Serious Left X Right 2: Electric Bogaloo (An experiment)

[Don Honchkrorleone]

Approved by GatoDelFuego because he's a good guy

Every human being that is capable of doing brain synapsis and is aware of Brazil's current political turmoil know that we're on a very scary and stupid tragedy. The rise of fascism from the #EleNão candidate is weird considering we had both a fascist government before (Getúlio Vargas from 1930 to 1945) and a civil-military dictatorship (1964-1985), both which used the argument of "the left is ruining our country and therefore we should kill them". I believe one of the reasons for that is the lack of knowledge over a simple fact: what does left-wing and right-wing means. After all, we have the dubious honor of debating with GERMANY that Nazism was a left-wing movement, so, therefore, #EleNão voters are not Nazists; having a swastika called a peace buddhist symbol when it was carved of a woman against the #EleNão candidate and saying it was not a right-wing act; and even when receiving the support of an ex-Dragon of KKK, the #EleNão and his minions argue that KKK is actually a left-wing movement.

I want to see how the situation is overseas (and if anyone here is from my purgatory, his/her opinion as well) So for that, I have to turn to the biggest intellectual refugee of the internet: Cong! Yet, this thread is more of an experiment than anything else, as I want to know from everyone that dares post in here what your opinion is. But I want opinions, not facts. I want to discover your train of thought to help me develop a theory about my own society so this thread will take the form of a questionnaire. Consider this as a reflection thread.

These are the rules: your first post must be, without posting a Wikipedia / dictionary / youtube / blog / whatever the fucking material you find that makes an opposition direct quotation (as I want to believe you are capable of synthesizing your opinions, or else you're just a piece of crap):

1. What, for you, is right-wing?

2. What, for you, is left-wing?

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

Additionally, I want to keep this discussion as tight and respectful as possible so, PLEASE, do not call your co-smogoner "wrong". I don't care if people here are wrong or not, as they believe they're correct. What I want to discover is why the people here, including myself, think they're correct. So I beg all of you to not post here more than once unless you have a strong reason too and always start with a question, and I beg to the cong mods to enforce their authoritarian powers in case this does happen. If you want to discuss, feel free to use the other politics thread. I'll post my own opinion when three or four people post here.

Also, if possible, don't say "I don't know what I am" or "I'm fiscally conservative and socially liberal". Pick one side, or, if you consider yourself center, do so by answering 3a. Don't pick microspectres, like extreme-left or alt-right. Choose one or the other. No one will judge.

Remember:

Happy posting!

Crass example which of course does not reflect my opinion

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
For me, right-wing is being able to have freedom to follow the steps of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
Lack of freedom, like those damn, Godless commies!

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?
Of course i'm right-wing! Why would I be a commie?

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?
Center does not exist, they're leftists trying to pass as us.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
I guess we both want freedom...

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?
Ronald Reagan, the true American hero of God that put people where they deserve to be!

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?
Hillary Clinton! Democrats are communists wanting to ruin our freedom!

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?
They need a good ol' dose of the Holy Book. Does the Bible support commies? I think NOT!

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Hey, I'm really interested in how this thread develops. So I'll be keeping it in order with what the OP suggests. Make posts! Describe yourself! And if you feel the need to respond to others, ask questions! If you don't think you can avoid debating people, then just pretend there are no replies itt but yours

 

[Myzozoa]

for 1 and 2:

fascism/totalitarianism/authoritarianism (right)
centrism (liberalism, i.e free market capitalism)
socialism (left)

In the early 20th century centrism and socialism fought a war against fascism and won. Afterwards fascism was incorporated into free market capitalism where it was to survive in more or less covert forms (subnationally and occasionally at the national level in the Global South or Third World). After and during the world war(s) against fascism, socialism and capitalism cut a New Deal alliance, which would be replaced by a Fair Deal after the war ended with the victory of the capitalists and socialists. After the war, with fascism beaten back, Socialism and Centrism (capitalism) both began incorporating increasingly authoritarian elements, this was due to internal as well as external ideological pressures and the competition taking off between capitalism and socialism. Capitalism's colonial legacy and need to contain socialism led centrism and socialism to mirror one anothers' authoritarian excesses and to adopt fascist inflections in their political economies during their Cold War. The Cold War steadily wound down the Fair Deal between socialists and capitalists and the Red Scare further cleaved socialism from centrism/capitalism and turned the centrists to the right due to the need to defeat the socialist column from the left. By the 2000's the Fair Deal was largely replaced with a political economy centred on subsidizing a military industrial complex: imperialism. With the defeat of socialism, the war energies of the Capitalist industrial complex unsurprisingly turned toward developing new markets forcefully (in the middle east and latin america), further engendering a turn towards authoritarianism. Which gets us to where we are now.

3. I'm working class not ruling class so these 'sides' are pretty meaningless to me. I would be okay with a new New Deal, or with a cleave from capitalism, so I'm situated on the left in contemporary parlance.

4. nationalism obv.

5. donald trump because he is literally the monster they hide in their closet of denials

6. no such thing as the left, it's been ded as I explained in my history of ideology, but i would say for the neoliberal 'leftist in name only' meaning of 'left' that donald trump also embodies them, but now they get to say 'at least i dont do x like donald trump', which allows them to deflect from actually working on themselves/organizing their communities.

7. honestly, no one calls me rightwing afaik, but mre called me a centrist one time when he was upset about me mentioning the wage gap or smthg. nowadays it is actually some novelty when I get 'attacked' 'from the left', as in that instance.

 

[HailFall]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?

Resistance to change, "every man for himself" type ideology, nationalist/imperialist mindset of "we take what we want because we're the strongest and we can, generally maintaining arbitrary power heirarchies because of the greed of those in power

2. What, for you, is left-wing?

Emphasis on cooperation and altruism, acceptance of differences and integrating cultures together, not letting any one person become absurdly powerful or rich, helping those who are not in power rather than using them as stepping stools.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

Left

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

To me, they can't coexist in someone really. Centrists/moderates generally haven't delved too deep into things and rely on overly simplified views of issues. Just because there are two sides of the argument does not mean the answer must be in between. One side is usually just wrong.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

Trump. Extremely delusional & narcissistic, refuses to even humor the idea that "every man for himself" is a shitty thing to think.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

I don't really have a person I assosciate with the left. I guess you could say Bernie because he represents actual leftist beliefs unlike Hillary, but that's just in terms of politicians.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

I'd probably feel humiliated/upset. I really think most right wing people are heavily misled or just not good people lol. I wouldn't like to be compared to one.

 

[VuvuzelaBzz]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
The core belief that hierarchies are inevitable and of value. From that starting point one can arrive at a variety of(potentially contradictory) positions depending on the sociopolitical environment they find themselves in. As such, the consensus on what positions are right-wing changes over time. Positions generally considered to be right-wing at present are faith in free markets' ability to produce wealth, nationalism and social authoritarianism, often on the basis of religion, though that perspective ignores the libertarian / authoritarian axis of the political compass.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
The core belief that humans are innately equal and that equality is of value. From that starting point one can arrive at a variety of(potentially contradictory) positions depending on the sociopolitical environment they find themselves in. As such, the consensus on what positions are left-wing changes over time. Positions generally considered to be left-wing at present are faith in the ability of wealth redistribution and / or social programs to result in more desirable societies, internationalism and social libertarianism, though that perspective ignores the libertarian / authoritarian axis of the political compass.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?
I'm a conservatively-minded centrist.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?
One belongs to the center when they hold a relatively balanced mix of left and right-wing positions. One can arrive there either through a consistent line of left / right-wing reasoning, or through an inconsistent mix of both.

(When I say "balanced mix" I don't mean it in a positive sense, but balanced in that the mix of positions the individual holds doesn't place them firmly in either camp)

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
They can converge on most ideas given the right spin. The thought-processes are incompatible, but can arrive at many of the same conclusions.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?
My conception of it is pretty non-specific. Most mainstream deregulation / free market type politicians aren't nationalists on account of being bought by multinational corporations, but there's probably some Fox News host who hits right-wing stereotype bingo.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?
My conception of it is pretty non-specific. Jeremy Corbyn more or less hits left-wing stereotype bingo, though some might debate the internationalist part on account of his euroscepticism.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?
When you're in the center you're generally accused by members of either side of belonging to the opposite side, or of being a fence-sitter. I don't mind the first accusation, as it essentially means that I'm to the left / right of the person who's accusing me, which is probably accurate. In regards to the fence-sitting accusation, assuming I were inclined to respond to the person, I would list the various fences I find myself on either side of as well as which side I'm on. If at that point they doubled down I would end the conversation, as they would have demonstrated themselves as either too ignorant or too partisan to be reasoned with on the issue.

 

[Dece1t]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
As a disclaimer, this is not including the far-right, I'm writing this in relation to modern conservatism today. Generally speaking, those who believe in a smaller government (because the government is, to them, bad at most things that can be done by the private sector), free market economic policies, and feel the constitution is a document that should be rightfully upheld (i.e. not readily wanting change or amendments; the thought is it's lasted up to this point, why fix what's not broken?). They tend to put their faith most into equality of opportunity.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
Again, I'm going to try to ignore the far-left here. Left-wing, as I've observed as a former moderate liberal, tends to base policies on empathy in an attempt to fix what the constitution can't defend. An innate belief of equality to the core is something that they want to uphold, and they tend to want to liberate from tradition and precedent. They also tend to like a bigger government as that is the most powerful thing able to solve these problems, as humanity itself cannot do on it's own, as they believe. Whether it'd be balancing businesses and the consumers, or making up for slavery/discrimination from the past and even today, left-wing proponents tend to push towards an equality of outcome in the end, to varying degrees.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?
Center between the two, but I can say I do tend to lean Conservative nowadays, I would still describe myself as a moderate that simply hopped over the fence and I haven't paced much further away.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?
It's not so much an identity as it is an objective stance for me. There are things I like from the Democratic party, and there's things I don't like. Same for the Republican party, although as I've gotten more interested in politics, I discovered that I do align with more with their values (I can't say to an extreme point though; for instance, I'm pretty libertarian/supportive of Gay marriage, and I do prefer a separation of church and state despite my religious beliefs, I can go on).

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
Absolutely. A great example is comparing Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, both wanted to uproot the political office and drain the swamps, albeit different methodologies. That's how Trump managed to appeal to some of those voters in very short summary. They can coexist in people, but I do think it's difficult to do that and keep consistency, which is something that I strive to do as someone who is moderate.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?
Ben Shapiro. Granted, in terms of personal/religious opinions, we differ, but in terms of policy there's a lot of libertarian/basic constitutional values I would agree with, and he (alongside with my uncle) challenged my initial values and thinking. He's direct, a sharp debater, to the point, and doesn't tolerate BS, and he's willing to call out when Trump/the Republican party screw up, which I appreciate. As a commentator he's generally down to Earth and objective.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?
Dave Rubin/Jordan Peterson, both Classical Liberals. Rubin is definitely more Libertarian nowadays, but even though both generally tend to support more government involvement in some issues, they both still acknowledge basic rights and don't veer far off that premise. They also don't go on the attack on those they disagree with, which is something I seriously appreciate and strive to do as a debater myself, I love situations where common ground can be worked towards and found.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?
I know this isn't quite the answer that was asked, but I think alt-right can differentiate itself enough in this scenario. I've ran into that in a previous thread on this forum plenty lmao. I've been called alt or far-right plenty of times because of my opinions on the inherent equality of race, overwhelming free speech (until someone calls to violence in short), and my opinion about what a life is/how to be successful in life in general. I find it a bit sad because those were all principles that not even 20 years ago people from the left and right would generally agree with and share in platforms, but now these are considered more conservative positions. A lot of that, in my opinion at least, has to do with how far left the left-wing has gone, especially as of the past couple of years. They're not hitting the mark on independents and moderates like myself, and I feel that's something that has to be reeled in if they want to get voters back. I'm rather offended when I'm called a bigot (as ironic as that may seem), or a racist, or a [insert here]-phobe simply because I don't think of someone with a different skin color than me as any better or worse than any other normal American/human being and shouldn't be treated as that, or when I support a majority of Trump's policy (not him personally, mind you, strictly his platform/what he's done so far). It's difficult to hear certainly.

As for my actual responses, I don't like to go on the offensive unless I'm prompted to, even if I'm called out. Like I said, in debates I like to go towards an exchange of ideas as opposed to shouting matches. I like to be objective, get the straight facts, and hey, see if my mind can change, because it certainly has before and I think it's important to stay open-minded. That does not mean ignore fallacies, and I know there are/could be fallacies in many of my positions. I think in both circumstances they should be objectively criticized (key words) when needed, and we shouldn't get mad if our ideals come into question, that's the beauty of a debate. Iron sharpens iron, and it makes us much healthier and educated thinkers.

 

[EviGaro]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?

On the axis, it's where you would see the role of the State being used as an enforcer of ideas - particularly the national identity - and less so about a constant regulator in the economic sense. As such, it tends to heavily favours private businesses, less intervention in the day-to-day economic routine of the citizens. However, a right wing State would still spend massively in domains of defense and regular law authority, as those are necessary to enforce its identity as it's not seeking to be represented in public services as much and would prefer heavily to be recognized as an almost father-like figure.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?

Well it would be easy to say the opposite, but left wing ideas are far more likely to not just dispute the role of the State in economical matters, but also to confront the very idea of the State itself because of its capacity to enforce ideas on the people. A "softer" stance on left wing ideas would still recognize the State as a centre of authority, but would obviously still harshly criticize the methods used to display its authority through nationalistic force, and is also far more likely to criticize traditional authority figures that tend to be preserved by the right. A more radical stance would question the State itself with all the fun stuff that can happen. On economics, it tends to follow a far more collective approach, where either the State or communities are used as the rendez-vous point of sharing through public services

Before 3, a disclaimer: I strongly reject the progressive/conservative dichotomy as being part of the left/right axis here. Firstly, because that dichotomy is largely reactive, as in it tends to flare up when issues flare up first, it won't necessarily be at the front of them: individuals, I believe, tend to do that. Secondly, the history of progressive/conservative movements is far, far more ancient than the left/right axis, and it's almost ludicrous to conflate the two because one is far more fixed in a method of governance - i.e the nation-State - whereas the other simply isn't. While I'll admit that there are obvious progressive/conservative notions in the left/right, and that even the first use of it following the French Revolution was somewhat in line with it, I feel as if the history of that axis has been moved away from that so much that it's only leading to methodological confusion to completely link the two of them. I also reject here the "national" axis because it's impossible to figure out which is which by comparison, like the left/right in the US has nothing to do with the left/right in Canada, though it's useful in ancient electoral analysis!

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

Left, I tend to strongly reject nationalism so yeah bop

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

Well yeah, it's impossible not to. both discourses are well integrated in our societies and a purely ideological one from either side would never work due to availability of information for one, but also because most societies where that axis exists have significant representation of both sides. I do think we tend to give way too much power to the State in terms of defining interests, and that's where the left grudgingly accepting the State in the 60-80s has caused some problems, but ya know

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

Toss-up between Locke and Smith, tbh... But that question is impossible to answer really, way too much history and different movements following the basic principle.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

Robert Owen #neverforget #Marxwastheutopistone

More seriously I really like his stand on social collectivism, especially at a time where it was unheard of, and his approach to general equality and how these ideals came not from the State's history but mostly from the humanity of the people working

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

oofinators

 

[GatoDelFuego]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
A philosophy founded on supporting individual rights at the expense of all else. Rejection of the state, recognizing that an individual should own all choices related to them as well as all responsibilities. Lazziez-faire capitalism, "small government", rural community structure type stuff.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
A philosophy founded on creating a large government. A variety of state/public-owned services, with the belief that uniting as many people as possible to a collective makes them stronger. Aggressive laws with heavy regulation to foster the greater good. Self-sacrifice to support the community.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?
I don't really know what I belong in based on my classifications. I'm a heavy believer in personal liberty, but also that a strong, authoritarian government can do things better than individuals, which would create more value. So where do you draw the line? I would definitely lean more left-wing, as at the core I think that a majority of the world is damaging to themselves and others without the guidance of the government, heh. But then again, I don't want the government to change any of my habbits because I think they're all superior. If you needed one word, I'd call myself a "federalist"

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?
I don't think there is a center. You can have different values of each "side", but you have to lean one way. It's sort of a zero-sum game.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
In the idea of a nation and nationalism. All countries in the world are government, so if you are nationalistic then you must support your own state. I don't see the human race uniting to make a one-world government any time soon, but international collaboration is about the most left-wing you can get. Then again nationalism is support of your own "individual" state over the "other" state, and if the two states were of similar mindset then they'd already merge, right? So being a rightwing nationalist is a rejection of international collaboration in favor of your "individualism"


5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?
Ayn Rand. Her writings focus on individual thoughts and shedding outside influence. Why I've chosen her to represent this "side" is because her characters are strengthened by their right-wing beliefs, demonstrating that they are "the best person they could be" because of individualism. Yeah that's not the real world, but who cares lol.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?
Karl Marx in a way, but I don't really know much about his establishment of a unified state. But he believes that people are stronger when they are united. FDR, based on the establishment of a strong government that was very authoritarian but supported the public? It's difficult to name famous left-wing people in power because they all have some critical flaws that make them greedy (like everybody), which isn't in line with "the greater good".

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?
Who fucking cares lol

 

[Dece1t]

Here's where I'd like to pick your brain, why do you think the government is a guiding force? Why do you think it's safe to give the government a significant amont of power? I'm not asking that to shoot you down, I'm honestly intruiged about your position.

One more thing, why do you define individualism with the expense of "all else?"

 

[Adeleine]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
The desire to further societal benefit by ensuring that the currently-existing do not lose liberties (note: this includes those provided by having more money).

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
The desire to further societal benefit by extending freedoms to those that currently lack them (note: this includes those provided by having more money).

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?
Left-wing. Seek the stronger advantage.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
They coexist with considerable more ease in the social department than the economic department. They converge when they seek fulfillment of something they seek so fervently that societal benefit is warped or lost.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?
Sean Hannity. The American right is continually being forced into defending the indefensible (note: this isn't giving Hannity a cop-out).

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?
John Oliver. Providing general reason (mixed with humor in his case, obviously) into the field/void of political climate to little effect.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?
I would be curious and interested as to what perception(s) and/or definition(s) would bring them to such a conclusion.

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Here's where I'd like to pick your brain, why do you think the government is a guiding force? Why do you think it's safe to give the government a significant amont of power? I'm not asking that to shoot you down, I'm honestly intruiged about your position.

One more thing, why do you define individualism with the expense of "all else?"

Well, a left-wing philosophy would be to favor the greater good at the expense of all else, right? It's just two sides of the same spectrum.

If experts are utilized, governments/government leaders can make decisions that people disagree with, but overall benefit society. That's the idea, anyway.

 

[KurashiDragon]

Ohh how fun. I'll give this a go. If only because as of posting this I haven't thought to much about these kinds of things.

1. What, for you, is right-wing?

I'm gonna try to avoid the far side of these wings

I think it's more the traditional crowd wing that adheres to what works and typically doesn't change / is fairly resistant to change. Typically it values the constitution and capitalism above all else. The Free Market is a good structure and it doesn't care to help those who are in a bad situation. It doesn't really tolerate outcasts or outwardly differences but by nature is individualist. It's religious but only really adheres to Christianity and some of its off shoots. You'll typically find older people here that are more set in their ways, are more strict, and no nonsense.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?

The left wing is more the Risktaker side. It's far more open to change and value a strong government to help those that cant help themselves. It's more about the group than the individual. It typically cares more for the minority or the less well off. It doesn't really associate with any particular religion and is not particularly religious itself. You're likely to find younger people here who haven't quite figured it out yet. Not to say they're dumb, more just inexperienced. They'll be more friendly upfront and more tolerant of you though not neccessarily your viewpoints.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

Center

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?

The center is a place where it's more accepting of viewpoints from either side. While it has viewpoints, It's a wide range of thoughts an opinions that vary greatly depending on the questions asked. I would put myself on the center right. I consider myself more of an individualist as I typically don't care who you are or your own opinions unless I get curious. Even then I don't really care about any opinions I'd consider to be negative unless acted upon in a way I'd consider bad. However, I'm open to change and don't have many strong opinions on things. I'm also not a particularly religious person though I have inclinations towards some form of Christianity. I'd consider myself more of a deist with no particular affiliation, though. In short, I'm a fence sitter. No I don't consider that an insult. Looking at things with an open mind and choosing the side you believe to be sensible is far better IMO. If means you think about these things rather than just picking something mindlessly.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

No. While it is possible to have a wide variety of ideas on different topics, it's not really possible to have a convergence of right and left wing ideals. Mayhaps they'll agree on how certain things should be done but not neccessarily for the same reason. It's certainly possible for two different ideas to co-exist however. So long as one side isn't violent.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

I don't watch many right wing people so I cant really say anything in good consience. There are people I watch with right wing ideals but not really anyone I'd consider to be right wing.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

Tim Pool is someone I'd consering to be a generally left wing. It's just the impression I get of him. He says he's a classical liberal and I do see that in the way he speaks about the topics in his videos.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

I mean, for me that'd be center left or I suppose it'd be someone painting me as a far winger. I don't really care if someone labels me center left. It's not to far off and I wouldn't really consider it an insult. For a far winger though, its Fairly needless, I'd say. I have no particularly strong affiliation to either wing and I don't believe my opinions put me particularly far in either side. Then again with today's political climate being what it is, It really only takes a desenting opinion to label someone as an enemy. Typically, I'll just ignore these kinds of people because if you're really so offended by my opinions that you'd label me as some boogy man rather than argue my points then you were never someone with an open enough mind that'd I'd want to argue with you in the first place.

 

[billymills]

Going to jump into this with a naive view of left and right.

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
Right wing principles come from authority and axiomatic truth. I see people who identify as right wing as fitting into a strict hierarchy. This usually means strict religious adherence, but could be any sort of idolatry.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
Left wing principles come from a sense of community. There can be leaders within the left-wing, but they promote principles they see as helping everyone. These principles tend to be more parental and protective. These can easily be just as invasive or dogmatic as right-wing principles, but the motivation is different, and the following is different.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?
Left-wing. There are plenty of ways i disagree with what I see as left-wing ideas, and have plenty of axioms, but I don't like existing authority figures.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?
I could easily call my self 'center.' Center is anyone who questions the approaches of both sides. I don't think the policies themselves matter, it's why you choose to believe those policies that's important.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
Right wing and left wing can both come to the same conclusions for different reasons. Populists, for instance, could have a strong left-wing following and a strong right-wing following at the same time.

I think it's easy for someone to have right-wing beliefs and left-wing beliefs. But I do not believe they intersect. You either believe something because you think it is good for the community, or because of some immutable truth. One of the two takes precedence.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?
Sean Hannity seems like a good fit. Fox News in general has a strict hierarchy, and plays very well to religious adherents. It's very much about relaying an authority's opinion to the masses. Rupert Murdoch would probably fit well here, but he's not as much of a public persona.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?
Bernie Sanders fits here. It's very clear that each position and action he takes, he takes because I thinks it is benefiting others. While he does have devoted followers, I don't really think he fits the position of an authority. People don't follow him because they think he has all the answers.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?
I'd probably laugh. People have done this before and it was a little surprising.

 

[Deck Knight]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
Any system which proposes a limited, smaller, or nonexistent government. It is concerned primarily with individual rights, private institutions, and autonomy. It generally exists on a spectrum of government size/scope/power from Centrism -> Conservatism -> Libertarianism -> Anarchism as you go further right.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
Any system which proposes an unlimited, larger, or all-encompassing government. It is concerned primarily with collective rights, public institutions, and the supremacy of social good over individual good. It generally exists on a spectrum of government size/scope/power from Centrism -> Liberalism -> Marxism (Subset: Democratic Socialism -> Nationalist Socialism/Internationalist Communism) as you go further left.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

I'm between Conservatism and Libertarianism on the right wing.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?

I suppose it's not applicable in my case, but centrism is more an aggregate of principled beliefs falling on one side or the other that mesh into a combination that isn't usually internally consistent, at least not to the degree of further left and further right philosophies.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

Both sides believe institutions matter, but differ as to what those institutions should be and which should be more prevalent. Left and Right mostly coexist in a person because people are not perfectly rational and do not make decisions based completely on a consistent external philosophy. Personal experience matters greatly in their perception of political priorities. As any example might take this thread off-topic, I'll just leave it as a general concept.


Both question 5 and 6 are a little difficult because of my first answer.
There's a spectrum involved here and I have different figures point to different parts of it.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

James Dobson (Conservative) ~ John Stossel (Libertarian) ~ Ayn Rand (Anarchism)
Dobson is your traditionalist "religious right" figure who believes government should be in support of private institutions like the family, churches, marriage, private enterprise, etc.
John Stossel is a very prominent Libertarian who genuinely believes government should not interfere in much of anything, and that institutions do not need the government to provide any boundaries on them (i.e. marriage is just a contract between two people, roads are not inherently a public good, etc.)
Unfortunately I can't think of any mainstream living true Anarchist (Anarcho-Capitalist), so I'll have to default to Ayn Rand. By definition there is no Anarchist State, and places like Somalia aren't philosophically Anarchist, they're just lawless.

Where's Donald Trump on this spectrum? He's a Centrist-Right transactionalist (someone who operates primarily on keeping promises made during his campaigns) mostly appealing to the Dobson/Stossel combination further to his right that elected him. To the extent Trump has a philosophy to go to bat for, its pillars would be Free-Market Capitalism and National Sovereignty. His tariffs stances are primarily negotiating tactics to try and bust down bad deals, but he's openly stated he would prefer zero tariffs if its possible to negotiate that.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

Alan Dershowitz (Liberal) ~ Bernie Sanders (Democratic Socialism) ~ Richard Spencer (National Socialism) ~ Nicolas Maduro (Internationalist Communism)

I'll start with Richard Spencer because I'm sure some heads are spinning. Isn't he "alt-right?." Politically speaking, he supports a powerful white ethno-state. He supports nationalized healthcare and gun control. This bleeds into question 7 a little but the thing is, right-wing politics does include support for national sovereignty, but as a barrier to protect rights from international governments rather than a unifying collective national identitarianism. Right-wing nationalism is about telling the U.N. to pound sand. Left-Wing nationalism is about creating unified ethno-states.

Alan Dershowitz is your standard left-of center free-speech supporting liberal. He believes government action or intervention is a reasonable solution to many social issues. His kind is getting rarer and thinned out of influence within the modern left-wing political sphere, and that is a very, very bad trend.

Bernie Sanders is the closest figure the US has to a Democratic Socialist, and he genuinely believes that government programs are the cure to all ailments from student debt to healthcare costs to gun violence. He believes a revolution is necessary but will not endorse violence to get it.

I really wanted to avoid using either a sitting dictator or a dead one for the Internationalist Communist example, but the philosophy itself has mandated killing everyone in the existing power structure and taking over the means of production (i.e. economic engine of a country). Nationalized industries, price controls, central banking, suppression of political opponents, absence of individual rights in service of a collective good determined by the leaders in government - this is Internationalist Communism. Its premise is the "Global Worker's Struggle" and not tied to the greatness of the individual nation like National Socialism is.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

I'd reference them to this post or just explain it in person. I'm a pretty verbose/philosophical person.
I don't think anyone has ever accused me personally of being left-wing though.

 

[ButteredToast]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?
It should be someone who supports a limited role of national government and who values the protection individual liberties. A right winger should be someone who believes in the inherent goodness of people and the ability for a society with proper values to regulate themselves through a free market. Right Wingers are more in support of laws being made at a state and local level.

The Republican party does not accurately represent right winged beliefs, and those terms should not be treated as being the same. Primary Elections have influenced the Republican Party to take on more evangelical and traditional values that are inherently not right winged. Government regulation on abortion is an inherently left wing idea, but is a stance of the Republican Party.

When someone identifies as being a "Right Winger" it is usually in reference to being a supporter of the Republican Party instead of my definition.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?
It should be someone who supports a heightened role of national government. A left winger should be someone who believes that human beings, when left to their own devices, are morally corrupt. They believe that an abundance of individual freedoms will lead to abuse, corruption, and inequality. As such, they believe that the free market needs to be be heavily regulated by a federal government so that the chosen values of a society are properly enforced.

The Democratic Party is a lot more representative of left winged beliefs than Republicans are right winged beliefs, but it still is not a perfect representation of being left wing. The Democratic Party is heavily influenced by those who reject and rebel against evangelical and traditional values, and this has caused a deviation from true leftism. For example, the idea that the government should not be involved in regulating women's health is an inherently right winged principle, yet it is a stance of the Democratic Party. Another example of an inherently right winged stance of the Democratic Party is the call for government to remove restrictions on recreational drugs.

Like with the term Right Wing, saying you are "Left Wing" typically means you support the platform of the Democratic Party. But that's not the case to me.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?
Right Wing. I more closely align with the stances of Libertarians than I do that of the Republican Party. I believe in the inherent goodness of people and in the free market. I believe in individual rights and liberties and that the government has an obligation to not infringe on them outside of extreme cases. I believe that having too much government is worse than having too little government.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?
By my definition, a centrist cannot exist. The questions being asked you either agree with or not. There are levels of how much you agree with them and your reasoning for why, but you are either on one side or another. There is still a political spectrum that represents how far you are willing to go in different areas of society with the amount of government involvement you are willing to allow. There are still debates to be had about execution of those principles. But they still come down to a binary questions, and this stratifies you. The only way you could not be left wing or right wing is if you are still seeking an answer to the questions or if you are totally apathetic to the questions being asked.

Outside of my definition, people truly see themselves as being do exist however because the Republican Party and Democratic Party are piss poor representations of these inherent political questions and are instead value driven. If you have deeply religious values on issues such as same sex marriage and abortion, but you are also you are part of a Labor Union that is calling for increased government intervention, your personal values are not going to be accurately reflected by either political party. Because Democrats and Republicans do not accurately represent their beliefs, they just call themselves "other."

There are a lot of people who also refer to themselves as being a "Centrist" because they are trying to avoid public criticism for their true political beliefs, or because they are a scumbag who are trying to actively hide their own biases to deceive others or take some kind of moral high ground. In this both of these cases, you're just lying to people.


4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
There are obviously exceptions to what I am about to say, but for the most part American's want the same inherent things. We can all agree that all people have a right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. We all believe in democracy and in the democratic process. We want a country that is safe. We want a country that is just, ethical, and fair. We want a country we can be proud of. We want a country that is strong and successful, and to be an example for the world to follow.

We just disagree with how to get there and what that looks like. And that's okay. There is not an inherent right or wrong answer to the questions being asked, it's all feel and opinion. Both answers might be right, and they both might be wrong.

We have lost that notion in the United States that despite wanting to go down different roads, we all want to get to the same place. We share a lot more inherent similarities and basic principles than we think.

-----------------------

Can right wing and left wing ideologies coexist in a person? By my definition, no. At least not at the same time. There is always room for you to change your political beliefs and for your values/understanding of the world to change. But like I have said, the questions being asked are binary. You have to choose one or the other. Either you think the right wing ideas are the best, or you think the left wing ideas are the best. Both cannot be the best.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?
No one person can clearly represent and encompass all of the complexities of an entire political spectrum, but if I were to throw out someone it would be like John Locke. Governments exist to serve the people, and operate because they preserve the inherent rights and liberties that we all should have. If a government gets to powerful and starts to violate that, it is by definition a bad government.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?
Same thing as above as there is not a clearly representative person for an entire spectrum, but I'll throw out Thomas Hobbs. People are inherently corrupt, and it is harmful to a society for them to be allowed to do whatever it is they want in life. More freedoms allow for abuse and chaos, and a strong state is necessary to ward against chaos by choosing what is right and enforcing it across the board.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?
If someone called me left wing, they probably don't know me all that well or were trying engage in a political debate because they thought I wasn't right winged enough. If I cared about the person or their opinions, I'd just engage them by explaining my opinions and rational. If they're just a random person, I wouldn't give a shit unless they were actively trying to misrepresent me or take me out of context.

 

[Soul Fly]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?

For me right wing sprouts out in two distinct ways, an I'll try to use extreme examples in order to mark a clear difference in sensibilities they have. The first is an anarchic, liberty oriented vision based around absolute individual freedoms limited as little as possible by any state structure and held together by an absolute currency that allows you to deal in literally anything. The stairway to heaven is paved with bitcoin and you can get an all access pass to the garden of paradise from Amazon or the dealer down the street. Then second kind, simply put is the authoritarian Hitler Mussoulini kind which envisions society as homogenous people with an exclusive culture. The values and kinship structures of the ingroup are privileged over and demarcated from those belonging to the outgroup and it has a tendency to continue to try and assert these boundaries through the use of coercion and might justified through the universal rhetoric of ENEMIES OUT THERE (i.e seeing outgroups as threats) and making your group/religion/tribe/ethnicity/religion/nation great and glorious.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?

Left-wing ideology is premised fundamentally on identifying the pitfalls of capital - which means primarily economic capital but also all other kinds - and stitching together a broad social community based round the idea of welfare in order to rectify these pitfalls and to generate an equality of outcome preserving the dream of an egalitarian society. In many positions of leftist politics, the state is perceived as a powerful institution to regulate avarice and exclusion which can be engendered in communities through power and influence derived from accumulated capital. The means and extent to which the state can be expanded and regulated varies between the different flavours of left politics ranging to authoritarian forms like communism (a completely regulated all ecompassing state), to various flavours and mixtures of socialism (market/democratic/etc), to something as radical as anarcho-syndicalism (which tries to eliminate all forms power concentrations, including wealth, and even the state). The left can also be exclusionary and dogmatic along the lines of class or on the basis of parochialising any all different political structures and people within them.

--

Even though I have taken a sincere stab at answering them, these two questions are inherently unhelpful and quite pointles, because we like to assume that it is possible to objectively draw a neat line between right and left to broadly structure political thought and practice, when it's not. This leads to stupid stings like Deck Knight here calling Richard Spencer left-wing. It's a lie and the keystone to petty tribalism. Politics are shaded in much more complex ways with unreal kinds of variations between communities. I like identifying specific configurations instead and evaluate them on a case to case basis.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

Read above paragraph. Even from a third person perspective, I don't know. I'm very much a mish-mash of different beliefs that appeal to different sensibilities, convictions, and ethical beliefs I hold. For instance I am very excited by cryptocurrency and blockchain, but at the same time I hold a deep distrust towards free market capitalism. However again I don't treat capital itself as an enemy but rather see it as a tool. I believe in affirmative action and I also strongly believe in the idea of rewarding merit. Some of my stances are radical, some mainstream others borderline neocon. Additionally I don't know enough to have a concrete stance on many issues like violence, abortion, private property and inheritance, etc. I generally believe in accepting the here and the now and formulating specific responses to the material conditions at hand without relying on any kind of ideal abstraction. I belong to nothing, nothing belongs to me.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?

There is no such thing as the center. We should stop believing in childish lies dreamt up by limited imaginations.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

Again idk this is such an.... ehhhh question, What does this even mean? lol

The "left" and the "right" and hypothetical labels describing loosely grouped together ideological positions. They can converge (or diverge!) in all sorts of way depending on the given positions. A libertarian and an evangelical can disagree on abortion and immigration, an-caps and and an-synds can probably agree that the state is a clunky useless relic while Stalin and Hitler can both agree to State power being paramount and absolute, meanwhile a neoliberal and a market socialist can agree that regulating Wall Street is probably a good idea. A trotsykist, a black panther, a Klansman, ISIS, and Henry Kissinger can all agree that violence is acceptable (or rather unavoidable) to achieve certain political ends. There are ways to reach diametrically opposite conclusions about various things even within the umbrella of "left" or "right" politics and curious allyships that pop up between communities and people defined as one or the other.

If I were to take this question seriously (minus the useless notion of "left/right convergence"), the vanilla answer would be : (1) preserving dignity, (2) minimising tyranny, and (3) maximising the agency to actualise a desired life; for all. There is no reason not to have a universal consensus on these three things, and there is a good chance I will not take your political stance seriously if any of these are absent in any capacity.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

No one does. I don't see the right as anything even close to a monolith or a unity to have an emblematic figure of the kind this question demands. At best you can call it a sensibility with various manifestations, both good and bad.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

Same answer as above.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

lol.

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Additionally, I want to keep this discussion as tight and respectful as possible so, PLEASE, do not call your co-smogoner "wrong". I don't care if people here are wrong or not, as they believe they're correct. What I want to discover is why the people here, including myself, think they're correct. So I beg all of you to not post here more than once unless you have a strong reason too and always start with a question, and I beg to the cong mods to enforce their authoritarian powers in case this does happen. If you want to discuss, feel free to use the other politics thread. I'll post my own opinion when three or four people post here.

Amazing how people missed this entire paragraph. We have a discussion thread linked right here. If people really want to quote other posts itt, a good way to do that is "why do you think this?" or "why do you believe X is an example of Y ideology?" Questions let other people explain themselves, rather than somebody just saying "ACTUALLY, my facts are better"

 

[Marlinz]

1. What, for you is right wing?

Great question ma man, and I'm happy to answer it for ya. For me to be right wing means believing in Liberty, Individuality, and the Inalienable Rights of each man. I am not a typical Right Winger however. Many Right wingers are Racist, Sexist and Homophobic which I am not. I believe in Equality as well, which is a Left wing trait about me. However since I believe in Equality of Opportunity not Equality of Outcome i truly think I am overall Right Wing.

2. What for you is left wing?

For me left wing is pushing Equality first of all. Equality of Outcome that is, which means everyone has to be equal, they have to live in the same type of houses and drive the same car, not only that but the more able among us will earn the same amount of money as the less able, even if we work in the software industry and they work a menial job such as waiter or house painter, which are important but there overall contribution to society is less.

3. Classical Liberal Center Right

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?
Indeed as I have already shown they can coexist, as I believe in Equality of Opportunity. Moreover here in the UK many on the Left such as Jezza are joining the Right in denouncing PC culture. Thats awesome.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

Sir Winston Churchill, as he is a rational conservative that defeated the facist Hitler. It is a common misconception that Right Wing are authoritarian, actually if you look at the left wing regimes over the past 100 years or so, most of them have a higher level of authoritarianism than Right wing societies, which typically give more freedom to individuals. So Churchill shows us that right wingers practice what we preach, namely defeating authoritarianism and protecting individual liberties.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

Karl Marx, the German writer who came up with Communism. He was a stylish writer who could appear to people's emotions very well but he did not have any logic or facts on his side, despite that people believed him and supported Communism which ended in disaster. Its also a fact that he never worked and he had to be supported financially by his best friend Engels. I think he represent many (Not all) modern left wingers quite well, as they rely on feelings, not logic, but emotions in their arguements.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

First of all I would laugh to let them know I am good natured about it, not offended. I would ask them to explain in more details what they mean by that, and if I have any followup questions I would ask them. After that I will point out any fallacies that they occured. Usually at this point no further arguement is needed cause they see they were wrong, however if it's needed I will make my follow up counterarguement, and use reason and facts to support it. I will end by recommend them some Youtube channels they can watch to learn more about Right Wing.

 

[Tory]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?

(Modern Ideas): Focusing the necessity for the rules of a transcendent ethical buy, manifested through particular organic regulations to which culture must evolve in a sensible manner. Political opinions that prefer a come back to the position of restoration for leadership. The last political state of culture, which he or she thinks possessed faculties discipline, regard for power, etc. which are adversely missing from the modern position quo of a society.

(Classic Ideas): The plan of a international polity seeking to give or maintain their power around others or areas, usually with desire to of starting business opportunities. Anybody who helps the proper execution of government, separate of any particular monarch, person who espouses a specific dynasty is really a royalist.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?

(Modern Ideas): A industry economy and the growth of civil and political rights while also thinking that the genuine position of the federal government contains approaching financial and cultural problems such as for instance poverty, healthcare and education. On the basis of the concept of development, which asserts that breakthroughs in technology, engineering, financial progress and cultural business are crucial to the development of the individual condition.

(Classic Ideas): To attain several frequent objectives, such as for instance guarding the reliability of the business, increasing security criteria, and attaining greater wages, advantages such as privileges, healthcare, retirement, and functioning situations through the improved bargaining energy wielded by the generation of a monopoly of the workers. Regarding considerations for environmental safety and development of the fitness of the surroundings, specially while the evaluate because of this wellness tries to add the affect of improvements to the surroundings on individuals, creatures, flowers and non-living matter.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

Neither, I belong in the libertarian spectrum, pacifically individualism. Pursuing interests as well as way of life the place there's a propensity toward self-creation as well as analysis in contrast to convention and also preferred size thoughts as well as actions, like with humanist philosophical roles as well as ethics.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?

(Left–Right Spectrum): Includes recognition or maybe assistance associated with an equilibrium of your a higher level societal equal rights including a a higher level societal bureaucracy, though the other politics improvements that would lead to a major switch associated with world often passionately left or right. Suggesting neither of them far-left neither far-right policies.

(Political Science, Economic Science, and Social Science): Containing the governmental, global financial, ethnical, and press place, indicated for a compatible business and charged with adding their very own likes and dislikes, and some of the likes and dislikes regarding different groups for instance unusual international locations or maybe immigrants above the likes and dislikes regarding inhabitants. Leaves the virtuous and uniform men and women against a pair of elites and damaging other individuals who definitely are jointly indicated since famished, seeking to deprive the sovereign men and women of these rights, valuations, prosperity, identity, and speech. Encouraging area output and consumption of merchandise, area management of administration, and marketing regarding area history, area culture and native identity. Generating products and services more locally dependable, devolving loads of power to areas; in the process, forging a modern day proccess involving territories, folks and services.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

The ecomonic system, capitalism is primarily a good example, it analyzes plenty of behavioral interactions all around the spectrum. Capitalism subsidize in various methods like mercantilism, industrialization, agricultural systems, financial systems, corporatism and my favorite one: laissez-faire.

The polical practice of populism is a good example, a governmental program or movement of accomplished goals for the average citizen. Typically by simply favourable opposition for anyone using an elite. Populism typically brings together factors of the left along with the right, opposing massive companies and economic passions; this system is against the extreme left and the extreme right.

And finally, I generally dispise multi-spectrum idealogies like far-left libertarianism (anarcho-capitalism and agorism). These theories are nothing but carcinoma and leukemia cancer.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

During The White House meeting president Donald Trump, Kanye West deliberately express his future and resiliate ideas to run as president. Kanye West talks about new embraced technology, factories, and the rise of mental health institutions. He also administrates that traditional conservatives don't have to be exclusive on old philosophies while discussing his freethought views.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

Taylor Swift intensity rebuked Republican Senate candidate, Marsha Blackburn for not advocating priverlgies, environmental safety, and LGBT rights for citizens. Instead, Taylor Swift gives assistance to Democratic former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen that disallows owners have guns in bars, clubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol; supports increasing the minimum wage for employees, abortion, and same-sex couples having the right to adopt children.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

Apparently so far, I haven't been called an authoritarian yet. I am currently in red pill community groups where many of us identify as individualist and/or collectivist, we get along just fine. We are aware to avoid conflict with gynocentrism, misandry, and shaming tactics.
If anyone have any questions regarding my viewpoints, challenge, or up for a debate, start a conversation here:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/political-and-economic-discussion-thread.3639328/

 

[JTD783]

1. What, for you, is right-wing?

Promotes a government strong enough to protect rights and enforce laws while prioritizing a small bureaucracy, individualism, and local / regional government over a more powerful federal government. Prefers low economic control but may step in to favor a nation's workers in a global economy and prevent monopolies, and use subsidies for stability.

Allied with Conservatism, which is a preferred resistance to social and political change in favor of tradition. Not opposed to change, but more cautious towards it.

Commonly associated with: religious fundamentalism, nationalism, libertarianism to an extent, capitalism, selective protection of rights (homosexuality, race, etc), conservative-influenced fascism or general authoritarianism, monarchism, oligarchies, USA, fringe parties in Europe and Asia.

2. What, for you, is left-wing?

Promotes a government that protects rights and enforces laws while being more accepting of a large bureaucracy in order to fix / improve various societal issues, such as hunger and poverty. Supportive of individualism generally but is more willing than right-wing thinking to emphasize the group's wants and needs. More laws and regulations in order to improve society and steer it in a preferred direction. Higher taxes as a result. Usually has more economic intervention than the right and is more willing to subsidize clean energy and other "progressive" desires.

Allied with Liberalism, which is a preference of change or at the very least a rejection of traditions such as monarchism and social inequality.

Commonly associated with: secularism, globalism, social democracy, socialism, communism, emphasizing more protection and /or advancement for minority groups, left-influenced authoritarianism, oligarchies, Europe, Asia, fringe parties in USA.

3. Based on those, in which side do you believe you belong?

Right wing. I am willing to consider solutions to issues that the left prefers but cautious nonetheless, and I prefer less government intervention whenever possible. Most accurate would probably be mildly Right Wing with some libertarian values about topics such as gay marriage, abortion, education, geopolitical relations, and gun ownership.

3a. If you define yourself as the center, what, for you, means center?

I'm close enough to the center to answer this. Center, or centrism, supports aspects of both left and right. Typically it favors small governments and sympathizes towards tradition but finds government intervention important for solving problems and keeping the political system functioning smoothly. It has some ideological ties but tends to favor whichever actions are most practical and effective.

4. In which points, for you, do right and left ideas converge? Can they even coexist in a person?

I strongly support civil rights and liberties, as well as legal norms. Once they are established I am firmly against their misuse or abandonment. However, I am less decisive when the issue is up for debate. For example: Should the United States have government-operated or -overseen medical coverage? I believe both sides have good arguments. Once laws are established I want them to be enforced whether or not I agree; if I disagree I want the law challenged in court, not just ignored. Looking at you, sanctuary cities. Everyone has ideas from both party, otherwise there would never be a mental debate over what to say and do.

5. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the right? Why?

I'd lump together the Republican establishment, such as Cruz, Romney, Ryan, etc as they support most of the right-wing ideals mentioned above although they are increasingly less supportive of small government and unwilling to cooperate with moderates and the left, which sums up how I conceptualize the right wing. Especially the pandering towards the socially conservative masses among the right, which is deeply frustrating.

6. For you, which person most encompasses your conceptions about the left? Why?

For the typical American left-wing establishment, probably Clinton and Warren. Like the right, they generally follow the ideals but can go astray when pandering to their audiences instead of doing what they think is best. For social democrats, Bernie. Not much of a need to elaborate.

Since I'm right-wing and also a US citizen I don't follow foreign political parties much as they are far too controlling and radical for my liking. By now any readers outside of the US will consider me a right-wing extremist fascist psychopath what have you. Now, me being a plague on society has nothing to do with my views, so hopefully we're cool lol. US Dems are more centrist but I still prefer Republicans. That said the political establishment of both parties are a disgrace and I long for the day when they are obsolete through reform.

7. What would be your response if someone called you the exact opposite spectrum (i. e.: you are left-wing, but people call you right-wing)?

I'd probably laugh since a quick overview of my values wouldn't be considered left-wing in the furthest-right circles imaginable, although they still wouldn't like me since I'm pretty moderate by comparison. Aside from that I'd just want them to have mutual respect. Despite what many would assume of the right, and often times assume accurately, I do have a soul and care deeply about all people. I want nothing more than for people of all values to peacefully cooperate, whether they're to my left or right.

For the political compass I'm in the Right-Libertarian (purple) area but fairly close to the center for each axis.