Gender: Unspecified Location: With Cinderella and the 9 Dwarves
Political Issues
Below is a list of major political issues which are (mainly in the US) strongly controversial. Most of them already have their own thread or threads on KMC, but in here I want you to give a short summary to most of your own political opinions.
You can give a general overview or a few specific examples relating to the specific topic. Or, preferably both. Some might overlap a bit, or be badly phrased, but I think it's mostly understandable.
In the long run, it might even show interesting developments in the political views of KMCers over the years.
On the other hand this thread can also be used as a sort of general, yet on topic, discussion on all sorts of political subjects. Especially for arguments that don't have a specific place to go into, or are fast paced and on multiple subjects. Well, lets see how it goes. Here the questionnaire:
War and Security (specific wars, terrorism, as well as a general view of armed forces and its theories):
Civil Rights (marriage, abortion, age of consent, voting, etc.):
Freer trade, but not completely free trade. Excise taxes, government revenue, and tariffs are just fine. No more Income taxes and those absurdly long lists of tax/fees on cell phone and internet service bills.
Immigration and Foreign Relations (international groups, diplomacy, immigration legislation, etc.):
Stronger regulation on immigration. Kill the "free money for immigrant" programs. Cut out some of the bureaucracy involved with becoming a citizen to lessen the time of naturalization. With the massive amount of money and troops that are now home (because I want them home), we can better patrol and secure our borders.
Other Issues You Find Important:
We should abolish lots of "cabinet programs". We need to start with the immediate dissolution of the DEA.
We should make MJ legal and a few other drugs. We should make anabolic steroids legal and leave it up to the doctors to decide. We should increase funding for NASA by about 5 times. The FAAs funding should be increased by about $1 billion and the programs continue to be refined/streamlined. We should "socialize" our communication infrastructure a little more than it is now. That sounds bad, but it's not. We need the government to either offer very large tax incentives for ISPs to expand the fiber and wireless infrastructure, or we need the government to build it for us (like Japan). It is "expanding" much too slow.
What country are you citizen of/do you live in?
I live in U.S. Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.
Also, if any of you are ever going to be in "town", let me know and I'll take time off to hang out, fo reals.
What political ideology do you identify yourself with?
I am leaning towards libertarian recently. I've taken a few of those internet political tests (some good, some bad) and it says I lean libertarian, but only slightly. Libertarians are really just the neo-republicans.
War and Security (specific wars, terrorism, as well as a general view of armed forces and its theories): I'm a non-interventionist. Which means I don't want entangling alliances. I don't want to go to war when it is unnecessary and not declared officially by Congress. This differs from isolationsim however in that I still believe in trade with the rest of the world, talking with people through diplomacy.
Iraq was a bunch of nonsense though. Never should have went. We shouldn't stay in Afghanistan forever. That should have been the main focus of getting bin Laden.
Civil Rights (marriage, abortion, age of consent, voting, etc.): I'm all for gay marriage. I'm tired of the attitude towards homosexuals in this country. It is horrible. I'm all for most things as long as there is consent. Incest? Sure. More than one wife? Sure. I stop the line with pedophilia though because the child isn't old enough to make an informed decision of consent.
Economic Issues (free trade/protectionism, taxes, etc.): I'm a firm believer in getting government out of the way and letting the free market do its job. Taxes should be very, very low under a limited government. This means no income tax.
Immigration and Foreign Relations (international groups, diplomacy, immigration legislation, etc.): I believe that we should have tight borders and that illegal immigrants shouldn't get a free pass. That doesn't mean though I want to shut America down and allow nobody to come in. They should all be allowed to come in legally and share in our wealth.
I'm a little 'l' libertarian through and through. Just a quick version. I'll expand later.
Gender: Unspecified Location: With Cinderella and the 9 Dwarves
Re: Re: Political Issues
Yes, but it would have stolen everyone else time. And when I want to reply I would have to do it anyways. This way everyone can profit by just quoting me and having it nicely formatted.
Gender: Unspecified Location: With Cinderella and the 9 Dwarves
War and Security(Specific Wars, Terrorism, as well as a general view of Armed Forces and its theories):
War should, in these times, not be done for sport or economic issues. That means, most aggressive wars, are, imo, wrong. I understand that preemptive strikes, might be necessary, but it has to be within reason and no country should play world police.
My view is that War is not a tool to improve your economy, and should just be used as a final measure to protect your own people.
A decent sized and specifically well trained armed force is a good tool to maintain stability in foreign relations and have security at home. And they should be used in non aggressive capabilities as foreign aid as well as within the country.
I am against any sort of draft or mandatory service.
Civil Rights (Marriage, Abortion, Age of Consent, Voting, etc.):
The government should have no dealings with marriage. It should grant no tax breaks or other advantages to couples of any kind.
Abortion should be legal at least until a decent time into the pregnancy, to grant women a choice to their body. I also don't think that younger girls should need their parents consent.
Age of Consent, should at least be significantly lowered. The best way would be to totally abolish it and judge on a case to case basis.
I think that younger people should have a say in who runs the country as well. 16 is a good age to be allowed to vote, and also to be elected. I don't think people should need to be actually old to be eligible. If the people find that appropriate then no one younger would be elected. Problem solved. But voting itself should not rest into as much power. A constitution to protect minorities from the majority is very important.
I don't think there should be any restrictions on imports or exports. I don't think that the government should subsidy anything, really.
There should be no tax breaks nor additional taxes for businesses or people (like those that have children, etc.)
I think there should be one flat income tax (with up to a certain amount tax free) as well as a VAT on all products. And basically no other taxes.
Immigration and Foreign Relations (International Groups, Diplomacy, Immigration Legislation, etc.):
I think immigrants should have a good chance to get into any country. There's really no reason to deny them access as long as there are no government programs to take advantage of. I don't think being born in a specific place makes you better than someone else.
International Groups as such are not bad. A diplomatic relations amongst all nations is desirable, but I don't think that government should let themselves be bullied into changing their own policies, based on other believes in foreign countries.
Social Programs
There should at most be a basic mandatory education (max to the age of 16), but there should be no in depth government funded school, especially no Universities.
I don't think there should be government funded health care.
Other Issues You Find Important:
On the whole a lot of bureaucracy and government spending has to be cut. NASA for example should not be so heavily funded for no apparent reason.
Drugs should be legal
What political ideology do you identify yourself with
War and Security (specific wars, terrorism, as well as a general view of armed forces and its theories):
I don't really know enough about military science to give an educated opinion but I think precise use of force is a much better use of money and human lives.
Civil Rights (marriage, abortion, age of consent, voting, etc.):
People should be able to do pretty much whatever they want until it hurts someone else. Nonetheless I do think civil rights need to be monitored as much as they are left alone, in the case of something like the age of consent coercion is a factor that does need to be taken into account.
The so called war on drugs needs to end and be replaced with the same policies we have for things like alcohol. Mainly, quality control and taxation.
Free trade is a good thing but without a way to control it free trade spirals out of control or at least into decidedly immoral areas. Taxes are a necessary part of making any government function, more efficient use is still a better policy.
Immigration and Foreign Relations (international groups, diplomacy, immigration legislation, etc.):
Can't we all just get along?
Other Issues You Find Important:
What country are you citizen of/do you live in?
The US, actually, but don't tell anyone.
What political ideology do you identify yourself with?
Ideally. Benevolent Totalitarian. A relatively small governing body with the ability to enforce needed laws and protect the citizenry from external and internal threats of all sorts (even if that includes the citizens themselves).
Pragmatically. Limited Capitalism.
Comments:
I think this thread is a good idea.
__________________
Graffiti outside Latin class.
Sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
A juvenal prank.
War and Security (specific wars, terrorism, as well as a general view of armed forces and its theories): Totally against it. However, it's probably best to have the best security in a peverse society.
As for war, just not right.
Civil Rights (marriage, abortion, age of consent, voting, etc.): Voting, consent and marriage age should be 16 and anyone allowed to do all...except men are not allowed to have abortions. No matter what. However, I'm not that kean on voting or government.
Also, marijuana, as well as all other drugs should be totally legal. But maybe some restrictions if things get out of hand. Like addiction and abuse.
Economic Issues (free trade/protectionism, taxes, etc.): Take money out of the scenario.
Immigration and Foreign Relations (international groups, diplomacy, immigration legislation, etc.): "My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -- Thomas Paine
Other Issues You Find Important: Education needs serious improvement.
What country are you citizen of/do you live in? UK
What political ideology do you identify yourself with? Libertarian Socialist, Anarchist, Swing
Comments: Maybe a less American style thread next time.
__________________
Bulbasaur, the original... Pepe.
Last edited by Raz on Jan 1st 2000 at 00:00AM
Last edited by It's xyz! on Nov 5th, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Out of the topics Bardock raised, which ones don't apply to UK?
__________________ Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
Gender: Unspecified Location: With Cinderella and the 9 Dwarves
A thread that is more about specific issues, woul probably favour the US more. This is about general political stances. And so far not two have been alike and none have been either liberal or conservative as the US defines it.
I think the issues are mostly relevant to all first world countries and probably to most others as well.
War and Security (specific wars, terrorism, as well as a general view of armed forces and its theories):
Middle East/South Asia: My country currently has forces in this region, in Afghanistan. While I think there is a role for Canada and NATO as a whole in the fight against international Jihadi Terrorism, I don't think our role is a very effective or intelligent one. To sell the war to our nation, our politicians needed to sell it as rebuilding Afghanistan, with schools, hospitals, etc. This is not a useful purpose for our military force, and my neighbors, who have decided to defend my freedom do NOT deserve to lose their life so that some Afghan girl can go to school. It is the responsibility of the Afghans to give their lives for freedom, if they so wish. If NATO countries want to encourage the freedom of Afghan girls, INVEST IN THE NATION'S INFRASTRUCTURE!
North Africa: Potentially the next Jihadi hot spot. Al Qaeda intends to launch attacks against Europe from Tunisia and Morocco. Intelligence forces should be highly concerned with groups like The Salafist Group for Prayer and War (the initial name of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghrab).
The rest of Africa: Much is contained to local conflict and warlordism. However, these power vacuums have proven a breeding ground for groups who strike outside their borders, often drawing several African nations into a single conflict zone. Unlikely that these conflicts pose a threat for westerners who do not live in the nations themselves, though it has been seen in Sudan (technically a North African Arab nation), and one must watch Somalia closely, that international terrorists intent of striking the west can find sanctuary in these nations.
Russia: The west needs to engage them as a powerful ally. They are only a security threat because NATO nations are interested in reducing its power internationally. Because of this, a new cabal of anti-american allies is forming, drawing together Putin, Ahmadeenajad, and Chavez.
China: Though they might surpass America in economic might, their army is relatively obsolete and highly immobile. They will need to engage in war soon for oil resources, likely in the 'stans. They have major investment in some of the oil rich areas of Africa, which may spur proxy conflict with Western nations as the supply runs out.
South America: Currently experiencing a revival of socialism. They rhetorically oppose America, though I feel they are more threatened than a threat. Gangs immigrating through mexico, and the drug trade are probably the largest security threats here.
Israel: The most internationally de-stabalizing nation on the planet. They risk drawing America into a full out war on the Muslim world with their constant threatening rhetoric and behaviour against Iran. If Iran were to attack Israel, that would be one thing. However, Israel has and is making continuing threats against Iran, and many military analysists fear they will preemptively strike its nuclear sites. Due to America's unwavering support for Israel, it is predictable that they would be involved in another war of aggression, this time with Iran AND with the involvement of Israel....
Al Qaeda: The money spent on any bullet or bomb used to kill an Al Qaeda soldier would be better spent training Farsi, Urdu, Pashtun and Arabic speakers to infiltrate these organizations. I am 100% in favor of military action intent on killing Al Qaeda operatives, I am just 100% positive that intelligence operations will be more successful and have far less lasting consequences.
Domestic: Canada does not protect its borders, nor does it properly fund its military. Our soldiers are some of the best trained in the world, yet they are consistently let down by a lack of interest from the voting public.
Civil Rights (marriage, abortion, age of consent, voting, etc.):
Mostly I am for the government not being involved with civil rights until it comes to their protection. I don't support any government involvement in marriage (potentially including age of consent).
Abortion I view as morally wrong, though I am in favor of choice for a woman. I would support any woman I impregnate's choice, and at this point in my life would be in favor of not having a child. The reason it should be legal has nothing to do with right or wrong, but the simple fact that it will be done anyways and it causes much more damage to society while it is illegal.
Canada largely has few civil rights problems, and even our "war on drugs" or "racist prison complex" don't come close to the problems in the states, so just a passing mention probably will suffice. Our police force has a problem with abusing Natives, and the federal police (RCMP) have problems with highly aggressive tactics, as apparently Canada has no entrapment laws.
Free trade is a wonderful ideal which should be striven for, however, issues of currency inequities between nations, corporate protectionism, and gross deregularization have largely crippled capitalism internationally and domestically.
I was just talking about this the other day. While I support free trade and am largely against nationalization of resources, Canada currently sits on top of more oil than Saudi Arabia and a good portion of the world's fresh water. We appear to have no policy, aside from "Come and get it, American companies". Given the realities of the world, some nationalization with specific end goals of not creating droughts in either resource should be considered. Capitalism can have negative effects that can be mediated without gross government involvement. Ideally, we could establish a free economy that, under its own power, supplies resources in a beneficial way to people.
Immigration and Foreign Relations (international groups, diplomacy, immigration legislation, etc.):
We need you, please come!
Canada has major problems with not recognizing the academic achievements of immigrants. There is the wonderful story of the Woman who worked on the Chinese space program immigrating to Canada, only to find a job as a hamburger flipper on the Toronto subway.
We should have and attempt diplomatic relations with all nations. Quebec should no longer have its own international delegations or immigration rights (or all provinces should have unique immigration rights, like quebec, though I still believe only the Federal government should have representatives abroad [unless it is obviously applicable]).
Other Issues You Find Important:
Education reform is the most important thing we can do to improve the world.
What country are you citizen of/do you live in?
Canada
The one North of the states
What political ideology do you identify yourself with?
in a left right distinction: Conservative
On the political diamond: Libertarian
I hope that I appear a pragmatist before either of those, as I prefer demonstrable results to ideologically motivated decisions.
I consider myself an non-revolutionary Technocrat (in the actual technocratic movement, there are many who feel a revolution after the downfall of capitalism is needed to fully implement technocratic change, I happen to believe capitalism is the mechanism through which technology can be implemented to its fullest, as the market provides the incentive [if the gvt hadn't made short term investment more important than long term investment] to invest into technological and efficient solutions).
My political philosophy is rooted in individualist anarchy
Comments
interesting, lots of stuff to argue about in this thread
__________________ yes, a million times yes
Last edited by tsilamini on Nov 5th, 2008 at 07:14 PM
First of all, do you know what the word 'definitive' means? The topics raised cover most of the prominent political issues in the developed world, so although they are not totally exclusive, they are generally definitive. Also, they're not US specific; countries all over Europe and Asia debate these issues.
__________________ Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange.
Gender: Unspecified Location: With Cinderella and the 9 Dwarves
Okay, well, why don't you answer the additional question of "What's your personal opinion on the current trade policies of the Chavez government in relation to Chinese development across the last century". We others will just stick with general and major political questions the developed world deals with, but you have a ball.
War and Security (specific wars, terrorism, as well as a general view of armed forces and its theories):
Really, it depends on the situation however sometimes wars can be justified and necessary. Standing Armies can be a dangerous thing- perhaps the biggest block to freedom in any so called democracy. Citizen Armies FTW.
Civil Rights (marriage, abortion, age of consent, voting, etc.):
Marriage, personally I believe a marriage is between a man and a woman, however this is a personal view and other people should have the right to marry whoever they want or as many people as they want provided noone is forced to marry against their will.
Abortion, personally I believe a human being is a human being from the moment of conception and deserves all its human rights from that point onward. However, this is again a matter of faith thus I have no right to force upon other people my beliefs concerning abortion until such a time as their is greater consensus on the issue amongst the medical society.
Age of Consent, it fluctuates over time, I don't see it as being a concrete issue to the point that I don't really care that much...
Voting, everyone should but then again voting does not equal democracy..(Carrots and Sticks everyone) Economic Issues (free trade/protectionism, taxes, etc.):
Limited trade restrictions are desirable but then again their needs to be protection against abuse of the system...min wage is very important... Immigration and Foreign Relations (international groups, diplomacy, immigration legislation, etc.):
We're all in this together! Other Issues You Find Important:
An end to hereditary Heads of State. There shouldn't be a monarch in this day in age- any other country where the only people eligable to be King/Queen are White, Anglican members of a limited family would be called despotism- even if the power of that Head of State was limited. What country are you citizen of/do you live in?
UKofGB What political ideology do you identify yourself with?
I don't...I'm all over the place...I like to think of myself as a "Render unto Caesar" Democrat...(Not the US Party Democrat- an actual Democrat who believes that Democracy (Power in the hands of the Many) is the best form of government.)
__________________
Last edited by Grand-Moff-Gav on Nov 5th, 2008 at 08:35 PM
China has expanded at an incredible rate, gobbling up all of its domestic oil.
Chavez exports a large amount of his oil to America, but is becoming more buddy buddy with Arab/South Asian oil producers and Russia, as the uni-polar Amero-centric world begins to break down.
As China expands and demands more oil, Chavez will be pulled by two competing centers of global power. During the cold war, this type of thing resulted in proxy wars fought between America and Russia, in the modern context, Chavez must navigate between both of the super-powers to avoid either of them deciding that Venezuela is too important to their national interests, and deploying some degree of a military presence to ensure their continued oil supply.
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Nov 5th, 2008 03:27 PM
