What's your party affiliation (U.S.) - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

The_Dude · 04-19-2003, 04:33 PM

Ok, here's the deal.

you HAVE TO vote straight ticket.

there is NO alternative.

the names of the candidates are NOT shown.

and you HAVE to vote.

so, which party would u choose? and why?

hiredgun · 04-19-2003, 06:05 PM

Under different circumstances, I wouldn't go simply by party.

Under your rules, I choose green. The major two are out because they're sellouts and play to the polls. In my experience, Green is the least political/pragmatic and the most ideological. I haven't done much research into Libertarians but they have ideas about the justice system that I simply can't agree with.

Lebell · 04-19-2003, 06:09 PM

Unrealistic and unAmerican.

This obviously isn't an American election, so I wouldn't vote

Macheath · 04-19-2003, 07:45 PM

They don't have political parties in the rest of the world.

We scratch around in the dirt with twigs instead.

splck · 04-19-2003, 10:01 PM

I don't know enough of the American parties to make a choice.

04-20-2003, 12:59 AM

Its a frustrating issue for me. Most of my friends (when were not arguing) are conservatives. I think the really close ones are still close because we were in the military together and went through a lot, so there will always be a brotherhood respect thing between us. I use to follow the Republican way of thinking, but now I’m known by those I have this type of discussion with as a “conspiracy theorist” although I clearly don’t see the theory part of it, but I’ve had to come to acceptance that we’ll all find out one way or the other. Even though he is not running this time I really liked what the current governor of Iowa had to say. His ideas seem fresh and what direction I think would take America to a good place. He’s a democrat that I saw on Hannity and Colmes and for anyone that watches that show, for Sean to say he would vote for him may give some an idea of how impressive he is. The sad thing is I don’t think the oil barrens will ever allow him to get into office; if he did he wouldn’t be there long. Thomas Jefferson said that this country would need a good revolution every couple of hundred years to keep the ideas in Congress fresh. While that’s a little strong, I see both parties have become stagnant; at least they agree on giving themselves a raise.

snowy · 04-20-2003, 02:15 AM

Democrat, all the way. Always have been liberal, always will be. As for the comment that voting straight ticket is "unAmerican", we're actually the starters of the whole idea

used to be that you could go into a polling place and one of the choices on the ballot was straight ticket. this, of course, was in the days of the political machines of the late 1800s, and was left over until recently. in many states you can still choose to vote straight ticket.

BoCo · 04-20-2003, 04:25 AM

Republican!

I grew up surrounded by feminist liberal demoncrats. Good times...

ARTelevision · 04-20-2003, 04:35 AM

I don't have to choose a party.

That being said, I haven't heard anything realistic enough to pay any serious attention to from a Democrat in an amazingly long time.

sixate · 04-20-2003, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ARTelevision
I don't have to choose a party.

That being said, I haven't heard anything realistic enough to pay any serious attention to from a Democrat in an amazingly long time.

Took the words right out of my mouth ART!

NoCure · 04-20-2003, 07:25 AM

I voted Green Party last election because GW scared me and I didn't like who Al Gore surrounded himself with (i.e Liberman, his wife and Tipper) if it was just Al Gore on the ticket I would have voted for him.

crazycousinjim · 04-20-2003, 09:05 AM

Libertarian. I want to run my own life.

Lebell · 04-20-2003, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by onesnowyowl
As for the comment that voting straight ticket is "unAmerican", we're actually the starters of the whole idea

Isn't what I said.

If you look at the original post, it said that you "HAVE TO" vote a straight ticket.

That is what I rejected as unAmerican.

Pooface · 04-20-2003, 09:58 AM

I would definitaly vote Democrat. After really following the Senate and seeing the HORRIBAL things Bush and his Repub friends are doing, I would definitaly vot Democrat. I will this election be voting for anyone who has the best chance of beating bush.

SecretMethod70 · 04-20-2003, 10:53 AM

I wouldn't vote. If I lived in a country that forced me to vote by party I would move to a different country where voting was fair. A country with those kinds of rules is bound to not last very long.

pangavan · 04-20-2003, 12:47 PM

see there is the rub... I disagree with about 60% of BOTH parties platforms. Right now the republicans seem closer to caring about the things going on in my life

wraithhibn · 04-20-2003, 02:53 PM

Republican, growing up in the major tobacco belt, the way the Dems killed the tobacco growers and my local economy definitely shaped my views.

The_Dude · 04-20-2003, 03:42 PM

i'd vote libertarian if they actually had some power and seats.

till then, i'm a yellow dog

bundy · 04-20-2003, 05:40 PM

Macheath is right, we just roll around in the mud when it comes to politics down under. political parties?

Frosstbyte · 04-20-2003, 07:01 PM

I'm a libertarian. I get called all kinds of bizarre insults for saying this, I don't quite know why. People claim I'm ultra right, but I'm in favor of most civil liberties which the right is against. Weird. Whatever.

Lebell · 04-20-2003, 07:30 PM

Frosstbyte,

I don't think anyone around here will insult you for being a libertarian. I have several libertarian leanings myself as do some other members.

I do think that libertarians are much to isolationist and I'm not sure I want rampant drug use legalized.

Sun Tzu · 04-21-2003, 12:42 AM

The drug issue with the liberatarians is with throws me off as well. I agree with alot of what they say, I dont know if legalizing herion would be a good idea.

Nad Adam · 04-21-2003, 03:26 AM

Who is the main threat to Bush in 2004? Haven't heard anything.

Sun Tzu · 04-21-2003, 04:33 AM

I think the only thing that could throw him off is an extremely strong independent with a prior military background.

Daval · 04-21-2003, 04:50 AM

I once did a very long test that quizzed me on various issues in the world, north america and various other topics. at the end it told you how you related to the various political parties.

I came out in line with the democrats quite solidly.

bingle · 04-21-2003, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frosstbyte
I'm a libertarian. I get called all kinds of bizarre insults for saying this, I don't quite know why. People claim I'm ultra right, but I'm in favor of most civil liberties which the right is against. Weird. Whatever.

Well, I'm not going to insult you, but maybe I have some insight into why that is!

Libertarians can't really be classified as "right" or "left". A one-dimensional line can't really capture the ideas of the party - if you put their core beliefs somewhere on the line, all the economic statements would be far-right, and the civil liberties would be far-left. So it's a pretty equal balance looked at in that light.

However, the essential philosophy of Libertarianism is the minimization of government control over individual lives. They agree with the Right on supporting free-market capitalism, and with the left in supporting social equality and non-interference in personal affairs. Seen in this light, the right and the left are the inconsistent ones - get the government out of this, but not that, sort of thing.

But also under the essential philosophy, you can see that your beliefs contrast with the essential belief of the Left - that groups should work together for the benefit of the members within. The idea of collective power and responsibility is the core of the Left, while the Libertarian[1] rejects all groups and is a rugged individualist - almost an ethical egoist, in fact.

So, while leftists like myself agree with Libertarian stances on certain issues (drug legalization, free speech, equal rights for minorities and women) we are actually diametrically opposed on a philosophical level; the similar stances are just concidences, if you will. For what it's worth, I think the Libertarians as a party are currently much more honest than either the Democrats or the Republicans... But I am voting Green until we win something! ;-)

Bingle
[1] I am using Libertarian in the strict, capital-L sense, of course... Meaning a member of the Libertarian Party. A libertarian is simply one who fights for liberties; I consider myself a civil libertarian, and you will frequently find the ACLU called the same thing.

nightshade000 · 04-21-2003, 12:03 PM

I'm libertarian. I tend to be more towards the conservative side of the spectrum on many issues, however, I feel the government is way over-extending it's limited powers. For instance, the war on drugs was lost a long time ago. When some of the most heavily guarded prisoners in the US get addicted to heroin, we need to change tactics. While not a user of drugs, I don't care if my neighbor smokes pot, and I think if taxed and regulated correctly would be a good source of income. I'm tired of the mis-appropriation of funds and the huge burocracies. Federal govt should only exist to the things that the local govt/communities can't do on their own. At least, imho.

The_Dude · 04-21-2003, 01:29 PM

socially left, economically moderate

BBtB · 04-21-2003, 05:32 PM

I would never vote by party. That said the part I agree with most is the Libertarian party. I don't agree with EVERYTHING they say but I agree with alot. And I took that test (or a test) that said politcal sides and it placed me right in the center of the left and right part and as a Libertarian so... I defitntly agree that pot should be legalized and probably a few other drugs too. And I think the goverment should be cut into about 1/4th its current size.

sapiens · 04-21-2003, 06:08 PM

I can't choose a party. I like the idea of a meritocracy which I think fits more into a conservative philosophy, but I support some taxes which fits into a liberal philosphy, but I like the RESPONSIBLE use of taxes which fits into a conservative philosophy, but I like personal freedom (including freedom from the religious right) which fits into a liberal philosophy. I'm also for less government which fits into a libertarian philosophy. (It used to be a conservative tenet, but I don't think that holds true anymore).

Sensei · 04-21-2003, 06:09 PM

I see the Green, Libertarian and Reform parties as too far on the extreme of the ideological spectrum but the GOP and Democrats aren't exactly godsends either. If I had to make the choice, Democratic seems to me to clearly be the lesser of two evils.

yournamehere · 04-21-2003, 06:17 PM

Impossible for me to stick to one party - I am very liberal on some issues, and very conservative on others. In the next presidential election, however, I will vote for whomever the Democrats nominate. A vote for Bush is morally unacceptable to me, and a 3rd party vote is a wasted vote, sadly.

SaltPork · 04-21-2003, 06:24 PM

Well, since I had to choose one, I chose Republican. I usually do what most people (I hope) do. I vote for the candidate that I feel is most likely going to do the best job for whatever the office they are running for.

Liquor Dealer · 04-22-2003, 11:39 AM

What Art said!

Quote:

Originally posted by ARTelevision
I don't have to choose a party.

That being said, I haven't heard anything realistic enough to pay any serious attention to from a Democrat in an amazingly long time.

blkdmnd · 04-23-2003, 12:03 PM

Republican.

I'd like to keep as much of my money as possible. I think I can handle it better than they can.

paradiserider · 04-23-2003, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BastardStepChild
What Art said!

Ditto

XXXs · 04-23-2003, 05:45 PM

I vote Republican, but only because a Libertarian would not be treated as an equal in the minds of his collegues. Nobody would take him seriously, which is truly a shame.

I guess I would like to say Libertarian, but at this moment, Republican is my vote.

The_Dude · 04-23-2003, 06:23 PM

dem's were leading this 16 to repub's 10, damn whaat happened?

Gortexfogg · 04-23-2003, 07:33 PM

Why isn't there a "Not affiliated with any party" choice up there? Not every chooses to belong to a party. Or how about Independent? They're bigger than the Libertarian and the Greens (I think).

bingle · 04-24-2003, 11:33 AM

Hi! It's time for Essay With Bingle, the new series where I write a long, sometimes rambling dissertation on some idea which popped into my head about the thread! You can see an example above.

Political parties. I see a lot of people here saying they don't want to be forced to vote along party lines, or shouting the virtues of independents. However, I think that political parties are simply a natural outgrowth of the fact that people have basic general philosophies that steer their beliefs.

For instance, if one is a certain denomination of Christian, one's religious beliefs will have a profound effect on one's politics. If you believe in a literal interpretation of the bible, for instance, you will likely be supportive of prayer in schools, teaching creationism, and be anti-homosexual and anti-abortion. There are also likely to be a large number of people who hold the same basic tenets as you, who will tend to agree with you on any proposed political issue, *even if that issue has never been previously discussed and is not explicitely spelled out in your beliefs*. For this reason, it makes sense to vote for a group of people who hold the same basic philosophy as you do, because if they are faced with a totally new decision, you can trust them to react in the same way you would.

In addition, it is only natural that if you hold the same basic belief as many other people, you will end up voting the same way they do, every time. Thus 'unofficial' political parties would naturally arise; an example would be the religious right, or the environmental movement, or even 'soccer moms'. These groups have no formal political connection, but because of shared interests or circumstances they will tend to vote the same way anyway, and will get treated as a party or a sub-party even if there is no formal definition.

Of course, there will be individuals or small groups who don't fit exactly into the mold of any particular party, however most of these people will, for convenience's sake, choose the party that most closely represents their views.

So, really, belonging to a party doesn't subvert one's decision-making power, or subsume one's individuality, it is simply a natural phenomenon that will happen regardless, in most cases. When it happens voluntarily, it gives you more strength and flexibility politically. In fact, one reason the far left is not nearly as politically effective as the far right is because they have too many splintered parties - fifteen varieties of socialism, eight subtly different environmental groups, or whatever, that compete among each other for clout.

That's all today, tune in next week for another Essay With Bingle!

Your host, Bingle Bing Whotsit.

View Poll Results: What's your party affiliation?
Democratic Party	25	32.47%
Republican Party	26	33.77%
Libertarian Party	13	16.88%
Green Party	8	10.39%
Other (Dont choose this option unless you REALLY follow another party)	5	6.49%
Voters: 77. You may not vote on this poll

04-19-2003, 04:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	What's your party affiliation (U.S.) Ok, here's the deal. you HAVE TO vote straight ticket. there is NO alternative. the names of the candidates are NOT shown. and you HAVE to vote. so, which party would u choose? and why? __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

04-19-2003, 06:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lebell Cracking the Whip Location: Sexymama's arms...	Unrealistic and unAmerican. This obviously isn't an American election, so I wouldn't vote __________________ "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." – C. S. Lewis The ONLY sponsors we have are YOU! Please Donate!

04-19-2003, 10:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	I don't know enough of the American parties to make a choice. __________________ nice line eh?

04-20-2003, 02:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Democrat, all the way. Always have been liberal, always will be. As for the comment that voting straight ticket is "unAmerican", we're actually the starters of the whole idea used to be that you could go into a polling place and one of the choices on the ballot was straight ticket. this, of course, was in the days of the political machines of the late 1800s, and was left over until recently. in many states you can still choose to vote straight ticket. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

04-19-2003, 06:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
hiredgun Addict	Under different circumstances, I wouldn't go simply by party. Under your rules, I choose green. The major two are out because they're sellouts and play to the polls. In my experience, Green is the least political/pragmatic and the most ideological. I haven't done much research into Libertarians but they have ideas about the justice system that I simply can't agree with.

04-19-2003, 07:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
Macheath Junkie Location: Sydney, Australia	They don't have political parties in the rest of the world. We scratch around in the dirt with twigs instead.

04-20-2003, 12:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bushwhip Guest	Its a frustrating issue for me. Most of my friends (when were not arguing) are conservatives. I think the really close ones are still close because we were in the military together and went through a lot, so there will always be a brotherhood respect thing between us. I use to follow the Republican way of thinking, but now I’m known by those I have this type of discussion with as a “conspiracy theorist” although I clearly don’t see the theory part of it, but I’ve had to come to acceptance that we’ll all find out one way or the other. Even though he is not running this time I really liked what the current governor of Iowa had to say. His ideas seem fresh and what direction I think would take America to a good place. He’s a democrat that I saw on Hannity and Colmes and for anyone that watches that show, for Sean to say he would vote for him may give some an idea of how impressive he is. The sad thing is I don’t think the oil barrens will ever allow him to get into office; if he did he wouldn’t be there long. Thomas Jefferson said that this country would need a good revolution every couple of hundred years to keep the ideas in Congress fresh. While that’s a little strong, I see both parties have become stagnant; at least they agree on giving themselves a raise.

04-20-2003, 04:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
BoCo Fear the bunny Location: Hanging off the tip of the Right Wing	Republican! I grew up surrounded by feminist liberal demoncrats. Good times... __________________ Activism is a way for useless people to feel important.

04-20-2003, 04:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	I don't have to choose a party. That being said, I haven't heard anything realistic enough to pay any serious attention to from a Democrat in an amazingly long time. __________________ create evolution

04-20-2003, 07:25 AM	#11 (permalink)
NoCure Crazy Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio	I voted Green Party last election because GW scared me and I didn't like who Al Gore surrounded himself with (i.e Liberman, his wife and Tipper) if it was just Al Gore on the ticket I would have voted for him. __________________ ...So I punched her in the cunt

04-20-2003, 09:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
crazycousinjim Crazy Location: Copenhagen, Denmark	Libertarian. I want to run my own life.

04-20-2003, 09:58 AM	#14 (permalink)
Pooface Tilted Location: Location: Location: Location: Location: Location:	I would definitaly vote Democrat. After really following the Senate and seeing the HORRIBAL things Bush and his Repub friends are doing, I would definitaly vot Democrat. I will this election be voting for anyone who has the best chance of beating bush. __________________ Better read fast, this post is coming down.

04-20-2003, 10:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	I wouldn't vote. If I lived in a country that forced me to vote by party I would move to a different country where voting was fair. A country with those kinds of rules is bound to not last very long. __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling

04-20-2003, 12:47 PM	#16 (permalink)
pangavan Insane Location: cleveland, OH	see there is the rub... I disagree with about 60% of BOTH parties platforms. Right now the republicans seem closer to caring about the things going on in my life __________________ He is, moreover, a frequent drunkard, a glutton, and a patron of ladies who are no better than they should be.

04-21-2003, 03:26 AM	#23 (permalink)
Nad Adam Psycho Location: Sweden	Who is the main threat to Bush in 2004? Haven't heard anything. __________________ Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. - Psalms 137:9

04-20-2003, 02:53 PM	#17 (permalink)
wraithhibn Dopefish Location: the 'Ville	Republican, growing up in the major tobacco belt, the way the Dems killed the tobacco growers and my local economy definitely shaped my views. __________________ If you won't dress like the Victoria Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

04-20-2003, 03:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	i'd vote libertarian if they actually had some power and seats. till then, i'm a yellow dog __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

04-20-2003, 05:40 PM	#19 (permalink)
bundy . Location: Tokyo	Macheath is right, we just roll around in the mud when it comes to politics down under. political parties? __________________ Ohayo!!!

04-20-2003, 07:01 PM	#20 (permalink)
Frosstbyte Winter is Coming Location: The North	I'm a libertarian. I get called all kinds of bizarre insults for saying this, I don't quite know why. People claim I'm ultra right, but I'm in favor of most civil liberties which the right is against. Weird. Whatever.

04-20-2003, 07:30 PM	#21 (permalink)
Lebell Cracking the Whip Location: Sexymama's arms...	Frosstbyte, I don't think anyone around here will insult you for being a libertarian. I have several libertarian leanings myself as do some other members. I do think that libertarians are much to isolationist and I'm not sure I want rampant drug use legalized. __________________ "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." – C. S. Lewis The ONLY sponsors we have are YOU! Please Donate!

04-21-2003, 12:42 AM	#22 (permalink)
Sun Tzu Conspiracy Realist Location: The Event Horizon	The drug issue with the liberatarians is with throws me off as well. I agree with alot of what they say, I dont know if legalizing herion would be a good idea. __________________ *To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking*

04-21-2003, 04:33 AM	#24 (permalink)
Sun Tzu Conspiracy Realist Location: The Event Horizon	I think the only thing that could throw him off is an extremely strong independent with a prior military background. __________________ *To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking*

04-21-2003, 04:50 AM	#25 (permalink)
Daval Junkie Location: The True North Strong and Free!	I once did a very long test that quizzed me on various issues in the world, north america and various other topics. at the end it told you how you related to the various political parties. I came out in line with the democrats quite solidly. __________________ "It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it." Winston Churchill

04-21-2003, 12:03 PM	#27 (permalink)
nightshade000 Crazy Location: Oregon	I'm libertarian. I tend to be more towards the conservative side of the spectrum on many issues, however, I feel the government is way over-extending it's limited powers. For instance, the war on drugs was lost a long time ago. When some of the most heavily guarded prisoners in the US get addicted to heroin, we need to change tactics. While not a user of drugs, I don't care if my neighbor smokes pot, and I think if taxed and regulated correctly would be a good source of income. I'm tired of the mis-appropriation of funds and the huge burocracies. Federal govt should only exist to the things that the local govt/communities can't do on their own. At least, imho.

04-21-2003, 01:29 PM	#28 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	socially left, economically moderate __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

04-21-2003, 05:32 PM	#29 (permalink)
BBtB ClerkMan! Location: Tulsa, Ok.	I would never vote by party. That said the part I agree with most is the Libertarian party. I don't agree with EVERYTHING they say but I agree with alot. And I took that test (or a test) that said politcal sides and it placed me right in the center of the left and right part and as a Libertarian so... I defitntly agree that pot should be legalized and probably a few other drugs too. And I think the goverment should be cut into about 1/4th its current size. __________________ Meridae'n once played "death" at a game of chess that lasted for over two years. He finally beat death in a best 34 out of 67 match. At that time he could ask for any one thing and he could wish for the hope of all mankind... he looked death right in the eye and said ... "I would like about three fiddy"

04-21-2003, 06:08 PM	#30 (permalink)
sapiens Junkie Location: Some place windy	I can't choose a party. I like the idea of a meritocracy which I think fits more into a conservative philosophy, but I support some taxes which fits into a liberal philosphy, but I like the RESPONSIBLE use of taxes which fits into a conservative philosophy, but I like personal freedom (including freedom from the religious right) which fits into a liberal philosophy. I'm also for less government which fits into a libertarian philosophy. (It used to be a conservative tenet, but I don't think that holds true anymore).

04-21-2003, 06:09 PM	#31 (permalink)
Sensei Black Belt in Slacking Off Location: Portland Or-ah-gun	I see the Green, Libertarian and Reform parties as too far on the extreme of the ideological spectrum but the GOP and Democrats aren't exactly godsends either. If I had to make the choice, Democratic seems to me to clearly be the lesser of two evils. __________________ Slacking off with style since 1981.

04-21-2003, 06:17 PM	#32 (permalink)
yournamehere Invisible Location: tentative, at best	Impossible for me to stick to one party - I am very liberal on some issues, and very conservative on others. In the next presidential election, however, I will vote for whomever the Democrats nominate. A vote for Bush is morally unacceptable to me, and a 3rd party vote is a wasted vote, sadly. __________________ If you want to avoid 95% of internet spelling errors: "If your ridiculous pants are too loose, you're definitely going to lose them. Tell your two loser friends over there that they're going to lose theirs, too." It won't hurt your fashion sense, either.

04-21-2003, 06:24 PM	#33 (permalink)
SaltPork Everything's better with bacon Location: In your local grocer's freezer.	Well, since I had to choose one, I chose Republican. I usually do what most people (I hope) do. I vote for the candidate that I feel is most likely going to do the best job for whatever the office they are running for. __________________ It was like that when I got here....I swear.

04-23-2003, 12:03 PM	#35 (permalink)
blkdmnd Addict	Republican. I'd like to keep as much of my money as possible. I think I can handle it better than they can. __________________ I blow my nose at you. Now go away before I taunt you a second time.

04-23-2003, 05:45 PM	#37 (permalink)
XXXs Upright	I vote Republican, but only because a Libertarian would not be treated as an equal in the minds of his collegues. Nobody would take him seriously, which is truly a shame. I guess I would like to say Libertarian, but at this moment, Republican is my vote.

04-23-2003, 06:23 PM	#38 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	dem's were leading this 16 to repub's 10, damn whaat happened? __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

04-23-2003, 07:33 PM	#39 (permalink)
Gortexfogg I and I Location: Stillwater, OK	Why isn't there a "Not affiliated with any party" choice up there? Not every chooses to belong to a party. Or how about Independent? They're bigger than the Libertarian and the Greens (I think).

04-24-2003, 11:33 AM	#40 (permalink)
bingle Crazy Location: California	Hi! It's time for Essay With Bingle, the new series where I write a long, sometimes rambling dissertation on some idea which popped into my head about the thread! You can see an example above. Political parties. I see a lot of people here saying they don't want to be forced to vote along party lines, or shouting the virtues of independents. However, I think that political parties are simply a natural outgrowth of the fact that people have basic general philosophies that steer their beliefs. For instance, if one is a certain denomination of Christian, one's religious beliefs will have a profound effect on one's politics. If you believe in a literal interpretation of the bible, for instance, you will likely be supportive of prayer in schools, teaching creationism, and be anti-homosexual and anti-abortion. There are also likely to be a large number of people who hold the same basic tenets as you, who will tend to agree with you on any proposed political issue, even if that issue has never been previously discussed and is not explicitely spelled out in your beliefs. For this reason, it makes sense to vote for a group of people who hold the same basic philosophy as you do, because if they are faced with a totally new decision, you can trust them to react in the same way you would. In addition, it is only natural that if you hold the same basic belief as many other people, you will end up voting the same way they do, every time. Thus 'unofficial' political parties would naturally arise; an example would be the religious right, or the environmental movement, or even 'soccer moms'. These groups have no formal political connection, but because of shared interests or circumstances they will tend to vote the same way anyway, and will get treated as a party or a sub-party even if there is no formal definition. Of course, there will be individuals or small groups who don't fit exactly into the mold of any particular party, however most of these people will, for convenience's sake, choose the party that most closely represents their views. So, really, belonging to a party doesn't subvert one's decision-making power, or subsume one's individuality, it is simply a natural phenomenon that will happen regardless, in most cases. When it happens voluntarily, it gives you more strength and flexibility politically. In fact, one reason the far left is not nearly as politically effective as the far right is because they have too many splintered parties - fifteen varieties of socialism, eight subtly different environmental groups, or whatever, that compete among each other for clout. That's all today, tune in next week for another Essay With Bingle! Your host, Bingle Bing Whotsit.