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Originally posted by punkworld
I think the problem is more that people have very little idea of their own political position. People often base their political choices on the idea of belonging to a specific group (e.g. republicans, democrats, labour, the tories, the green party, etc.) than on their actual stance on various issues.
A funny example of this is Furious_Female, who scored more left-wing economically than most democrat politicians in the US. Still, she says:
"Yeah the Pope would feed the hungry... the US conservatives would make them get a job!"
It is pretty clear that although her ideas on economics don't come close to those of the conservatives at all, she has "sloganistic" ideas on what the conservatives are, with which she identifies.
Here, a large weakness of democracy shows it's ugly head: many people actually vote for parties not because those parties represent their ideas, but because their preconceptions about parties and political systems are more influential in their voting behaviour than rational deliberation.
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Wrong! :1orglaugh
The truth is, I have a bleeding heart. I'm the most generous person most people have ever met. So I have a hard time not being charitable and giving, to those in need and those less fortunate than myself. I never claimed to be a Republican because I support their views 100%. The truth is, I'm against the welfare system and believe if people are poor, it's their own fault. But when it comes to kids and disabled/sick people, I would give my left arm to make their lives better. However, I believe normal healthy adults create their own poverty and can better themselves, by any means possible. That test was not specifc enough, to give answers the way I see fit. My conservatism is in a lot of gray areas, it's not always absolute.
I am a Republican because I agree with that party more than I agree with Democrats. I'm against abortion, I'm pro guns, I'm anti-tax raising and tax breaks for the higher income brackets, I believe prayer/meditation time should be restored in schools, I think porn on the net SHOULD have some policing and regulations to weed out some of the idiots that make it hard on everyone else, I support the war, I support our troops, I support the war on terrorism, I'm in favor of the word God on money and in the Pledge of Allegiance and so on and so on.
That test was created by someone obviously non-American and it didn't have enough questions and/or answers to critique my beliefs.
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Republican Principles
I am a Republican because:
I believe the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person's dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.
I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability.
I believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.
I believe government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.
I believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least.
I believe the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.
I believe Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.
I believe Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.
Finally, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.
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(I didn't write the above) There were many questions omitted from that test, that were important. So if anything, that test is inconclusive. Although, I do admit I agree with some Democratic policies, I just happen to agree with Republican policies and legislation more. I never claimed to be 100% conservative, I am moderate... but I lean to the right more than the left.
As far as economics go, my answers come from my "heart" not from logic. That's just in my nature... however, my compassion is limited to people and children that cannot better themselves. I would need a more specific test to display where I stand on the scale.
