What is wrong with the Democrats?

Originally posted by inimalist
I love how people think there is a major philosophical difference between the democrats and the republicans, or that you can fit all people into one of those molds 🙂

Actually I am a moderate Democrat, I myself don't fit into the typical mold.

My honest belief is that political parties are destructive to a democracy.

My belief is that religion is destructive, to democracy but thats a whole different topic. But here in Canada our municipal officials run without party affiliations and when I've ever seen them do that they never win.

ya, thats a major issue to me

partisan politics silences independent voices

My point is more that, if you call yourself an unconventional Democrat, doesn't that mean you just aren't a democrat? You don't have to be one or the other, in fact if you agree with Bill Maher you are a libertarian socialist (and no it is not an oxymoron), that political ideology just isn't represented at any level by a major party. Instead of just contributing to a corrupt institution, why not oppose it and not buy into the black/white system? (wow did I let my bias come out there....)

Originally posted by inimalist
ya, thats a major issue to me

partisan politics silences independent voices

My point is more that, if you call yourself an unconventional Democrat, doesn't that mean you just aren't a democrat? You don't have to be one or the other, in fact if you agree with Bill Maher you are a libertarian socialist (and no it is not an oxymoron), that political ideology just isn't represented at any level by a major party. Instead of just contributing to a corrupt institution, why not oppose it and not buy into the black/white system? (wow did I let my bias come out there....)

I do agree with you that we are too quick to label people as to one ideology or another. For instance on Crime, I am very conservative.

Originally posted by Starhawk
I do agree with you that we are too quick to label people as to one ideology or another. For instance on Crime, I am very conservative.

I guess you are canadian and american political affiliation is redundant anyways. Boy do I feel silly.

People are all a mess on different things. I have a heavy fascist/militant streak, but as far as social issues go, I'm solidly liberal, and economically moderate.

Originally posted by Alliance
People are all a mess on different things. I have a heavy fascist/militant streak, but as far as social issues go, I'm solidly liberal, and economically moderate.

Yeah, he really did have a good point on how labelling people with political ideologies can lead to misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and prevent people from truly having their beliefs represented.

Originally posted by Alliance
People are all a mess on different things. I have a heavy fascist/militant streak, but as far as social issues go, I'm solidly liberal, and economically moderate.

I honestly have a very soft side for an open fascist state, and I am a huge supporter of a strong and effective military. 🙂

I'm economically confused....

Yes, and how are these labels most exploited? However, I still choose to label myself.

I have nothing against labeling or belonging. If something represents what you believe, go for it.

The biggest exploit as far as I am concerned is that it artificially limits the scope of choice in politics. If you want cynical honesty, its probably just that I'm bitter there is no socialist libertarian technocratic party.

EDIT: Also, it turns selling a party into selling a logo or a brand, and the same tactics are used as are used in an advertising campaign. I don't necessarily think parties are the root cause, but they certainly do aide in the ability of a campaign promoter to sell a candidate. The loyalty issues that it creates, and the problems with in group conformity.

EDIT x2: That is a phat new sig and avatar Alliance.

I am what we are taught in school to be a large "L" liberal.

I am left wing on health care and social programs.

Hard right on Crime and our legal system as well as euthanasia.

Moderate on education and abortion issues.

I'm pretty sure none of you watch Bill Maher, at least not recently.

I watch every single week without fail.

Originally posted by Starhawk
I watch every single week without fail.

As do I. Which is why I'm curious why you don't take exeption to what has been said.

And no, i don't get all my news from his show...but apparently neither has anyone else in this thread.

Why would I take exception? I agree with Bill Maher 95% of the time. I may take issue with some things his guests say.

Originally posted by Starhawk
Actually I am a moderate Democrat, I myself don't fit into the typical mold.

All Dems seem to be liberal or moderate these days.Inleast we Republicans are just conserve and nothing more!jm 😉

Originally posted by ADarksideJedi
All Dems seem to be liberal or moderate these days.Inleast we Republicans are just conserve and nothing more!jm 😉

thats deep

Originally posted by ADarksideJedi
All Dems seem to be liberal or moderate these days.Inleast we Republicans are just conserve and nothing more!jm 😉

...

if it werent for my horse, i wouldnt have spent that year in college