NationStates Jolt Archive

Simple enough, when your country has an election, do you choose a candidate/party based primarily on what will be good for you, or what is good for the country?

Although I'm no socialist, I think I would generally vote, primarily, in the national interest as I see it.

***warning: non-America-centrism alert!***

For example, in my country, education is a major issue. The government pays tuition fees for most third-level colleges and universities for Irish and EU students (called the "free fees" programme). The primary education sector is also funded by the government, but that sector needs more money. There is talk of abolishing "free fees" and putting the money into primary education.

Now, I am a university student, so abolition of "free fees" would not be in my interest. However, given the appaling state of some primary schools in my country, I believe that improvement of the primary education sector is absolutely vital for the future of my country. That is why I would choose to fund primary schools over universities.

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Of course this is not a solid rule; there are some issues on which i would put my personal interest over the national interest, but that is my general leaning.

So what's your story?

I can't vote yet, but I despise people who vote republican for the tax cuts because they could use the extra money. They are the lowest life forms I know of, it's selfish people like this that helped Bush squeeze into the White House in 2000. I start strangling my thumb every time I meet people like that.

I vote for whomever Jesus tells me to vote for. :D

you start strangeling your thumb every time you meet half of the American poppulation?

Anyhow, I'm Canadian, and I would tend to vote strategically. For instance, though I wouldn't want the NDP in power, nor do I support all their policies, I would vote for them because I think they are an important part of the balance in the house of commons and under-represented as it is due to our electoral system.

Swimmingpool, you really are good. I enjoy the pictures on your site all the time.

I can't vote. I am a first generation immigrant with no right to vote here, just an obligation to pay taxes.

you start strangeling your thumb every time you meet half of the American poppulation?
Thankfully I live in a very liberal region of the US.

I can't vote. I am a first generation immigrant with no right to vote here, just an obligation to pay taxes

where do you live?

where do you live?

Brazil. If I chose to naturalise, I would be able to vote, but that would remove the option of EU citizenship from my son.

Societal interests. My parents are in the top 2 or 3% of income earners in America, but they both voted for Kerry.

Swimmingpool, you really are good. I enjoy the pictures on your site all the time.
Thanks! I'm glad to hear that some people from NS look at my stuff! Got a favourite from my work?

I can't vote yet, so this is hypothetical.

I imagine I'd vote for national/societal interests. What I want may not be the best thing for the country, which in the end would probably be the best thing for me, as right now I'm pretty dependent on my country...you know, so I can like...live here...and stuff.

Argh! Damn you society!

Simple enough, when your country has an election, do you choose a candidate/party based primarily on what will be good for you, or what is good for the country?



What a lame question. Since when are those two things mutually exclusive?

What a lame question. Since when are those two things mutually exclusive?
I did say the word "primarily" in my post, implying that they are not mutually exclusive.

Can't vote yet (half a year away!), but in theory, based on my previous opinions and thoughts during elections, I would vote based on not only what I think best for my country, but for the world at large. I am part of it, after all.

I can't vote yet, but I despise people who vote republican for the tax cuts because they could use the extra money. They are the lowest life forms I know of, it's selfish people like this that helped Bush squeeze into the White House in 2000. I start strangling my thumb every time I meet people like that.
What about people who vote for economic conservatives out of principle?

I am American and I vote for the less evil of the two corporate puppets during a presidential election. On other elections I vote for the most anti-government politician usaually a Libertarian.

I did say the word "primarily" in my post, implying that they are not mutually exclusive.


Regardless, the implication is the same.

What is good for me IS good for my country. What's good for my country IS good for me.

What about people who vote for economic conservatives out of principle?
Uhh, the Republicans aren't any more economically conservative than Democrats these days.

Regardless, the implication is the same.

What is good for me IS good for my country. What's good for my country IS good for me.
I don't see how this could be on every issue, unless you believed yourself to be your country.

Well, if you buy the Madisonian view of voting in your own self interest and the public weal and all that, then the national best interest is the end result.

I can't vote yet, but I despise people who vote republican for the tax cuts because they could use the extra money. They are the lowest life forms I know of, it's selfish people like this that helped Bush squeeze into the White House in 2000. I start strangling my thumb every time I meet people like that.
I can vote. I despise people who vote Democrat for the government handouts because they could use the extra money. They are the lowest life forms I know of, it's selfish people like this that almost helped Kerry squeeze into the White House in 2004. I start strangling my pinky every time I meet people like that.



When you grow up, you'll discover who's money that is which is disappearing from your paycheck.

Uhh, the Republicans aren't any more economically conservative than Democrats these days.

They are, a little bit. At least, I think. Maybe. What we need is a good civil war, get rid of all these damn moderates.

*the above statement is caused by excess caffenine, sugar, and video games. It does not necessarily reflect the true opinions of the poster. Also, I like making disclaimers like this.

I don't see how this could be on every issue, unless you believed yourself to be your country.
Try me - name one.

My government is 'Of the people, by the people and forthe people.

I am fairly certain that I am included as one of the people.

Thanks! I'm glad to hear that some people from NS look at my stuff! Got a favourite from my work?

I love the scene from a movie, noise machine, dan 1 and pedro visit the stars. You rock.
The roses are gorgeous too. *swoons*

national interests

... I despise people who vote republican for the tax cuts because they could use the extra money. They are the lowest life forms I know of, it's selfish people like this that helped Bush squeeze into the White House in 2000... I despise people who vote Democrat for the government handouts because they could use the extra money. They are the lowest life forms I know of, it's selfish people like this that almost helped Kerry squeeze into the White House in 2004. When you grow up, you'll discover who's money that is which is disappearing from your paycheck.Both ends of the spectrum are pretty despicable. The laugh is the 'welfare queens' that B0zzy despises are pretty much a myth. They're a construct of the neocons to win middle and lower-class white male votes. The other group, the ones that are quite oblivious to the horrendous impact of tax rebates on the deficit (and vote tax cut candidates so they can have an extra $200.00 in their pocket) are very real.

Try me - name one.

Well, I don't live in your country, what issues concern you?

I do know that you talk about taxes a lot though. The desire to keep your money out of the government hands above all else points to a more individualist mindset, rather than a collectivist one. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

http://www.racheldianphotography.tk/

Hey swimmingpool, check out my friend Rachel's website, she's also a photographer of great loveliness and talent.

Well, I don't live in your country, what issues concern you?

I do know that you talk about taxes a lot though. The desire to keep your money out of the government hands above all else points to a more individualist mindset, rather than a collectivist one. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Nope, the smaller a government is forced to become the more freedoms her citizens enjoy. There is a point of diminishing returns and negative potential, but the US is currently far from where that would be a concern. I love my country enough to vote against a monolithic gargantuan behemoth of a government that would stifle her citizens. Nothing selfish about that.

try again.

I can't vote yet, but I despise people who vote republican for the tax cuts because they could use the extra money. They are the lowest life forms I know of, it's selfish people like this that helped Bush squeeze into the White House in 2000. I start strangling my thumb every time I meet people like that.
Then how do you explain someone who had exactly nothing to gain from any cut in taxes, who voted democratic in several previous elections, yet who voted to re-elect President Bush?

Then how do you explain someone who had exactly nothing to gain from any cut in taxes, who voted democratic in several previous elections, yet who voted to re-elect President Bush?Early senility. ;P

Nope, the smaller a government is forced to become the more freedoms her citizens enjoy. There is a point of diminishing returns and negative potential, but the US is currently far from where that would be a concern. I love my country enough to vote against a monolithic gargantuan behemoth of a government that would stifle her citizens. Nothing selfish about that.
I agree, and if that were the only, or even the primary issue, then you and I may have voted for the same candidate. Scary, yes? :)

I guess you could say both. My interests and what's good for the country (IMO) are often one and the same.

I agree, and if that were the only, or even the primary issue, then you and I may have voted for the same candidate. Scary, yes? :)
Nope, Kerry was after even bigger government and has a history of supporting it at every chance. Bush has done a piss-poor job of reducing it, but at least his party has made earnest attempts. Liberals have only attempted expansion.

I would be please to see more of the social/moral issues removed from government. A few in particular; drinking age of 21, government defining family, affirmative action, womens issues, abortion (a private issue, not a public expense) Entertainment, internet, etc.

Sadly, the fiscal conservatives have allied with the social conservatives who often support government intrusion on private issues. The only hope is to work to make the government too small to interfere.