhade]

97. 99% of Muslims would say you're misinterpreting that.

I think I'll trust my Muslim friends over your interpretation, thanks.

EDIT: Bye, freeper. You were obvious.

[stillcool]

31. Why would they care....

about less than Christian aspects portrayed by movies? And, progressive culture...? They too are upset because Tom and Harry got married? And here I thought it was because of what we were doing in THEIR countries? You know...how we support tyrants who play ball but treat their populace like sh*t?

[Pushed To The Left]

71. If terrorists were simply going after progressive culture

they would probably be more likely to go after Canada. As evil as Al Quaeda is, I don't think they attacked us for being too progressive.

[Name removed]

75. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zhade]

86. I think you just described Republicans, who operate entirely out of fear.

NT!

[RoyGBiv]

92. They hate us for our freedoms?

Hmmph.

If you're going to bother with this rhetoric, at least get some terminology straight. "Terrorists" aren't a people. Terrorists are those who use a tactic called terrorism. (What that in fact is is the subject for another discussion.) Many groups of terrorists exist, some of them right in our own backyard, and they have varying ideologies.

That out of the way, the root of the problems the so-called Western world has with various Middle Eastern nations, in particular those with large populations of Muslims but not necessarily those groups alone, is very deep, going back at least to the beginning of the 20th century. Those problems have little to nothing to do with "our freedoms" and a great deal to do with world powers effectively treating these people and nations as servants to be used in whatever way those powers desired. Albanians in the wake of WWI didn't hate the Big Three because of their freedoms. Those that survived the slaughter hated the Western world for not helping to stop that slaughter.

I could go on, but I'll just leave it at that. Have a nice stay.

[Name removed]

95. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RoyGBiv]

99. Horse feathers ...

Obviously I do not accept your assertions at face value.

One could just as easily argue that the so-called Great Awakening in the United States in the early part of the 19th century that produced so many different variations of fundamentalist Protestantism is the root of the problem.

These ultra-conservative groups are reactionaries, and historically they have little footing without some influence that opens a larger percentage of the population open to extremist ideologies. They need an event, or a series of events, to which they can react and invite others to react. Fascism has roots that go back much further than Mussolini, but it took a particular set of circusmtances for the populace at large to accept it as a ruling mode of thought.

The Wahhabi mindset, in short, wouldn't have much power if not for many varied actions on the part of Western powers.

[KoKo]

38. I agree, I did "load" that post....

But, since this is a Dem website and many of us are "very liberal" I took that liberty. But, I agree...I was very harsh...but notice I gave other Republicans a chance to vote on this poll and I was only harsh on the Bush Repugs. He says he's a Christian and some of us feel he hates Muslims or any religion which doesn't verify his "born again" philosophy. So I agree with you...but what I put in the poll is reflective of how we feel about Bush Republicanism, I think.

Thanks for your inquiry though. You are correct.

[Zhade]

87. Maybe "because I'm an ignorant pawn too stupid to notice I'm being used"?

That would fit "Bush Republicans" perfectly!

[noiretextatique]

43. so...you become indiscriminate killers of innocent people

to oppose indiscriminate killers of innocent people...right :eyes:

[emulatorloo]

46. targeting innocent civilians is unacceptable, on that we are agreed

and also that the categories of this poll are just plain dumb.

[Zhade]

83. "Bush Republicans" are far too stupid and ignorant...

...to even fully understand the definition of terrorism. If they understood the term, they'd realize you can't have a war on an offensive tactic (plus they'd realize that their leader is currently the biggest terrorist on the planet).

[JHBowden]

18. loaded options

I'm a liberal, and a moderate Democrat. I'm pro-environment, pro-science, very liberal on social issues, often interventionist on foreign policy matters, and laissez-faire on many economic issues.

[KoKo]

41. Are you saying you are "Other" as a choice? I couldn't fit in the rest of

the options I wanted to put in...and still get all the nuances. But, I know many DU'ers are "bits and pieces" of many of the options. Sorry...I didn't have space for "Other" or "Libertarian" either.

Next time....

[Trajan]

19. Gotta Agree: My place is not defined ....

I, like many here, defend the policies of the FDR New Deal and LBJ Great Society .... I STAND with those who promote those policies .... yet: I dont consider that 'leftist' or 'socialist' ...

I am fiscally moderate (in that I dont want to WASTE money spent on the common good. I DO want it spent there, just wisely) ...

And I am socially liberal .... gay marriage ? ... science based education ? ... drug decriminalization ? ... legalization of prostitution ? .... absolutely ! ..... THAT is what 'freedom' is all about ....

FDR, LBJ, Truman and Kennedy were NOT socialists ..... That is a meme planted by the RW for their own pleasure .... It is their strawman of us ....

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

22. Anarchist. (aka - Libertarian Socialist) Registered Dem.

Power is the enemy, whether wielded by governments, corporations, or political parties.

[immoderate]

37. Good, I was looking for another Libertarian Socialist.

BTW that's the phrase Chomsky uses to describe himself.

--IMM

[d_b]

136. Same,

though registered Green. Might register Dem before '06.

[queeg]

24. Pissed off and headed for the barricade --not an option

[wli]

30. none of the above here, too

I'm generally off the left side of the charts regarding civil liberties. I don't really fit into the spectrum on fiscal policy. I advocate nationalizing things where it makes sense (large-scale infrastructure, health care) but am heavy on fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and the like, and am very anti-corruption.

Most of my civil liberties concerns are atypical: plea bargains infringing upon the right to a fair trial, the ongoing mass imprisonment situation, mandatory sentencing, prison abuse, psychiatric imprisonment, unconstitutional RICO seizure clauses. The typical ones are (of course) basically all of the "antiterrorism" legislation and narcotics/etc. prohibition and that "eminent domain" garbage that passed recently allowing corporations to seize citizens' property. I'm rapidly getting a notion that the rights of the juridical person need to be seriously curtailed if the rights of the natural person are to continue to exist.

My fiscal concerns are all typical: progressive taxation, balanced budget, competitiveness of domestic labor and manufacturing, maintaining workforce quality, and so on. I'm generally less motivated and/or concerned by fiscal issues, but I recognize that the current spate of fiscal issues is rather catastrophic.

[Quixote1818]

33. Capitalist and Socialist 50/50

I believe in individual freedom and looking out for those who fall down. Capitalism breeds creativity and powerful dreams. Socialism breeds compassion and helping others reach for their dreams.

[Trajan]

35. You have to wonder ....

How many NON progressives are selecting the 'Socialist' option to promote their own views ? ...

Just curious .....

[Trajan]

40. For The Record: Socialism defined

so·cial·ism (sō'shə-lĭz'əm) pronunciation
n.

1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

As a Liberal Progressive, I do NOT support 'socialism' ...

I support SOCIAL LEGISLATION, written and passed as law through the valid and legitimate course of action defined and governed by the US Constitution ...

[KoKo]

44. Yes...thanks for the post. Many of us support some "socialism" but not

the whole enchilada...It's often a fine line. Right now we actually are existing in a "centralized government that plans and controls the economy" though. So Bush/PNAC/NEOCONS/GREENSPAN might really be "Socialists" with Fascist tendencies.

Greenspan, FEDERAL RESERVE/IMF/WORLD BANK are controlling everything. Our interest rates, stock markets through Derivatives, etc. We've been controlled since Bush II took over. The big Globalist Takeover. International control of our Monetary System and US Markets...Bonds & Stocks..all by "Fiat Money" and controlling interest rates thereby creating "Bubble after Bubble" to disguise the "outsourcing."

[Trajan]

50. This is where you are wrong ....

You are being 'imprecise' ... and you are AIDING our opposition by doing so ....

We are NOT 'socialist' by supporting 'social legislation' ....

To be socialist is to ascribe to the economic and political system known as 'socialism', which is defined as :

so·cial·ism (sō'shə-lĭz'əm) pronunciation
n.

1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

Are YOU saying that WE in the Democratic Party ...

1) Wish to promote the collective OR governmental ownership of the means of producing and distributing goods ??

2) Wish to move into a stage of economic evolution as defined by Karl Marx, PRIOR to evolving into a communist system ?

Is THAT what we are promoting here ? ...

If it is, then count me OUT .....

But: it isnt ..... That ISNT what the huge bulk of the Democratic Party promote .... nor do more than an EXTREME fringe promote actual 'socialism' ..... yet THAT is what our opposition WANTS everyone to think .....

The problem is: those who refuse to use the PROPER terms as defined and understood .... The imprecise usage of language is a HUGE problem that is exploited by our opposition as they create their strawman fallacies ....

I support Social Legislation, Like the Social Security Act, like the PUCHA ... Like the SEC ..... That doesnt mean I support government ownership of the means of production ..... This does NOT mean I am a socialist .....

[Ladyhawk]

42. "Pissed -off ex-Republican" is a pretty good description.

While I wasn't paying attention, I drifted to the left and my party hung a hard right. I was a liberal before I knew I was a liberal. My family would call me a "liberal" and I'd get mad because it was considered an insult. Probably I was a liberal, or close to it, but just hadn't figured it out yet.

I am not in lock-step with some of the mainstream opinions held here, but that's OK. Few are, I'm guessing.

[Ms. K]

51. Same description could apply to me....

The "Pissed off ex-Republican" part, anyway.

I'm not a socialist, I'm in favor of progressive social legislation. Or, to put it more simply, social justice.

I'm not a progressive leftist, I'm not a progressive liberal, but I'm a little more to the left of center than a progressive centrist or moderate.

I tend to march to the beat of my own drummer. I don't care a bit what the mainstream on either side has to say to spin an issue, I'm capable of looking over the facts and making up my own mind...seeing as how I'm reasonably intelligent and capable of thinking for myself.

So really, none of the poll descriptions fit me at all.

[KoKo]

52. True...we are a big mix with so many posters now...here.

We need to sort it all out...We've lost so many elections now with "mid-terms" thrown in. But, this die-hard long time DU'er will always believe elections were corrupted and I came to DU after 2000 Selection as a Clinton DLC Dem but against NAFTA and FOR Universal Health Coverage.

I've grown to dislike DLC Policies since I've been here and am more a Populist/Socialist on Social issues but have some Repug points as far as what's appropriate for children's viewing of sexual and violence content which causes most DU'ers to get really angry about...:shrug:

[recoveringdittohed]

69. Another POed ex-Repub

Same here. I may have moved somewhat left in the past 10 years but at the same time the Republican party was moving way rightward and losing credibility with me by running up huge deficits and conveniently using Federal power to push the States around where that suited their purposes while talking about being for smaller government.

[brentspeak]

45. Mix of FDR New Deal Democrat and Teddy Roosevelt Republican

Social issue-wise, somewhat conservative.

Main issues: I believe the U.S. should maintain the traditional Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid; I probably would favor a national health care program; I favor a progressive tax system; I'm completely against "pre-emptive" war, like Iraq; I favor an aggresive national debt reduction; strong need to jump-start America's manufacturing; need to not let China overtake the U.S. economically; want a major crackdown on today's corporate monopolies; dead-set against off-shoring.

on edit: also in favor of major, major, campaign finance reform.

[Swamp Rat]

48. other

[KoKo]

74. Sheesh, Swamp....what other?

:shrug: tried to put 'em all in there...not enough spaces, though. :D

[Swamp Rat]

79. I don't rightly know myself...

I'm still trying to figure it out... like how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. :D

Someone posted a political compass thingy in the Lounge a while back. I scored so far left/libertarian, I made Gandhi seem relatively close to Nixon - I'm "off the grid," so to speak, which is alright by me.

Put me with the tired and oppressed, huddled masses... or, the "other." :)

[nolabels]

131. Every chain of thought has flaws, but being genuine is faultless

They might even be able to mock what a person feels and describe it as not a choice. To be frank, just because you have not seen a choice you like does not indicate it's time to stop looking.


http://mtglair.de/homer.html

[Swamp Rat]

133. HAHA!

:rofl: ... thanks! :)

I salute the Lord of the Pool Rats... oh, Great Wise One! :loveya:

Oh, Great Rattus de Mer, please make Scottie Toad talk again this week. It was so very funny! :D

[greendog]

49. working class progressive

n/t

[NoPasaran]

53. I support the right to organize, to education & health care

But I don't think that makes me a socialist.

[mvd]

55. I chose Socialist under these criteria

I certainly support all you listed under it. Someone mentioned Lefty-Libertarian, but I couldn't be that either, since I want the government to tax where needed for social programs, and I want government to actively protect things like choice (in regards to abortion.)

[Trajan]

58. Do you support ....

so·cial·ism (sō'shə-lĭz'əm) pronunciation
n.

1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

??????????

If you dont: you are not a socialist ..... and since it is too late to change your vote .. it stands ....

I am fascinated by how many of US thinks that simply supporting stuff like Welfare and Food Stamps means we are 'socialists' .... There has been a concerted effort by the RW for MANY decades now, to vilify liberalism as 'socialism' .... and MANY here have taken the bait ....

When someone says they are 'socialist', they are saying they ascribe to the political philosophy known as 'socialism' .... AGAIN the definition ....

so·cial·ism (sō'shə-lĭz'əm) pronunciation
n.

1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

I greatly doubt you promote any such things, yet you have defined yourself as socialist ....... isnt that fascinating in itself ?

Agreeing with beneficial public policies, implemented through social legislation, is what you are actually doing ... NOT promoting the government ownership of business ....

Once my Brother In Law called me a socialist-communist ....

He had NO CLUE what either meant: ... he said it was because I supported Food Stamps ....

THAT is the extent in which our political discourse has become so skewed into fallacy and fabrication ....

We MUST be more CAREFUL ....

[mvd]

60. I answered as the poll asked.

I probably would have answered Populist if that was the criteria for Socialism under the poll.

[mvd]

72. Here's how I'd describe myself

Civil rights: agree with the Libertarians here, except that the federal government should issue safeguards.

Guns: more restrictions - licensing and registration, with the states having those duties.

Taxes: raise taxes significantly (above even Clinton levels) on the richest 1% - especially on the richest 0.5%.

Economy: am very suspicious of corporations; feel they should be reigned in.

Welfare: if you are low income, you should receive welfare and unemployment comp. for as long as it takes to find a job. Should always have acceptable levels of shelter, food, and clothing.

Health care: for National Health care, where health care is under governmental control.

Death penalty: against in all cases, though not very emotionally in some cases.

Separation of Church and State: promotion of religion has no place in government.

Trade: stop some of this outsourcing; severely refine or discard NAFTA.

War and peace: war should TRULY be a last resort.

What option would you say I am?

[Trajan]

89. You are a liberal, progressive Democrat ....

Just like me ....

Unless you agree that ALL means of production and distribution should be owned by either the state or a workers collective, then you are NOT a socialist ...

The confusion rests on the meaning of 'social' in 'socialist' versus that in 'social legislation' .... they are VERY different meanings, which the Right Wing intentionally confuses for the purpose of confuting one with the other ... equivocating ....

Now even Democrats believe that supporting Welfare or Food Stamps is 'socialism' .....

[mvd]

91. Thanks for your answer

I can't take back my vote, but perhaps the fault lies with the poll option, and not me.

Take care. :hi:

[Trajan]

94. It does .... Your views are sound .....

The poll choices were ill defined ...

And I see a REAL need to retake the initiative, and PROPERLY define who we are, and better yet, who we ARENT ....

Our silence allows others to fill in the blanks .... Before you know it: we are monsters ....

[Lorien]

56. "Progressive liberal"

An early 1970's style Dem, but not a modern democrat, I guess. I was raised in a very liberal home; we believed in peace and diplomacy, social and racial equality,a "safety net" for those who need it, protecting the environment, animal rights, socialized health care, the feminist movement, the importance of a good education, etc. etc.Many of those liberal values have fallen by the wayside in the modern Democratic party in recent years. They no longer embrace them all, so I call myself a "Progressive liberal".

[Bernardo de La Paz]

57. Libertarian, but Government has its uses

I formed my political views as a liberal but have become libertarian. I call myself evolutionary libertarian because I would like to see the country evolve to a more libertarian form rather than any radical revolution. As such I believe in individual liberty and believe government has its uses and should be encouraged to wither away rather than actively attacked or starved (as the Republicans do unless it is the military-prison-industrial complex). Individual liberties should however be aggressively increased sooner rather than later. The Republicans are not real conservatives, they are the Power party, authoritarian and willing to say anything and do anything to retain power. I view the Democratic party at this time as the Truth party, though power may yet corrupt them given half a chance.

[acmavm]

61. Socialist/socialism are not bad words. They are more in line with a

truly compassionate ethical lifestyle than any other. And democratic socialism, truely the ideal way for men/women to live.

[Trajan]

63. So you DO support the government ownership ....

of the means of production ..??? ...

[eridani]

108. There are socialists who don't support government ownership--

--of the means of production. I think the bottom line is tha no one should own anybody else's means of production. It can be owned either invidually or collectively. That last could imply government ownership, but also, family, neighborhood, city or regional cooperatives.

[Pushed To The Left]

66. I chose "Progressive Left"

Basically, I oppose the right wing!

[spacelady]

67. conservative libertarian

[Sgent]

68. I have no idea what I am

Social -- Libertarian, including gun ownership, etc.

Unions -- I'm all for unions, but do believe that they have caused many of their own problems as well. I am believe that unions should have the right to reimbursement of negotiation/management fees, but don't believe someone should be required to promote the national union and organizing or political issues.

Economy -- I believe the Federal Reserve system is much better than having congress directly in control. The other option is to have no central bank or FDIC, but I think this is a bad idea.

Healthcare -- I believe that everyone should have healthcare. I don't neccissarily believe that the government should run it.

Freetrade -- I tought giving Chian WTO membership was a joke. China doesn't have an open market. Conversely, I was/am in favor of Cafta and Nafta (at least their free trade portions).

Social Justice -- I believe this is the number one responsibility of government. People should go hungry period.

Environment -- I think we should continue to clean up our environment in the least costly manner.

So I'm not sure where this puts me. Definately left of the DLC, but Right of a LOT of DU'ers.

[DanCa]

70. I am basically a good person allthough not practicing

seriously i dont know how i would define my self. I ll let you guys do it. So what am I

1: Abortion : I am a man it's not my place to decide
2: War : I do not support wars of choice self defense yes
3: Guns : I wont personally carry one, I do believe in hunter rights and marksmanship if your into it and home deffense. The rest of my belielfs are to complex to explain here
4: Gay Marriage: why not I honestly dont know what the problem is
5: Churh and state seperation yes
6: Pledge under god against - it calls you into someones religion
7: Public prayer on private land its thier right on public land no
8: evolution in science class
9 Stem Cell Research yes
10 Medical Marijuna yes

[Zero Division]

77. Modern Liberal, generally speaking

I find the late Steve Kangas' http://home.att.net/~Resurgence/ShortFAQ.htm">"Short FAQ on Liberalism" to be the best description of my political beliefs.

Although on some individual matters and policy decisions my beliefs may fall more in agreement with everyone from DLC-type centrists to democratic socialists.

On foreign policy issues I would probably fall slightly to the right of most or many DUers ("anti-stupid-war, not anti-war"). On economic issues I'm generally about the same as the majority of DUers. On social issues I'm an extreme libertarian.

[FreedomAngel82]

78. I'm very far left

I'm so far left if you barely touched me I'd fall off a cliff. ;)

[DanCa]

84. your 2 cool for words and 2legit 2quit

keep on rocking bro!!

[Zhade]

80. Wow, people voted for #1, which doesn't even exist!

NT!

[Freedomfried]

90. None of the above

I'm apolitical, I'm no joiner.

I'm an ex-special forces vet and merchant seaman. I was born in New York city and raised in East Texas,

I try to respect everyone on a one to one basis as long as they treat me decently and don't have a hidden agenda.

I've traveled a lot, I doubt there’s many here that’s traveled as much, and I've learned tolerance.

The only reason I'm a member of this board is that my country is in trouble, and I will do whatever I can do to help.

You won't see me anymore here when its "mission accomplished" and the jackass in the Whitehouse and his cronies are gone for good.

And I damn well hope that soon, because this political shit gives me a headache.

[Trajan]

104. Welcome Aboard Sailor .....

It is amazing how much Bush has 'united' the country ... eh ? ...

The country IS in trouble, thanks to its foul leadership, and its gonna take ALL of us to fix it right .....

THAT is the 'Mission Accomplished' we ALL want to see ...

[LeftyMom]

96. no Green option?

Thier platform probably reflects my views best.

[Tommymac]

98. Aw geez...I can see this all over the net tomorrow...

"DU'ers are SOCIALISTS!"

Poor poll.

I am extremely progressive/liberal....but I do not believe in central ownership of the means of production by the government - I am for a free enterprise model with some stringent government controls to keep corporations under control. Totally for privately owned small business. Totally for Unions. Totally for a sane National Health Care plan. Totally for small efficient centralized government. Totally for a balanced budget and responsible fiscal policy. Totally for The Bill of Rights - all of them. I don't believe in extreme gun control...safety and proficiency tests are all that should be required. Totally for reasonable defense spending...not enough to maintain a standing offensive army - reserves/Nat Guard are for that if needed when someone really does threaten us.

But I am not a socialist. I think it is polling so well because freeps are picking it to frame us.

Need to be changed if not already too late IMHO.

[bhunt70]

100. democrat

[Lydia Leftcoast]

102. I believe that the Reagan-Bush cabal has pushed the country

so far to the loony right that it will take a strong push to the left to gain some sense of equilibrium and to bring the U.S. back in line with most civilized countries.

[Douglas Carpenter]

103. Thank you for including the democratic-socialist alternative

I'm glad to see some people are saying it openly.

For those who think that would destroy the progressive movement--If it was know that many progressives are democratic-socialist, I would like to point out that Congressman Bernie Sanders the only independent and only open socialist in the U.S. Congress wins Republican counties by landslide proportions. When he gets a chance to actually explain what he believes even on FOX News--he get overwhelmed with positive E-mails from regular Fox viewers.

"I am on the side of socialism-because I am on the side of humanity"

Eugene V. Debs

_______________________________________________________


A True Voice of Opposition
--A Voice for Working People
--Not the Elite--
http://www.bernie.org/issues.asp

Who is Congressman Bernie Sanders?

Read this article and watch the short video clips:

http://www.davidsirota.com/2005/04/who-is-bernie-sanders.html

_____________________________________________________








http://www.iwtnews.com/

ABOUT IWTNEWS
Independent World Television is building the world’s first global independent news network. Online and on TV, IWTnews will deliver independent news and real debate from professional and citizen journalists -– without funding from governments, corporations or commercial advertising. Using the web to organize and raise funds across borders, IWTnews is building an international movement for democracy.


http://www.iwtnews.com/


http://www.iwtnews.com/

SPREAD THE WORD!!

http://www.iwtnews.com/

[Douglas Carpenter]

106. p.s. Very few if any democratic socialist would support full government

ownership of the means of production. But may (and the extent varies greatly) support some collective ownership of production. Some may hold (but-by no means all ) full economic democracy as an ultimate goal. I don't know of any democratic socialist party anywhere in the world that would hold to the definition I saw above.

In almost every other country on the face of this earth--describing oneself as a socialist is less stigmatizing than describing oneself as a liberal in America.

_____________________________


_______________________________________________________


A True Voice of Opposition
--A Voice for Working People
--Not the Elite--
http://www.bernie.org/issues.asp

Who is Congressman Bernie Sanders?

Read this article and watch the short video clip

http://www.davidsirota.com/2005/04/who-is-bernie-sanders.html

___________________________________________________








http://www.iwtnews.com/

ABOUT IWTNEWS
Independent World Television is building the world’s first global independent news network. Online and on TV, IWTnews will deliver independent news and real debate from professional and citizen journalists -– without funding from governments, corporations or commercial advertising. Using the web to organize and raise funds across borders, IWTnews is building an international movement for democracy.


http://www.iwtnews.com/


http://www.iwtnews.com/

SPREAD THE WORD!!

http://www.iwtnews.com/

[Zorra]

105. Greenocrat. Common sense, anti-monopoly liberal populist democrat.

I supported Dennis Kucinich in the prtimaries.

[Selatius]

107. I'm disappointed with the socialist option left for us

Socialism can exist outside the fucking government as well. When several people voluntarily come together and pledge to pool their resources or skills together for the wellbeing of all involved, that's an example of socialism existing outside the purview of a governing authority. Nobody told them to come together, and no one forced them to do it.

The point is not all forms of socialism exist within the state. It can exist outside the state as well.

[rjx]

116. ..

..

[Lecky]

109. The Republicans Have No Shame Party

Most of the time I consider myself a "Progressive Lefty"

A typical liberal :)

1. Abortion: Pro-choice
2. War: In self defense or in aid of an ally (do we still have those?)
3. Guns: Most likely will never own one myself, pro gun control
4. Gay Marriage: Of course
5. Churh and state seperation: Absolutely!
6. Pledge under god: Take it back out
7. Public prayer: I don't have a problem with it
8. Evolution in science: Duh
9. Stem Cell Research: Another no brainer
10. Medical Marijuna: Yes, it should be legalized to use in the privacy of your own home. (not a smoker myself though)
11. UN: Pro United Nations
12. Unions: Yes
13. Healthcare: yes to universal healthcare
14. Environment: Promote more environmental responsibility
15. Oil: Work on alternative source of fuel now
16. Death Penalty: Against, although a tough call

[mandyky]

112. Voted Progressive Left but

I think I am a populist and socialist too.

Not only that, I no longer trust government or politicians. We know we can't trust Bush and crew, but Democrats won't stand up. And after the dirty tricks in the primaries, I am really upset with the Clintons and the DLC.

[GreenPartyVoter]

119. Green populist socialist

[blondeatlast]

121. Progressive Left, self described.

I can't answer the poll as given. I define the parameters for myself.

[evolved Anarchopunk]

122. socialism should be our highest ideal. we're a party of aspirations nt

[LSdemocrat]

123. I'm a Democrat. What more do you need to know?

I believe the government must do more to promote opportunity, fairness and strong personal rights.

I don't think any of the labels and descriptions really fit since my positions on various issues fly across the centrist-left wing political spectrum. (For example I support free trade, in theory, yet I also support single-payer national health care).

[KoKo]

124. kick...

:kick:

[JaneQPublic]

125. Al Gore is a progressive radical? That would be news to him. (nt)

[KoKo]

126. Need more votes.....

[NancyG]

128. Socially Liberal, Fiscally Conservative

But...VERY socially liberal, as in your definition of Socialist (I support Workers Rights to Labor Unions and Gov't Supported Health Care). All the social issues, very liberal.

Fiscally conservative in the sense that I want the programs I passionately support to actually work financially. I'm not anti-business. I'm a glass artist, so am a small businessperson.

And I mean conservative in the real definition of conservative. Just like the ACLU is conservative with respect to the Constitution. The Repukes are no way fiscally conservative.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

129. Welcome to DU!

I like your definition. Sounds pretty close to my beliefs.

[NancyG]

130. I believe in balance.

Thanks, Kathy. I was a bit concerned about being flamed, with so few posts.

I passionately believe in balance. I want all the social programs. I have voted in every election since I came of age. I am out there always on my beliefs. I do shows, and sometimes I am concerned that I will push away customers because I wear my liberal views on my forehead.

At one show, a big dude from Arkansas made some remark about Democrats and lack of patriotism. I answered: "An eagle needs both a right wing and a left wing to fly." Really made him think. It was a start.

[spindoctor]

132. I'm getting so sick of the labeling.

I am an independent. Maybe I lean left or even far left, but I like to judge each issue individually and not as part of a predefined line of thinking.

This by the way is what liberalism is about. Freedom of mind.

[Codeblue]

134. None

I dont like any of the Democrats or Republicans. I cant really think of any public figures in today's world I can really liken myself to or get behind to vote for. I voted Kerry simply because I want Bush OUT...but I don't like Kerry much more than Bush.
Now Kucinich...there was a guy with some good ideas. And I suppose I need to credit Dean as well for his ideas. And his great enthusiasm!