NationStates Jolt Archive


Why are there no Centrists on this message board?

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Hydesland
18-07-2006, 00:26
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?
Big Jim P
18-07-2006, 00:27
Because we kill and eat them.
The South Islands
18-07-2006, 00:27
Because centrism is boring.
The Black Forrest
18-07-2006, 00:27
There are centrists.

"Left Wing" is a matter of definition.
Lunatic Goofballs
18-07-2006, 00:27
I call it 'Happy Medium' and I support it. :)
Smunkeeville
18-07-2006, 00:27
the centrists aren't as easy to notice because they aren't as extreme....
Sonaj
18-07-2006, 00:28
And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?
Because all the conservatives refuses to use the liberal internet.

Joke, if you didn't get it.
Free Mercantile States
18-07-2006, 00:29
Because most Centrist people don't get off on vociferously debating their position with the fascist pigdogs and ignorant sheep who support the other side, and that's what almost everything non-frivolous on this forum is about.
Big Jim P
18-07-2006, 00:29
Because all the conservatives refuses to use the liberal internet.

Joke, if you didn't get it.

Any wonder? Al Gore created it after all.
Smunkeeville
18-07-2006, 00:30
Because all the conservatives refuses to use the liberal internet.

Joke, if you didn't get it.
LOL I almost made the joke that all the conservatives were actually working at work and not posting on the web.....but I thought that might not go over well.... didn't think about adding [/joke]

haha
Ragbralbur
18-07-2006, 00:30
the centrists aren't as easy to notice because they aren't as extreme....
Yeah, we fly under the radar.
Neo Undelia
18-07-2006, 00:30
Theirs is no such thing as a centrist. Or a political “right” and “left” for that matter.
Slaughterhouse five
18-07-2006, 00:31
LOL I almost made the joke that all the conservatives were actually working at work and not posting on the web.....but I thought that might not go over well.... didn't think about adding [/joke]

haha

LMAO

its funny because its true:D
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 00:31
the centrists aren't as easy to notice because they aren't as extreme....

I guess, it's pretty hard to take sides if your a centrist. But i manage it.

(I guess i don't get noticed even then, hmm...)
Nadkor
18-07-2006, 00:31
Eut's a centrist.








*stifles laughter*
Lunatic Goofballs
18-07-2006, 00:31
Yeah, we fly under the radar.

with Jim around trying to eat us, damn right I'm gonna keep a low profile. :p
Conscience and Truth
18-07-2006, 00:32
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

The vast majority of this forum has gotten over a 1500 on the old SAT and a 2350 on the new SAT. :)

The right is usually racist, stupid and clings to outdated morality and thinking, that is why on a Forum of mostly smart people it will be mostly progressive. :)

But I'm scared because most Americans are dumb. :( We need to emphasize to "the people" that progressive Democrats will give them free education, healthcare, childcare, a quality pension, food and housing if they need it, and recreation for inner city youth. :)

Therefore, if you want progress, vote for Jim Webb, Jon Tester, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, or Bob Menendez, depending on which state you are in.
Slaughterhouse five
18-07-2006, 00:32
Theirs is no such thing as a centrist. Or a political “right” and “left” for that matter.

i was going to say this, but i didnt really feel like being here for an extended period of time trying to explain my reasoning
Kamsaki
18-07-2006, 00:32
I'm a British/Irish centrist (just enough to the left in British terms to be considered centrist in both nations), which puts me quite a bit towards the left in American terms.
Big Jim P
18-07-2006, 00:32
with Jim around trying to eat us, damn right I'm gonna keep a low profile. :p

LG? I thought it was a mud puddle. Damn your camoflage.:D
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 00:33
Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

The vast majority of this forum has gotten over a 1500 on the old SAT and a 2350 on the new SAT. :)

The right is usually racist, stupid and clings to outdated morality and thinking, that is why on a Forum of mostly smart people it will be mostly progressive. :)

But I'm scared because most Americans are dumb. :( We need to emphasize to "the people" that progressive Democrats will give them free education, healthcare, childcare, a quality pension, food and housing if they need it, and recreation for inner city youth. :)

Therefore, if you want progress, vote for Jim Webb, Jon Tester, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, or Bob Menendez, depending on which state you are in.

I'm sorry, but that is just stupid.
Sonaj
18-07-2006, 00:33
Yeah, we fly under the radar.
Hovercrafts, in other words.
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 00:34
Eut's a centrist.








*stifles laughter*

Eut? A centrist?
Smunkeeville
18-07-2006, 00:35
Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

The vast majority of this forum has gotten over a 1500 on the old SAT and a 2350 on the new SAT. :)

The right is usually racist, stupid and clings to outdated morality and thinking, that is why on a Forum of mostly smart people it will be mostly progressive. :)

But I'm scared because most Americans are dumb. :( We need to emphasize to "the people" that progressive Democrats will give them free education, healthcare, childcare, a quality pension, food and housing if they need it, and recreation for inner city youth. :)

Therefore, if you want progress, vote for Jim Webb, Jon Tester, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, or Bob Menendez, depending on which state you are in.

so conservatives are dumb?
Nadkor
18-07-2006, 00:35
Eut? A centrist?

He claims to be.
The South Islands
18-07-2006, 00:36
so conservatives are dumb?

Of course! Anyone that likes keeping their money or are religious in any way must have something wrong with them.

:rolleyes:
Lunatic Goofballs
18-07-2006, 00:36
LG? I thought it was a mud puddle. Damn your camoflage.:D

Eek! I've been spotted! *dives back into the mud*
Desperate Measures
18-07-2006, 00:36
so conservatives are dumb?
NO! NO! Conservatives are special. They are not dumb.
Llewdor
18-07-2006, 00:37
Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

That's patently false.

If you got more educated in economics, for example, you'd be less of a socialist.
Ragbralbur
18-07-2006, 00:38
"Anyone who starts life leaning right doesn't have a heart. Anyone who ends life leaning left doesn't have a brain."

Paraphrased roughly.
Desperate Measures
18-07-2006, 00:39
That's patently false.

If you got more educated in economics, for example, you'd be less of a socialist.
I was actually thinking about this last night. Then I realized I'm retarded when it comes to economics... which I should probably correct at some point.
Smunkeeville
18-07-2006, 00:39
NO! NO! Conservatives are special. They are not dumb.
I was just wondering you know.

I don't throw it around much (well, at all) but I doubt that they would have let me into MENSA if I was really an idiot.

(actually most of my MENSA friends are conservative, but that's probably more to do with region than IQ score.)
Llewdor
18-07-2006, 00:39
We need to emphasize to "the people" that progressive Democrats will give them free education, healthcare, childcare, a quality pension, food and housing if they need it, and recreation for inner city youth.

And that's all they'll ever get, because no one else will ever again bother to produce anything, and soon even these small benefits will vanish.
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 00:39
He claims to be.

Well, i don't think hes extreme right wing or anything, he is a right leaning centrist at least.
Llewdor
18-07-2006, 00:40
I was actually thinking about this last night. Then I realized I'm retarded when it comes to economics... which I should probably correct at some point.

I recommend the University of Chicago.
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 00:40
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

Busheviks are left-wing? Wow.
Desperate Measures
18-07-2006, 00:40
I recommend the University of Chicago.
I was thinking more of reading a book or something.
The South Islands
18-07-2006, 00:42
Busheviks are left-wing? Wow.

Compare the number of Bush supporters to the number of Bush detractors, and you shall see that you have no point.

Typical, actually.
Ultraextreme Sanity
18-07-2006, 00:42
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

I'm centrist . So now tell me what a centrist is ...is it someone who cant make up their mind ? Then I am not centrist .

see that proves I am a centrist .:D
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 00:44
I'm centrist . So now tell me what a centrist is ...is it someone who cant make up their mind ? Then I am not centrist .

see that proves I am a centrist .:D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrist
Ultraextreme Sanity
18-07-2006, 00:55
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrist


see I told YOU I was a centrist except when I am being an extremist .
The South Islands
18-07-2006, 00:58
To be honest, I'm not really sure if centrism exists.
Kamsaki
18-07-2006, 00:59
That's patently false.

If you got more educated in economics, for example, you'd be less of a socialist.
If a man gets more educated in any idea, he becomes less of its opposition. Socialism doesn't depend on the current rules of Economics; it proposes an alternative to them, rather like the relationship between Paganism and Christianity.
Llewdor
18-07-2006, 00:59
I was thinking more of reading a book or something.

Okay.

Books on economics are always going to have some bias matching that of the author. As such, you probably want more than one book.

I would suggest you balance a leftist book (something suitably Keynesian) with Hayek's The Road to Serfdom. That should give you a good overview.

While we're on the subject of Keynes (which we are simply because I mentioned him), I found this amusing:

http://www.columbia.edu/~xs23/keynes/keynes1.htm
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 01:00
Compare the number of Bush supporters to the number of Bush detractors, and you shall see that you have no point.

Typical, actually.

Do you have the actual numbers? And let's not forget the number of Busheviks who start posts demonizing opposing viewpoints or individuals as compared to the number of posts started by people for the purpose of demonizing pro-Bush viewpoints.

Busheviks certainly shout the loudest.
Llewdor
18-07-2006, 01:01
If a man gets more educated in any idea, he becomes less of its opposition. Socialism doesn't depend on the current rules of Economics; it proposes an alternative to them, rather like the relationship between Paganism and Christianity.

Except that economics are actually a measurement of human behaviour. It's not some random theory that's never been tested. People actually do behave in ways that economics describes.

Socialists can deny this all they want, but the fact remains that incentives matter.
Sonaj
18-07-2006, 01:02
I was thinking more of reading a book or something.
Reading!? How can you do this to us!?
New Granada
18-07-2006, 01:06
What, in your opinion, is a "centrist?"
The South Islands
18-07-2006, 01:08
Do you have the actual numbers? And let's not forget the number of Busheviks who start posts demonizing opposing viewpoints or individuals as compared to the number of posts started by people for the purpose of demonizing pro-Bush viewpoints.

Busheviks certainly shout the loudest.

And the Anti-Bush crowd doesn't do exactly the same thing? Both sides scream and yell and bitch at each other until one side runs out of breath.

As for numbers, I could name 2 dozen Anti-Bush people on this forum off the top of my head. As for the Pro-bush crowd, I struggle to name 5.
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 01:08
What, in your opinion, is a "centrist?"

Someone who just wants everyone to get allong ;)
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 01:25
And the Anti-Bush crowd doesn't do exactly the same thing? Both sides scream and yell and bitch at each other until one side runs out of breath.

Of course the Anti-Bush crowd usually waits until the Bushevik starts a snide condescending thread topic before jumping in.

As for numbers, I could name 2 dozen Anti-Bush people on this forum off the top of my head. As for the Pro-bush crowd, I struggle to name 5.

Do you include yourself as part of that 5?

Lessee...

-Corneliu (aka Communal Property)
-DesignatedMarksman
-Eutrusca (no matter how much he claims otherwise)
-Deep Kimchi
-Marrakech II (or whatever number he's on)
-USalpenstock (aka USLaughingStock)
-Ultraextreme Sanity
-BogMarsh
-Empress Suiko (Feels bad for Ken Lay but says there's a special place in Hell- which she said didn't exist- for people who celebrate his death.)
-Pepe Dominguez
-sal y limon
-Myotinisia
-Ravenshrike
-Minkonio
-New Mitanni

That's about 15 there, 16 if you include yourself. Can you name the 2 dozen "Rabid Bush Bashers" Senator McCarthy?
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 01:25
... why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?
They sponge off the Gov'mint and don't have to work, so they spend all their time on here. :D
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 01:31
They sponge off the Gov'mint and don't have to work, so they spend all their time on here. :D

Like retired military personnel with a pension, go figure.
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 01:35
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?
I'm relatively moderate.

Or, at I like to think of it, I think for myself, and decide on issues based on information, instead of based on what some party says is good.

In general, centrists are less vocal, because the people who care more are more likely to speak up, and to speak up loudly. The people who care the most tend to gravitate towards one side of the spectrum, or another, but its not often that they hover are the center.

Also, what one considers far left and far right depends on ones own perspective. In Philly, I'm more conservative than mostly anyone there. In Tennessee or Alabama or Pensecola, I am faaaar more liberal than many of the people I meet. So am I liberal or conservative? I think of myself as a conservative liberal.
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 01:36
the centrists aren't as easy to notice because they aren't as extreme....
exactly
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 01:37
Eut's a centrist.

*stifles laughter*
bite me
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 01:37
Like retired military personnel with a pension, go figure.
The difference being we earned it. :p
Nadkor
18-07-2006, 01:37
bite me

That wrinkly old thing? ;) :p
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 01:40
That wrinkly old thing? ;) :p
You should be so lucky. :p
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 01:40
The difference being we earned it. :p

Ah, the Special Pleading Fallacy. That's a first.

Whether you earned it or not Forrest, it's still sponging off the government without having to work. And you are here posting.

:p
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 01:42
Ah, the Special Pleading Fallacy. That's a first.

Whether you earned it or not Forrest, it's still sponging off the government without having to work. And you are here posting.

:p
So someone works for GE for 20 years and retires with a pension is "sponging off GE?" Hmm. Something wrong with this picture. :p
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 01:45
I'm relatively moderate.

Or, at I like to think of it, I think for myself, and decide on issues based on information, instead of based on what some party says is good.

In general, centrists are less vocal, because the people who care more are more likely to speak up, and to speak up loudly. The people who care the most tend to gravitate towards one side of the spectrum, or another, but its not often that they hover are the center.

Also, what one considers far left and far right depends on ones own perspective. In Philly, I'm more conservative than mostly anyone there. In Tennessee or Alabama or Pensecola, I am faaaar more liberal than many of the people I meet. So am I liberal or conservative? I think of myself as a conservative liberal.
This crowd on here thinks that if you don't agree with the far left agenda in every respect, you're a neo-con. I'm very liberal on social issues, somewhat libertarian on economic issues, and a hawk on international issues. Since they can't peg me, they assume I'm a right-winger. Go figure. :rolleyes:
Good Lifes
18-07-2006, 01:45
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?
It's a matter of perception. Liberal compared to what. I campaigned for both Nixon and Bobby Kennedy. To me that is a centerist. But by the standards of talk radio Nixon was a raving liberal. In fact anyone short of Reagan is considered a liberal. So that doesn't leave too many people who aren't liberal.
Nadkor
18-07-2006, 01:46
You should be so lucky. :p

No, no, you should be so lucky :p
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 01:47
No, no, you should be so lucky :p
Hmmm. Now that's a difficult ... position ... to argue against. :D
Smunkeeville
18-07-2006, 01:47
it took me long enough but I found this

http://freewebs.com/begoner/NSGraph.swf

(yeah, you are going to have to copy/paste it, the link doesn't work right....whatever)

anyway, yeah I look like a nut all the way over there on the right all alone, but you can see that there is definately a gathering of people and not many dead center (if any at all)
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 01:52
Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

The vast majority of this forum has gotten over a 1500 on the old SAT and a 2350 on the new SAT. :)
I got a 1420 on the old one. 770 in verbal tho. I just suck at math. Last night I made me coworker add the totals. I wasnt confident i could do it correctly, give how late it was.

The right is usually racist, stupid and clings to outdated morality and thinking, that is why on a Forum of mostly smart people it will be mostly progressive. :)
Generalize much? It depends on what you mean by "right," too. I know people who categorize themselves as Republican or conservative who are anything but racist or stupid, and are forward thinkers. The stupid people of America aren't the members of the "right" they are people who blindly follow party doctrine.

But I'm scared because most Americans are dumb. :(
This is true, scary, and sad.

We need to emphasize to "the people" that progressive Democrats will give them free education, healthcare, childcare, a quality pension, food and housing if they need it, and recreation for inner city youth. :)
But people also want job security, an improved job market, and to feel safe from terrorism. A free education doesn't mean much if the education is shit. People who work for food and housing don't understand why if they need to work to earn these things, why shouldn't all people?

Recreation for inner city youth: exactly what is needed. Kids don't get into trouble if they dont have the time and dont have the need to.

Therefore, if you want progress, vote for Jim Webb, Jon Tester, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, or Bob Menendez, depending on which state you are in.
If you want progress, research your current senator and his opponent. See where they stand on the issues that are important to you, and vote accordingly. From what I've read, Bob Casey isn't that much different from Rick Santorum, depressingly enough. There are few candidates I know of that are truly worthy of my vote, or stand for anything that is important to me.
Free Soviets
18-07-2006, 01:55
People actually do behave in ways that economics describes.

two people - who don't know each other - taking part in a game (the ultimatum game, to be precise). one is given one hundred bucks and told to split it however they want between the two of them. the other can either accept of reject the split. if they accept, then they each take their part of the cash. if they reject, then neither party gets anything.

if the two players are homo economicus, then A will offer a split of 99 to 1 and B will take it as something is better than nothing. if the two players are homo sapiens, A will almost never make such an offer and B will never accept it. smoke that shit.

homo economicus is one of the most soundly falsified models of human behavior ever. that it is still widely used in economics says quite a bit about the psuedoscientific nature of the field as currently run.
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 01:59
Someone who just wants everyone to get allong ;)
Well,then I'm not centrist, after all..

:begins to chant "Fight! Fight! Fight!":
New Domici
18-07-2006, 02:02
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

The problem with someone trying to find a centrist is that people on the right have perverted the English language to the point that centrists on leftwards are all called "far left." Want proof? People actually think there's a far left that's active in American politics.
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 02:05
This crowd on here thinks that if you don't agree with the far left agenda in every respect, you're a neo-con. I'm very liberal on social issues, somewhat libertarian on economic issues, and a hawk on international issues. Since they can't peg me, they assume I'm a right-winger. Go figure. :rolleyes:
You are right wing on some issues. Thats undeniable.

You used to surprise me, with how liberal you are on some issues, and so conservative on others. three cheers for thinking for yourself!
Smunkeeville
18-07-2006, 02:05
The problem with someone trying to find a centrist is that people on the right have perverted the English language to the point that centrists on leftwards are all called "far left." Want proof? People actually think there's a far left that's active in American politics.
it's all relative.... there is a far left here as much as there is a far right, which basically means nothing....
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 02:07
You are right wing on some issues. Thats undeniable.

You used to surprise me, with how liberal you are on some issues, and so conservative on others. three cheers for thinking for yourself!
At last! Someone who understands! [ weeps with joy! ] :D
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 02:07
So someone works for GE for 20 years and retires with a pension is "sponging off GE?" Hmm. Something wrong with this picture. :p

Let's see... Ford had to sell off parts of itself and restructure because of all the retired worker pensions and benefits, and most companies nowadays prefer to use 401k programs instead of a formal pension system. So yeah, it's sponging.
Free Soviets
18-07-2006, 02:08
there is a far left here as much as there is a far right

no, there really isn't
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 02:08
Let's see... Ford had to sell off parts of itself and restructure because of all the retired worker pensions and benefits, and most companies nowadays prefer to use 401k programs instead of a formal pension system. So yeah, it's sponging.
So we either just keep people working until they fall over dead, or we toss them into the street with no visible means of support. Whee. :rolleyes:
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 02:11
So we either just keep people working until they fall over dead, or we toss them into the street with no visible means of support. Whee. :rolleyes:
*imagines putting old ppl in shopping carts and pushing them down a hill. "Wheeee!"* Didn't some old guy die yelling whee on a shopping cart? He's my hero.
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 02:12
At last! Someone who understands! [ weeps with joy! ] :D
lol. Well, I'd hate to end the waterworks, but that doesn't make you centrist, I don't think. It just makes you a thoughtful individual. Far superior to some label.
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 02:12
*imagines putting old ppl in shopping carts and pushing them down a hill. "Wheeee!"* Didn't some old guy die yelling whee on a shopping cart? He's my hero.
lmao! I have NO idea! :p
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 02:13
lol. Well, I'd hate to end the waterworks, but that doesn't make you centrist, I don't think. It just makes you a thoughtful individual. Far superior to some label.
I hope so. I can't abide ideologues! Grrrr! ;)
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 02:13
So we either just keep people working until they fall over dead, or we toss them into the street with no visible means of support. Whee. :rolleyes:

How else does Wal Mart stay at the top?
WC Imperial Court
18-07-2006, 02:17
How else does Wal Mart stay at the top?
"employing" illegal immigrants, paying them next to nothing and working them day and night?
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 02:24
"employing" illegal immigrants, paying them next to nothing and working them day and night?

They only do that with illegal immigrants?
Minnesotan Confederacy
18-07-2006, 02:40
People actually think there's a far left that's active in American politics.

Ever heard of the (extremely wealthy) socialist Noam Chomsky?
Chandelier
18-07-2006, 02:54
I'm sort of a centrist, I guess.
Wanderjar
18-07-2006, 03:01
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?


I'm a centerist. Far Left views annoy me. Far Right view piss me off. Middle of the road all the way.
Derscon
18-07-2006, 03:13
Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

As I progress through my education, I get MORE right wing, not less.

The right is usually racist, stupid...

Both are bullcrap, and just make you look like an asshole proclaiming this idiocy. 'Sides, ever hear of the Black Panthers? They were racist and socialist.

...and clings to outdated morality and thinking...

Sorry for having morals, and wanting a society that won't implode on itself out of chaos? And outdated? There are people who cling to ancient pagan beliefs, and I don't see you complaining about them.




Your ignorant generalizations were setting me off a tad. Frankly, your generalizations of the "right wing" are no better than the racists' generalizations of blacks.
Soviestan
18-07-2006, 03:18
And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?
Ive wondered that myself, and why are we all atheists? is it something about this game that attracts people like me?
Eutrusca
18-07-2006, 03:26
Ive wondered that myself, and why are we all atheists? is it something about this game that attracts people like me?
Yes. We're all wannabe dictators! Mwahahahaha! :D
Mikesburg
18-07-2006, 03:35
I suppose I'm a 'default' centralist. I don't espouse centralism as a philosophy or anything. On the Canadian political spectrum, I tend to think of myself as 'right-of-centre', but overall, I tend to be left-of-centre.

I'm just kind of 'in the middle' after all the pieces fall into place.
Hobbesianland
18-07-2006, 03:37
There's a documented phenomenon in social psychology called polarization. When a group of people who share similar opinions assemble and converse, they tend to gravitate toward a more extreme position than that which they started with. That's likely what happened here.
Verve Pipe
18-07-2006, 03:56
I believe that I'm a centrist. Or at least I'm an issues person -- I don't really suscribe to a particular ideology. But I think I'm in the middle.

Social Issues: Left-leaning
Gay Marriage - For
Abortion - State issue, should be quite restricted
Stem Cell Research - For, would prefer further research into adult stem cells
Euthanasia - For
Affirmative Action - Against using race as a factor, for using economic status as a factor

Crime: Moderate
Death Penalty - Against
Rehabilitation - Against

Economic/Workplace: Right-leaning
Unions - Mixed; equal parts bad and good
Business Rights - Generally for a laissez-faire approach
School vouchers - For
Social Security - Only for those who can prove that they need it

Federalism Issues: Conservative
State Rights - Largely for
Constitution - Strict constructionist

Defense/Civil Liberties/War: Liberal
Detainment without charge or basic rights - Against
Government spying - Against
Negotiation or Forceful Coercion - Negotiation


I'd say that would put me in the middle, unless maybe I missed some important issues?
Soviestan
18-07-2006, 03:59
I believe that I'm a centrist. Or at least I'm an issues person -- I don't really suscribe to a particular ideology. But I think I'm in the middle.

Social Issues: Left-leaning
Gay Marriage - For
Abortion - State issue, should be quite restricted
Stem Cell Research - For, would prefer further research into adult stem cells
Euthanasia - For
Affirmative Action - Against using race as a factor, for using economic status as a factor

Crime: Moderate
Death Penalty - Against
Rehabilitation - Against

Economic/Workplace: Right-leaning
Unions - Mixed; equal parts bad and good
Business Rights - Generally for a laissez-faire approach
School vouchers - For
Social Security - Only for those who can prove that they need it

Federalism Issues: Conservative
State Rights - Largely for
Constitution - Strict constructionist

Defense/Civil Liberties/War: Liberal
Detainment without charge or basic rights - Against
Government spying - Against
Negotiation or Forceful Coercion - Negotiation


I'd say that would put me in the middle, unless maybe I missed some important issues?
yeah, the most important issues since the congress debated them. Flag burning and video games, your take?
Derscon
18-07-2006, 04:07
it took me long enough but I found this

http://freewebs.com/begoner/NSGraph.swf

(yeah, you are going to have to copy/paste it, the link doesn't work right....whatever)

anyway, yeah I look like a nut all the way over there on the right all alone, but you can see that there is definately a gathering of people and not many dead center (if any at all)


Don't worry, Smunkee, I fall right where you do. :D

And 662nd Riech, a suggestion: If you are going to insult the intelligence of the most powerful fighting force on the planet, do two things:

A) Read any Treatise on War, and understand that smart soldiers are good soldiers

and

B) Learn proper spelling and grammar if you are going to insult the intelligence of a large group of people.

Just some food for thought.

Speaking of food, I'm hungry...
Verve Pipe
18-07-2006, 04:29
yeah, the most important issues since the congress debated them. Flag burning and video games, your take?
I'm for the right to burn the flag of any nation or group...

But video games hardly seem to constitute a split between liberals and conservatives. Liberal Hillary Clinton supports legislation restricting the sale of video games, while many conservatives do as well, particularly family groups. I do not see how that issue branches out into separate liberal and conservative camps.
Ragbralbur
18-07-2006, 05:16
two people - who don't know each other - taking part in a game (the ultimatum game, to be precise). one is given one hundred bucks and told to split it however they want between the two of them. the other can either accept of reject the split. if they accept, then they each take their part of the cash. if they reject, then neither party gets anything.

if the two players are homo economicus, then A will offer a split of 99 to 1 and B will take it as something is better than nothing. if the two players are homo sapiens, A will almost never make such an offer and B will never accept it. smoke that shit.

homo economicus is one of the most soundly falsified models of human behavior ever. that it is still widely used in economics says quite a bit about the psuedoscientific nature of the field as currently run.
Am I an isolated freak if that first solution is what my mind went to right away?
Bobs Own Pipe
18-07-2006, 05:19
Centrism is a lie. There is no center, just a fencepost.
Ultraextreme Sanity
18-07-2006, 05:58
Can a centrist have an opinion or will he agree with both sides ?

My opinion is your both right in some ways and both wrong in some aspects ...so start over ?
Ultraextreme Sanity
18-07-2006, 06:03
There's a documented phenomenon in social psychology called polarization. When a group of people who share similar opinions assemble and converse, they tend to gravitate toward a more extreme position than that which they started with. That's likely what happened here.


Here's the problem ..I work in the social welfare field..but in security .
I also fight for funding for the mental health industry..those covered by medicare and welfare and work with these same people.

So I am right there with everyone for the most part on social welfare issues..and why we must legalise pot....then someone will bring up gun controll and I have to shoot them ..it always ruins a good party:eek:
H4ck5
18-07-2006, 06:04
There's no such thing as a centrist, not intentionaly anyway. If you're moderate, it's by accident. Anyone who claims to be moderate/centrist is either a lier, or a charloton.

For example; pro-choice republican who thinks church and state should be seperate? You're not a republican..
Verve Pipe
18-07-2006, 06:05
There's no such thing as a centrist, not intentionaly anyway. If you're moderate, it's by accident. Anyone who claims to be moderate/centrist is either a lier, or a charloton.

For example; pro-choice republican who thinks church and state should be seperate? You're not a republican..
A centrist is someone who seems to fall in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to the issues, with his or her standings comprising of roughly equally conservative and liberal opinions. There is nothing false about such a position in the spectrum.
H4ck5
18-07-2006, 06:15
Well pipe, I believe your intentions are well, but you're living a (pun intended) pipe dream.. :P I'll show you my stances, and I don't think i'm a centrist. (Though you might think so..)

Gay Marriage - For
Abortion - Should be quite restricted
(If I let states handle it they'll let idiots just kill whenever!)
Stem Cell Research - For, would prefer further research into adult stem cells
Euthanasia - For
Affirmative Action - Completely against. These plans couldn't be any more diabolical if the Ayrans had made them.
Death Penalty - For, under pretty much all circumstances.
Rehabilitation - Against. Don't go spending my tax money on a fruitless endevure.

Economic/Workplace: Right-leaning
Unions - I don't quite understand them so I can't say.
Business Rights - Generally I think buisnesses are wrongfuly accused and then in other ways not accused enough. The tobbacco industry does not need all this anti-smoking propaganda and laws, people know smoking is bad for you, but companies SHOULD be heald accountible for what they do to the enviorment.
School vouchers - For
Social Security - Take away taxes and let people decide for themself.
Constitution - Menh, we don't need it, but it has some good advise..
Defense/Civil Liberties/War: Neutral. I don't like the $$$ involved in the war, but I don't mind the money being spent to blowup sand-rats neither..
Detainment without charge or basic rights - For. I need to get me an alarm clock that when the clock strikes the set, I hear the cries of evil terrorists having thier toes bashed with hammers.
Government spying - Neutral. I don't trust the goverment, but I trust the people it governs even less.
Negotiation or Forceful Coercion - Forceful coercion. I was born with balls for a reason!

You sound like a libertarian leaning way towards democrat. Like, if someone blew you, you'd wave your arms and crap and fall right into democratic mindframe while screaming. But no amount of screaming or struggeling would be able to save you at that point..
UpwardThrust
18-07-2006, 06:21
LMAO

its funny because its true:D
And even with a post count like mine I can guarantee that I both work more hours then just about anyone here (not everyone but close) but I also make probably in the top 5% income wise.

And unless there are any with a doctorate here my dual masters probably qualify me for the most educated.

One wonders how low your standards are on "Truth" with accepting faux as such on the other thread.
Anti-Social Darwinism
18-07-2006, 06:24
What do you mean "centrist?" Does that mean moderate?

I have a very liberal friend at work - he calls me a right-wing nut job. I have another very conservative friend he thinks I'm somewhere to the left of Karl Marx. I am a moderate. And the point here is that moderates are invisible because the extremes don't know how to recognize them.
Valori
18-07-2006, 06:28
Libertarians are pretty centrist, and I'm pretty Libertarian so...

I'm here.
H4ck5
18-07-2006, 06:41
What do you mean "centrist?" Does that mean moderate?

I have a very liberal friend at work - he calls me a right-wing nut job. I have another very conservative friend he thinks I'm somewhere to the left of Karl Marx. I am a moderate. And the point here is that moderates are invisible because the extremes don't know how to recognize them.
Same way with me, John and Shanna, I can't even think of putting these two in the same room. Here was us discussing abortion.

Shanna: The Christian right has no right to tell me what I can and cannot do with my body! If it were up to them I'd be barefoot and in the kitchen!
H4ck5: A simple tax increase could solve the problem, up to say 70%? That's more then double what we pay now, and for X years, X equal to the weeks of the fetus'es life. That seems fair, as that gives people the choice. But they have to take responsibility for thier actions..
Shanna: Ugh! Typical male response! I don't know why I put up with you!
John: You know what we should do? Get rid of women who get an abortion's lisences.
Shanna: WHAT?!
H4ck5: John what would that solve?
John: Well think about it, if they're so incompetant they can't care for a kid then they shouldn't be on the road. Besides, it's well documented women can't drive..
Shanna: I'm going home! You two are Rush Limbaugh's left and right ass cheek!
John: Your boyfriend's the left one..
Shanna: He's not my boyfriend! >: \
H4ck5: That's not what you were saying lastnight.. *Does the "id hit that dance*
H4ck5/John: Oooooh! *They high-five while Shanna screeches some more and go's home*
John: But seriously dude, you ARE the left cheek..
H4ck5: -_ -;;
Not bad
18-07-2006, 07:49
Im close to a radical centrist POV on most social and political freedom and fully half the environmental issues but tend more towards libertarian on economic issues and the other half of environmental issues.

So centrist in a compass-spinning-like-a-gyroscope way for me.
Mstreeted
18-07-2006, 07:52
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

OO..ME..me!!.. I took that political test thing and I'm a centrist

I think that means I just cant make my mind up :D
Not bad
18-07-2006, 07:58
OO..ME..me!!.. I took that political test thing and I'm a centrist

I think that means I just cant make my mind up :D

Either that or you find most political viewpoints advanced here frightening or mad!
Tactical Grace
18-07-2006, 08:05
I am a centrist, actually.
Wester Koggeland
18-07-2006, 08:47
in the USA I would probably be left wing extremist, round here im centre... you mistake political centre with USA political centre. round here, most people from the USA would be considered extreme right fundementalists



and yes, that is overstating it, but it gets the message through, right?
Isiseye
18-07-2006, 08:49
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?


Because we're a bunch of democratic supporting hippies who spend all their time on forums. Have you ever met a republican geek? That should be your answer.


BTW I'm centerist!
Dreamy Creatures
18-07-2006, 09:24
That's patently false.

If you got more educated in economics, for example, you'd be less of a socialist.

ha ha


NOT
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 13:36
ha ha


NOT

Well, actually thats true.
BogMarsh
18-07-2006, 13:38
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?


Because fora have this tendency to attract silly persons who have too much time on their hands.
This includes lotsa lefties - who obviously won't be getting asked to run banks.
Now - how did I get here?
Oh -right - I failed to get the banking job.
Jeruselem
18-07-2006, 14:13
Ex-right winger now on the other side here :p

I'm leftist Australia (more left than the leftist US person)
H4ck5
18-07-2006, 19:31
If the United States left is still considerd ultra-right, then how the hell do Euros still exsist?

What with the drug overdoses, abortions, and total lack of consideration for everyone but yourself.. so don't give me that America is just one big hivemind of thought. Cause last I checked it was most of the Euros who conform to the damn Taliban and agree Isral needs to be destroyed. Anti-semetic bastards..
The Niaman
18-07-2006, 19:34
Generally speaking, "Centrists" as they are called, are wishy-washy. Sure there's a few that can put up a good debate, but not many. Nope the best debates are when left, right, and everything else on the fringe have at it- whoever's head is still connected to their body when the fight's over, is the WINNER and gets hugs and kisses and beautiful women! :fluffle:
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 19:36
If the United States left is still considerd ultra-right, then how the hell do Euros still exsist?

What with the drug overdoses, abortions, and total lack of consideration for everyone but yourself.. so don't give me that America is just one big hivemind of thought. Cause last I checked it was most of the Euros who conform to the damn Taliban and agree Isral needs to be destroyed. Anti-semetic bastards..

I'm sorry but i did not understand that at all. Can you rephrase that?
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 19:38
Generally speaking, "Centrists" as they are called, are wishy-washy. Sure there's a few that can put up a good debate, but not many. Nope the best debates are when left, right, and everything else on the fringe have at it- whoever's head is still connected to their body when the fight's over, is the WINNER and gets hugs and kisses and beautiful women! :fluffle:

A centrist can be good in debate, because they can be very left on one issue and very right on another. Centrists just don't act as if every single argument they have has to be far left or far right.
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 19:38
Generally speaking, "Centrists" as they are called, are wishy-washy. Sure there's a few that can put up a good debate, but not many. Nope the best debates are when left, right, and everything else on the fringe have at it- whoever's head is still connected to their body when the fight's over, is the WINNER and gets hugs and kisses and beautiful women! :fluffle:

Unless they're on the far left in which case they denounce that as objectifying women, or on the far right in which case they say any woman who offers herself to the winner is a filthy whore who needs to be stoned- and not talking medicinal marijuana.
UpwardThrust
18-07-2006, 19:39
I'm sorry but i did not understand that at all. Can you rephrase that?
I have been trying to figure it out too ... it sounded like an ignorant attempt to put down European but it ended up highlighting the fact that despite being more “left” that Europe is doing alright (which goes to show that right wing scare tactics are bs)
PsychoticDan
18-07-2006, 19:39
"Anyone who starts life leaning right doesn't have a heart. Anyone who ends life leaning left doesn't have a brain."

Paraphrased roughly.
Close, but I believe the actualy saying was closer to, "Anyone who isn't a socialist by age 30 has no heart. Anyonw who is a socialist after 30 has no head."

It's true, too. :)
Verve Pipe
18-07-2006, 19:40
A centrist can be good in debate, because they can be very left on one issue and very right on another. Centrists just don't act as if every single argument they have has to be far left or far right.
Exactly what I think.
The Niaman
18-07-2006, 19:40
I'm sorry but i did not understand that at all. Can you rephrase that?

He's wondering how Europeans still exist (Europeans being lefty), if the American left is still "far right". He's saying that last he checked, Europeans are being overrun by radical muslims, and are aborting/euthanizing/reproductively resticting themselves to extinction. And that America is a basket case of ideas that no one can really be classified under one name such as "right" or "left". He just couldn't inteligibly state it.
The Niaman
18-07-2006, 19:41
Unless they're on the far left in which case they denounce that as objectifying women, or on the far right in which case they say any woman who offers herself to the winner is a filthy whore who needs to be stoned- and not talking medicinal marijuana.

Well, we're all sinners- the left is just more open about it. The right prefers to keep such things behind closed doors, under lock and key. ;)
Blood has been shed
18-07-2006, 19:42
A centrist can be good in debate, because they can be very left on one issue and very right on another. Centrists just don't act as if every single argument they have has to be far left or far right.

Just like Fascists and Libertarians both have far left and far right views on different issues.
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 19:42
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?


you fall into the same trap as the majority of humans around the world - you see, it's as simple as this: humans seem to equate the loudest of any group with the majority of that group . Christians, Vegetarians, Muslims, Conservatives, Liberals, and so on... all have their loud mouths that make the group as a whole look bad to those who are unable to make a distinction.

I'm a white, vegetarian, liberal, pot smoker so I must be a racist, militant PETA member who hates freedom and loves terrorists and I smell of patchouli and never bathe.
The Niaman
18-07-2006, 19:43
I have been trying to figure it out too ... it sounded like an ignorant attempt to put down European but it ended up highlighting the fact that despite being more “left” that Europe is doing alright (which goes to show that right wing scare tactics are bs)

I was, for the first 10 years of my life (looking back) an extreme leftist. However, at about the time 9/11 occurred, and the Invasion of Iraq happened, I flew very quickly to the right- I got much smarter after 9/11. It had profound affect on me.
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 19:44
He's wondering how Europeans still exist (Europeans being lefty), if the American left is still "far right". He's saying that last he checked, Europeans are being overrun by radical muslims, and are aborting/euthanizing/reproductively resticting themselves to extinction. And that America is a basket case of ideas that no one can really be classified under one name such as "right" or "left". He just couldn't inteligibly state it.

He also calls Europe The Jewicide Squad. Which is funny considering they bothered to set up Israel in the first place.
The Niaman
18-07-2006, 19:45
He also calls Europe The Jewicide Squad. Which is funny considering they bothered to set up Israel in the first place.

Which they now regret ever having done.
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 19:45
He also calls Europe The Jewicide Squad. Which is funny considering they bothered to set up Israel in the first place.

Jewicide, i'm sorry but that just sounds so funny. I could never think of a word like that.
A Lynx Bus
18-07-2006, 19:47
I'm a white, vegetarian, liberal, pot smoker so I must be a racist, militant PETA member who hates freedom and loves terrorists and I smell of patchouli and never bathe.
A person like that must also be gay, do yoga, wear hemp necklaces, play bongos, and be extremely promiscuous.
The Niaman
18-07-2006, 19:48
Jewicide, i'm sorry but that just sounds so funny. I could never think of a word like that.

It's actually a real word. But keep laughing if it so pleases you. There are lots of funny words out there.
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 19:49
It's actually a real word. But keep laughing if it so pleases you. There are lots of funny words out there.

Real :eek: *Loads Wiki....*
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 19:50
A person like that must also be gay, do yoga, wear hemp necklaces, play bongos, and be extremely promiscuous.

well you got the gay (well I'm half gay :p ), yoga, promiscuous part right.
H4ck5
18-07-2006, 19:50
A centrist can be good in debate, because they can be very left on one issue and very right on another. Centrists just don't act as if every single argument they have has to be far left or far right.
Centrism is cowardess, you don't have to be a centrist to think for yourself. Just like you don't have to be a loyal republican or democrat to be an idealogue.

It's not like party members are robots, they know how they feel, and they stickby the party that most conviently acknowledges and expresses those feelings.
A Lynx Bus
18-07-2006, 19:56
well you got the gay (well I'm half gay :p ), yoga, promiscuous part right.
You're only half gay? geez, can't finish what ya start, huh?
Alif Laam Miim
18-07-2006, 19:56
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

I don't like to think of it as centrism... it makes it sound like it's inn the middle of the war between the left and the right...

I'd prefer moderate, because it allows for more ... openness :D
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 19:57
You're only half gay? geez, can't finish what ya start, huh?

no, my libido is centrist

im a sexual flip-flopper
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 19:57
Centrism is cowardess, you don't have to be a centrist to think for yourself. Just like you don't have to be a loyal republican or democrat to be an idealogue.

It's not like party members are robots, they know how they feel, and they stickby the party that most conviently acknowledges and expresses those feelings.

You can be a centrist at heart but still support a certain political party.
A Lynx Bus
18-07-2006, 20:11
no, my libido is centrist

im a sexual flip-flopper
you should run for something
UpwardThrust
18-07-2006, 20:13
I was, for the first 10 years of my life (looking back) an extreme leftist. However, at about the time 9/11 occurred, and the Invasion of Iraq happened, I flew very quickly to the right- I got much smarter after 9/11. It had profound affect on me.
Did you get smarter or just let yourself be convinced against your earlier rational thoughts?
Gauthier
18-07-2006, 20:13
Do you include yourself as part of that 5?

Lessee...

-Corneliu (aka Communal Property)
-DesignatedMarksman
-Eutrusca (no matter how much he claims otherwise)
-Deep Kimchi
-Marrakech II (or whatever number he's on)
-USalpenstock (aka USLaughingStock)
-Ultraextreme Sanity
-BogMarsh
-Empress Suiko (Feels bad for Ken Lay but says there's a special place in Hell- which she said didn't exist- for people who celebrate his death.)
-Pepe Dominguez
-sal y limon
-Myotinisia
-Ravenshrike
-Minkonio
-New Mitanni

That's about 15 there, 16 if you include yourself. Can you name the 2 dozen "Rabid Bush Bashers" Senator McCarthy?

And yet while I compiled the list of the more prominent NS General Busheviks, The South Islands has not even made a reply, much less come up with the "two dozen Rabid Bush-Bashers" that he/she claimed was on top of his/her head.

So I can conclude that much like the Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction, the membership of The League of Extraodinary Bush Bashers is simply bunk.

:p
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 20:14
you should run for something


I could possibly be a great 'Overlord of Humanity'. *kisses your baby* Can I count on your vote?
A Lynx Bus
18-07-2006, 20:21
I could possibly be a great 'Overlord of Humanity'. *kisses your baby* Can I count on your vote?
I don't have a baby. You stole a baby, said it was mine, and kissed it. :( Yea, sure, I could possibly, maybe, potentially vote for you.
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 20:26
I don't have a baby. You stole a baby, said it was mine, and kissed it. :( Yea, sure, I could possibly, maybe, potentially vote for you.


it's what any good Overlord of Humanity would do.

*Promises all who vote for him eternal life*
Dempublicents1
18-07-2006, 20:35
There are plenty of centrists. We just get labeled as being "far left" or "far right" (and sometimes both) by the people who really are "far left" and "far right."
The Niaman
18-07-2006, 20:37
Did you get smarter or just let yourself be convinced against your earlier rational thoughts?

No, I actually started thinking for myself, instead of swallowing every stupid thing I was told.
Dempublicents1
18-07-2006, 20:37
Centrism is cowardess,

How so? Is it really cowardly to be able to see both sides of an issue and to *gasp* suggest that the best option might lie somewhere in between two extreme ends?
Taldaan
18-07-2006, 20:44
Yep, I too am a centrist. Economically, anyway. Socially, I'm very liberal.

And Niaman, how exactly do you know which set of facts you were forcefed? For all you know, you could be a natural leftist hopped up on post-9/11 jingosim-flavoured goofballs.
New Shabaz
18-07-2006, 21:02
I'm pro-choice, pro-gun, anti-big-government, I'm pro Gay marriage (The ERA was a good idea but didn't include sexual orientation but should have), I think the Christian Right is too powerful and that religion and politics are ALWAYS a horrible mix, I think Ronald Reagan was a great man and so was Malcolm X. I'm a centrist.


All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?
UpwardThrust
18-07-2006, 21:04
No, I actually started thinking for myself, instead of swallowing every stupid thing I was told.
Hmmm interesting I moved left after getting out of my overbearingly right wing family … and even more left when I got educated
Cabra West
18-07-2006, 21:06
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

Dunno what you mean, Most people here are moderate or centrist, apart from a few right-wing nutcases and the odd left-wing conspiracy theorist now and then...
Kazus
18-07-2006, 21:07
I am a centrist. Its just that the current government is so far right I look like Che Guevara.
New Shabaz
18-07-2006, 21:22
To quote Churchill " any man not a Liberal at 20 is a misanthrope, and any man not a Conservative at 30 a fool."


Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

The vast majority of this forum has gotten over a 1500 on the old SAT and a 2350 on the new SAT. :)

The right is usually racist, stupid and clings to outdated morality and thinking, that is why on a Forum of mostly smart people it will be mostly progressive. :)

But I'm scared because most Americans are dumb. :( We need to emphasize to "the people" that progressive Democrats will give them free education, healthcare, childcare, a quality pension, food and housing if they need it, and recreation for inner city youth. :)

Therefore, if you want progress, vote for Jim Webb, Jon Tester, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, or Bob Menendez, depending on which state you are in.
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 21:26
To quote Churchill " any man not a Liberal at 20 is a misanthrope, and any man not a Conservative at 30 a fool.


oh, if Churchill said it then it must be true :rolleyes:

why does every conservative use this line as if it is some sort of indisputable truth?

"if yer not a liberal then you have neither a heart nor a brain" - me

there, I have a more up to date opinion so therefore my truth trumps Churchills truth.
Llewdor
18-07-2006, 21:34
and even more left when I got educated

People always say that. What have they studied, I wonder?

My education turned me into an extreme libertarian. I abandoned my assumptions about what's "right" and simply followed the data.

I'm guessing there wasn't much in the way of economics in your education.
New Shabaz
18-07-2006, 21:34
Why does every Liberal assume they have a monopoly on intellect?

oh, if Churchill said it then it must be true :rolleyes:

why does every conservative use this line as if it is some sort of indisputable truth?

"if yer not a liberal then you have neither a heart nor a brain" - me

there, I have a more up to date opinion so therefore my truth trumps Churchills truth.
Cabra West
18-07-2006, 21:37
To quote Churchill " any man not a Liberal at 20 is a misanthrope, and any man not a Conservative at 30 a fool."

Well, seeing that I'm a woman... :p

Up yours, Churchill
H4ck5
18-07-2006, 21:37
I am a centrist. Its just that the current government is so far right I look like Che Guevara.
No, you're not. Infact barely any of you are centrist. That's like saying Hitler was centrist.

He was a tad right-wing, but he was so authoritan you didn't notice. But he wasn't the epitmy of right-wing, just compared to Stalin he was.

Choosing between you dems and republicans is like choosing between Hitler and Stalin. Genocide against The Jews, a completely irrational plan, or a commie bastard who would starve me and my family to death just to get a half a percent ahead in life..

The funny part is it is infact the liberals who are more like Hitler. Think about it.

Who wants to destroy Isral? Liberals..
Who claims the current administration is crap and they can save us? Liberals..
Who has former nazi party members? Liberals..
Who is the one that promises socialism but is controlled by large coporations and hollywood? Liberals..
Who is the one with a very disturbing seperation of people between race, build, and background? Liberals..

What we have here is American nazis vs American communists. We lost the war..
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 21:38
Why does every Liberal assume they have a monopoly on intellect?

I thought it was obvious that I said it because of that stupid Churchill quote that every conservative uses like its Gods word or something. How silly of me to think that you would use that superior brain that you supposedly have, to figure that out, since you are a conservative.
Hydesland
18-07-2006, 21:53
No, you're not. Infact barely any of you are centrist. That's like saying Hitler was centrist.

He was a tad right-wing, but he was so authoritan you didn't notice. But he wasn't the epitmy of right-wing, just compared to Stalin he was.

Choosing between you dems and republicans is like choosing between Hitler and Stalin. Genocide against The Jews, a completely irrational plan, or a commie bastard who would starve me and my family to death just to get a half a percent ahead in life..

The funny part is it is infact the liberals who are more like Hitler. Think about it.

Who wants to destroy Isral? Liberals..
Who claims the current administration is crap and they can save us? Liberals..
Who has former nazi party members? Liberals..
Who is the one that promises socialism but is controlled by large coporations and hollywood? Liberals..
Who is the one with a very disturbing seperation of people between race, build, and background? Liberals..

What we have here is American nazis vs American communists. We lost the war..

W....t.....f
Sumamba Buwhan
18-07-2006, 21:56
W....t.....f


best not feed the trolls lest they think we might care what they have to say
Mikesburg
19-07-2006, 00:04
oh, if Churchill said it then it must be true :rolleyes:

why does every conservative use this line as if it is some sort of indisputable truth?

"if yer not a liberal then you have neither a heart nor a brain" - me

there, I have a more up to date opinion so therefore my truth trumps Churchills truth.

Factual or not, it's still a decent quote. Speaks more about the political nature of the young vs. the slightly less young than about anything factual.

But I see where you're getting at. I get the same way anyone spews out 'Military Intelligence' as the ultimate oxy-moron.
Surf Shack
19-07-2006, 00:22
LOL I love the wild generalities that get thrown around when people mention political parties. Such as claiming Reps are racist and stupid, or that Dems are unreasonable or perhaps living in a parallel universe. Although sometimes I wonder about those myself ;) . Well, first off, the majority of these forums did not score over a 1500 on the old SAT. The majority of these forums isn't even old enough to have taken the old SAT, if the way they debate is any clue. Now, lots of people CLAIMED over a 1500 on the SATs, but, come on, we all know people on these forums spew a lot of bullshit if it suits them at the time.


Now, back to topic. There are lots of Centrists, although I'll openly admit I'm at least a moderate Republican, perhaps even further on the scale depending on who's bitching about me, but all the Centrists simply don't waste their time trying to be reasonable in these forums, because the majority of posters get pissed off about their beliefs and take all the fun out of the debate. For instance, talking about showing pictures of dead soldiers bodies in a political ad will get me fighting mad, and I'll admit it. I hate it, because I respect myself and other soldiers. So, that's why you don't see the *Centrists*. They're hiding from the rest of us.
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 00:24
the centrists aren't as easy to notice because they aren't as extreme....
Some of us are extreme at both ends. I think we don't like the political debates as much. No fun being hemmed by both parties depending on what we say.

Nice sig, btw.;)
Llewdor
19-07-2006, 00:41
Some of us are extreme at both ends.
I don't see how that would make you a centrist.
Bobs Own Pipe
19-07-2006, 00:50
To reiterate:

There is no such thing as 'centrism'. There isn't a political center either, for that matter.

There is a fencepost, however. And you're either to one side or the other. Or you're one of those hapless gits who try sitting astride the fence. But come what may, they'll still climb down off their lofty perch in order to proceed, whether right or left, to enter a voting booth.

Got it? You can talk 'til the cows come home about just how 'centrist' you are, but when all is said and done you'll choose a side. That's why you should always hold a self-proclaimed 'centrist' to their own hype - and knock some sense into their heads when possible.
Anglo Germany
19-07-2006, 01:12
I was going to lie and say I was centrist, and then i remembered my sginature!
Verve Pipe
19-07-2006, 01:15
To reiterate:

There is no such thing as 'centrism'. There isn't a political center either, for that matter.

There is a fencepost, however. And you're either to one side or the other. Or you're one of those hapless gits who try sitting astride the fence. But come what may, they'll still climb down off their lofty perch in order to proceed, whether right or left, to enter a voting booth.

Got it? You can talk 'til the cows come home about just how 'centrist' you are, but when all is said and done you'll choose a side. That's why you should always hold a self-proclaimed 'centrist' to their own hype - and knock some sense into their heads when possible.
"You're either with us, or you're against us."

Nice.
Markreich
19-07-2006, 01:15
All I see on this forum is people on the far left, or the far right. (Mainly people on the far left). Where are the Centrists?

And, as a follow up question, why is the majority of people on this forum left wing?

Because the liberals label us conservatives and vice versa.

I'm a centrist. See sig. :)
Sane Outcasts
19-07-2006, 01:19
I guess, it's pretty hard to take sides if your a centrist. But i manage it.

(I guess i don't get noticed even then, hmm...)

Well, this is a forum for debates. I don't post any kind of centrist views I might have, mostly because they either go ignored or don't further the debate. I'll take a side no matter what the issue to see what someone else will say, even if I don't really support that side.
Surf Shack
19-07-2006, 01:22
To reiterate:

There is no such thing as 'centrism'. There isn't a political center either, for that matter.

There is a fencepost, however. And you're either to one side or the other. Or you're one of those hapless gits who try sitting astride the fence. But come what may, they'll still climb down off their lofty perch in order to proceed, whether right or left, to enter a voting booth.

Got it? You can talk 'til the cows come home about just how 'centrist' you are, but when all is said and done you'll choose a side. That's why you should always hold a self-proclaimed 'centrist' to their own hype - and knock some sense into their heads when possible.

...
You're right! I can't believe all those political analysts that are on the news are such idiots, and it took you to show us...

Look, there isn't a political PARTY! to represent a political center. That does not mean a person can't be politically centered. Libertarians aren't, they just like to tell themselves that. In a political system that is actually more accurately defined by a circle than a straight line w/ right and left, a circle shows right and left eventually coming together, and that explains why extreme conservatism and socialism resemble each other in practice, i.e. Nazis and Soviets. You can claim Nazis weren't right-wing, but you'd be wrong and I'll laugh at you. So, by definition there must be a middle-ground, which we reach through compromise! I know that term might seem strange to some of you, who can't seem to wrap your minds around it, but its there. So, a compromising of political views equals a Centrist political standpoint.
Markreich
19-07-2006, 01:23
To reiterate:

There is no such thing as 'centrism'. There isn't a political center either, for that matter.

There is a fencepost, however. And you're either to one side or the other. Or you're one of those hapless gits who try sitting astride the fence. But come what may, they'll still climb down off their lofty perch in order to proceed, whether right or left, to enter a voting booth.

Got it? You can talk 'til the cows come home about just how 'centrist' you are, but when all is said and done you'll choose a side. That's why you should always hold a self-proclaimed 'centrist' to their own hype - and knock some sense into their heads when possible.

Um, no. I've been splitting my vote since 1988, and will vote for Lieberman in the Senate no matter what party he ends up running under.

I'm pro death penalty, pro abortion rights (1st trimester only), anti gun control, anti war on drugs, don't think the feds should have a say in the bedroom, pro war on terror, and pro balanced budget.
If you can name my party, I'd be wildly surprised since I don't have one. (And I am most certainly NOT libertarian.)

There is only one party in the US: the rich. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. Want proof? Clinton crying at Nixon's funeral or Bush suddenly on good terms with the NAACP. It's all a game that we're watching, but from over the fence with binoculars.
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 02:15
I don't see how that would make you a centrist.
The views balance. That's what being Centrist really is: finding a balance between the two. But with some people it's a very...compensating balance.
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 02:16
To reiterate:

There is no such thing as 'centrism'. There isn't a political center either, for that matter.

There is a fencepost, however. And you're either to one side or the other. Or you're one of those hapless gits who try sitting astride the fence. But come what may, they'll still climb down off their lofty perch in order to proceed, whether right or left, to enter a voting booth.

Got it? You can talk 'til the cows come home about just how 'centrist' you are, but when all is said and done you'll choose a side. That's why you should always hold a self-proclaimed 'centrist' to their own hype - and knock some sense into their heads when possible.
Nope. Don't have to vote. All the candidates are crap anyway.
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 02:17
"You're either with us, or you're against us."

Nice.
Fallacy. I'm with you and against you.
Derscon
19-07-2006, 02:30
*snips the bushivek list*:p

Yay! You realize I'm not one! *gives cookie*

I really do despise the people who think that because I tend to support Republican causes I must worship the U.S. President.

And a "centrist" typically means one of two things:

A) You compromised on everything

-or-

B) Your "right-left" stance is overall in the middle because you decide your different issues about an equal balance between the "left" and "right"


Oh, and whoever said this: yes, people would be less socialist if they actually studied economics and realized what happens when they are implemented. However, studying the humanities may put someone further to the "left," as they force your mind open with a...large, metal forcer thingy...and stuff all of these "progressive" thoughts in. The main reason people who study humanities go "left" is because most of the professors are "left." If the professors were "right," (haha) then my bet is you'd see more people coming out "right."
Derscon
19-07-2006, 02:32
Fallacy. I'm with you and against you.

Fallacy. You do not exist, therefore you are neither with him or against him. Your reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination.

That's what Hegel told me anyways. Marx just said you were offsides.

(wonders if anyone will get the reference)
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 02:36
Fallacy. You do not exist, therefore you are neither with him or against him. Your reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination.

That's what Hegel told me anyways. Marx just said you were offsides.

(wonders if anyone will get the reference)
Fight Club? [/random]
Derscon
19-07-2006, 02:56
Fight Club? [/random]

Don't mention that!

And no, you're wrong. :p
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 05:36
Don't mention that!

And no, you're wrong. :p
I had to mention it. And of course I'm wrong. I gave you the wrong answer. Intentionally, I might add.
Derscon
19-07-2006, 05:38
I had to mention it. And of course I'm wrong. I gave you the wrong answer. Intentionally, I might add.

You haven't paid me to argue back at you, your five minutes are up.
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 05:46
You haven't paid me to argue back at you, your five minutes are up.
Y'know, it occurs to me that these guessing games are a lot more fun when others participate.
*waits for thread to liven up and someone else guess*
Gauthier
19-07-2006, 05:47
Yay! You realize I'm not one! *gives cookie*

I really do despise the people who think that because I tend to support Republican causes I must worship the U.S. President.

Having a pro-Republican view isn't enough to mark one as a Bushevik. It's also the compulsive need to denigrate, insult and demonize all opposing viewpoints and those who support them on top of that, especially if they aren't in any position to threaten Dear Leader, along with a need to defend Bush's steps and missteps with vitriol that may or may not involve appeals to patriotism or suggesting one supports Al Qaeda. As an example, keep in mind how often a Bushevik will demonize Cindy Sheehan as an attention whore, even though the rest of the world couldn't give a shit what she does until they happened to bring it up.

Here's some of the many Bushevik habits:

1) Bitch about how Cindy Sheehan is an attention whore, even if we didn't know or didn't care what she was up to until then.
2) Constantly masturbate to the chant of "The United Nations is Useless! The United Nations is Irrelevant!" etc. etc.
3) Blame Valerie Plame Wilson for the exposure or suggest she wasn't a covert operative like the CIA thought she was.
4) Hold Islamic lives in contempt, under the assumption that all Muslims are Terrorist Borgs who share a hivemind collective. "We are Islam. Resistance is Futile. You will be Allah-similated."
Derscon
19-07-2006, 05:49
Gauthier, I shall not honour you with a response, as you are not guessing as to the reference of my post. :p
Gauthier
19-07-2006, 05:52
Gauthier, I shall not honour you with a response, as you are not guessing as to the reference of my post. :p

Like you just did now? :rolleyes:
Fascist Dominion
19-07-2006, 05:54
Gauthier, I shall not honour you with a response, as you are not guessing as to the reference of my post. :p
Blackmail. I like it.:D
Derscon
19-07-2006, 05:56
Like you just did now? :rolleyes:

Damn you! :p
DesignatedMarksman
19-07-2006, 06:04
I'm the centrist in my family. I voted Bush in the last election, while my dad voted Buchanan in 00 but then switched to Bush to keep Kerry out.
Frostralia
19-07-2006, 06:28
So we either just keep people working until they fall over dead, or we toss them into the street with no visible means of support. Whee. :rolleyes:
Well obviously, I mean, there is no way whatsoever for someone to support themselves in retirement without government benifits.:rolleyes:
Eutrusca
19-07-2006, 06:29
Well obviously, I mean, there is no way whatsoever for someone to support themselves in retirement without government benifits.:rolleyes:
Riiiight. I hope you're being sarcastic.
Ball-in-Glove
19-07-2006, 06:46
i'm a far left fascist, i would like to impose far left ideology. the only speech allowed shall be far left ideology, anything that does not fall in line of the far left is illegal hate speech. the only rights allowed shall be those that benefit the far left. anyone that disents the far left shall be inprisoned for hate speech. the american flag shall be taken down and replaced with a non-hateful flag, as the american flag is represenative of racism, hate, imperialism and genocide. it is the modern day swastika/confederate/crescent flag. all religion, religious symbols, and places shall be banned and torn down as it is the opium of the masses. opposing the gov't shall result in imprisonment. the people shall have no guns or means of protecting themselves, they shall have free health care, free education, and welfare for all. we shall have reperations for all non-anglos, limited big business. all major industry shall be ran by the gov't. there shall be no limit on marriage as any one can marry anything and one as they shall see fit. there shall be no laws regarding drugs, prostitution or sex. racism, homophobia, conservativism, zionism all shall be banned. the borders shall be erased and national sovereignty shall eliminated and the us shall be conglomerated with Canada and Mexico in to the North American Union. no laws on language and all cultural icons shall be eliminated. we should have absolute free trade and the superhigh way shall run through mexico, through KC to Canada. we shall have no war, as only war is an old racist, imperialistic concept of the past. by only giving peace a chance can we avoid war.

and one last thing, the United States of America shall be replaced with Ball-in-Glove. the usa is a old, antiquated name and has no place in the new world order.

i feel the liquer talking, i will now fall to the floor and pass out.
Derscon
19-07-2006, 19:14
Riiiight. I hope you're being sarcastic.

Even if he is, I would agree with him to a small point. My grandparents saved enough money on their way to being old that they can live comfortably without any government benefits.

It is possible, and I don't like it when people say it isn't. (Oh, and no, my grandparents were never "wealthy" by any means, so don't even try.)

But I don't want to argue about SS, as I'm not entirely sure about where I stand on it. I don't feel like arguing for a position when I don't hold one myself. :D
Derscon
19-07-2006, 19:15
i feel the liquer talking, i will now fall to the floor and pass out.

Yay! :D
New Shabaz
19-07-2006, 19:29
Actually I a foolish misanthrope :p

I thought it was obvious that I said it because of that stupid Churchill quote that every conservative uses like its Gods word or something. How silly of me to think that you would use that superior brain that you supposedly have, to figure that out, since you are a conservative.
New Shabaz
19-07-2006, 19:36
you ARE a Centrist ....welcome to the club! :) (check my sig) Because the liberals label us conservatives and vice versa.

I'm a centrist. See sig. :)
Derscon
19-07-2006, 19:40
Heh.


Oh, and since no one else can get it, the reference was from the International Philosophy Final from Monty Python.
Llewdor
19-07-2006, 22:38
Look, there isn't a political PARTY! to represent a political center.
Sure there is. Both major US political parties represent the centre. That's why elections are so close - there's really nothing to choose between them. Since they're very similar, and equally liked, they must reside at the political centre (if they didn't, one of them would move there and gain enormous popular support).

You can claim Nazis weren't right-wing, but you'd be wrong and I'll laugh at you.
The only way to settle that argument would be to determine exactly what constitutes the left and right wings, and then examine the policies of the Nazis to see where they fall.
New Shabaz
19-07-2006, 22:40
no the represent the extremes making every election a choice between the sharp stick in the left or right eye.


Sure there is. Both major US political parties represent the centre. That's why elections are so close - there's really nothing to choose between them. Since they're very similar, and equally liked, they must reside at the political centre (if they didn't, one of them would move there and gain enormous popular support).


The only way to settle that argument would be to determine exactly what constitutes the left and right wings, and then examine the policies of the Nazis to see where they fall.
Llewdor
19-07-2006, 22:59
no the represent the extremes making every election a choice between the sharp stick in the left or right eye.

They why doesn't either of them move just a bit toward the centre? The party that isn't in power has so much to gain, not doing so would be idiotic. And then eventually they'd both end up right in the centre.

And you can't honestly believe the the Reps and Dems are at opposite extremes. Neither one broadly opposes taxation or private property. Neither one supports widespread drug legalisation.
Ragbralbur
19-07-2006, 23:18
They why doesn't either of them move just a bit toward the centre? The party that isn't in power has so much to gain, not doing so would be idiotic. And then eventually they'd both end up right in the centre.
Elections are not always decided by how many of the undecideds you capture. There is also the issue of how well you mobilize your base. For example, a pro-choice, pro-gay marriage Republican will have trouble getting values voters to go out to the polls on election day, so even if she does capture the centrist vote, she might still lose because her base does not turn out in a great enough quantity.
Markreich
19-07-2006, 23:57
you ARE a Centrist ....welcome to the club! :) (check my sig)

NO, you're a righty!!!! :D (J/K!!!)

Thanks. What color are our jackets? Can't be red or blue... and green won't work either. Hmm, maybe a third of each??
Llewdor
20-07-2006, 00:06
Elections are not always decided by how many of the undecideds you capture. There is also the issue of how well you mobilize your base. For example, a pro-choice, pro-gay marriage Republican will have trouble getting values voters to go out to the polls on election day, so even if she does capture the centrist vote, she might still lose because her base does not turn out in a great enough quantity.

But in the situation he's describing, the undecided are a vastly larger group than either party's base. As such, if the party as a whole moved to the centre then that unserved majority would suddenly have representation.
Europa Maxima
20-07-2006, 00:11
There are centrists.

"Left Wing" is a matter of definition.
Well, I am far to the right. So to me y'all be socialist scum. <.<
Europa Maxima
20-07-2006, 00:14
The only way to settle that argument would be to determine exactly what constitutes the left and right wings, and then examine the policies of the Nazis to see where they fall.
The Nazis were authoritarian (right-wing), but they had several socialist elements to them. I will remind people of this. At the time just before Nazism, conservatism was largely concerned with Victorian-style laissez-faire economics (the Austrian School being the most prominent example) as well as with nationalism on the other side of the fence. Sometimes this coincided. Relative to the economic ideologies of their time, the Nazis were decidedly left-wing. Their multitudinous right-wing elements, however, by far exceeded those left-wing views they espoused. Hence, they are more properly classified as right-wing on the whole. They were a mix of racist nationalism (right-wing) and socialist economic policies for those who belonged to the Volksgemeinschaft.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 00:40
Because it's been shown time and time again that as you get more educated, you become more compassionate, less racist, and more socialist. :) :p

The vast majority of this forum has gotten over a 1500 on the old SAT and a 2350 on the new SAT. :)

The right is usually racist, stupid and clings to outdated morality and thinking, that is why on a Forum of mostly smart people it will be mostly progressive. :)

But I'm scared because most Americans are dumb. :( We need to emphasize to "the people" that progressive Democrats will give them free education, healthcare, childcare, a quality pension, food and housing if they need it, and recreation for inner city youth. :)

Therefore, if you want progress, vote for Jim Webb, Jon Tester, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, or Bob Menendez, depending on which state you are in.
See, now this is why centrists don't seem to be hanging around. Ad hominem horseshit being flung by the right and the left. Assumptions, generalizations and complete dreck masquerading as political thought doesn't impress anyone.

I tend to look not for the slant of the post, but for how it's worded. I'll then take an opposing side if it's egregious, like the above quoted post. If believing that we need to stop acting like schoolchildren on a playground and start acting like people who want to honestly debate some thorny issues makes me a centrist, so be it.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 00:45
Of course the Anti-Bush crowd usually waits until the Bushevik starts a snide condescending thread topic before jumping in.



Do you include yourself as part of that 5?

Lessee...

-Corneliu (aka Communal Property)
-DesignatedMarksman
-Eutrusca (no matter how much he claims otherwise)
-Deep Kimchi
-Marrakech II (or whatever number he's on)
-USalpenstock (aka USLaughingStock)
-Ultraextreme Sanity
-BogMarsh
-Empress Suiko (Feels bad for Ken Lay but says there's a special place in Hell- which she said didn't exist- for people who celebrate his death.)
-Pepe Dominguez
-sal y limon
-Myotinisia
-Ravenshrike
-Minkonio
-New Mitanni

That's about 15 there, 16 if you include yourself. Can you name the 2 dozen "Rabid Bush Bashers" Senator McCarthy?
You forgot Myrmidionisia.
Derscon
20-07-2006, 00:47
See, now this is why centrists don't seem to be hanging around. Ad hominem horseshit being flung by the right and the left. Assumptions, generalizations and complete dreck masquerading as political thought doesn't impress anyone.

I tend to look not for the slant of the post, but for how it's worded. I'll then take an opposing side if it's egregious, like the above quoted post. If believing that we need to stop acting like schoolchildren on a playground and start acting like people who want to honestly debate some thorny issues makes me a centrist, so be it.

I concur. I see more of it from the left than the right, but I don't exactly go looking for the latter, so don't take my word for it.



Oh, and Europa Maxima, when did you convert from Catholicism?
Europa Maxima
20-07-2006, 00:53
Oh, and Europa Maxima, when did you convert from Catholicism?
Meh, from that time I made a thread on Christianity and Capitalism. I find protestantism more aligned with my personal philosophies. Hence the conversion.
Llewdor
20-07-2006, 00:56
The Nazis were authoritarian (right-wing), but they had several socialist elements to them. I will remind people of this. At the time just before Nazism, conservatism was largely concerned with Victorian-style laissez-faire economics (the Austrian School being the most prominent example) as well as with nationalism on the other side of the fence. Sometimes this coincided. Relative to the economic ideologies of their time, the Nazis were decidedly left-wing. Their multitudinous right-wing elements, however, by far exceeded those left-wing views they espoused. Hence, they are more properly classified as right-wing on the whole. They were a mix of racist nationalism (right-wing) and socialist economic policies for those who belonged to the Volksgemeinschaft.

But since the Austrian School is significantly further right than the Nazis' economic position, the Nazis then fail to be the example of extreme right-wing that was suggested.
Europa Maxima
20-07-2006, 00:57
See, now this is why centrists don't seem to be hanging around. Ad hominem horseshit being flung by the right and the left. Assumptions, generalizations and complete dreck masquerading as political thought doesn't impress anyone.

I tend to look not for the slant of the post, but for how it's worded. I'll then take an opposing side if it's egregious, like the above quoted post. If believing that we need to stop acting like schoolchildren on a playground and start acting like people who want to honestly debate some thorny issues makes me a centrist, so be it.
One thing I have noticed from the oh-so tolerant lefties on this site is their deftness in stereotyping and ridiculing those who ascribe to the right. Not that it bothers me, but it is amusing.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 00:57
There's no such thing as a centrist, not intentionaly anyway. If you're moderate, it's by accident. Anyone who claims to be moderate/centrist is either a lier, or a charloton.

For example; pro-choice republican who thinks church and state should be seperate? You're not a republican..
This coming from a high ranking member of both of those clubs...:rolleyes:

I-N-T-E-N-T-I-O-N-A-L-L-Y.
L-I-A-R
C-H-A-R-L-A-T-A-N

Never trust a poster who can't figure out spell check.
Europa Maxima
20-07-2006, 00:58
But since the Austrian School is significantly further right than the Nazis' economic position, the Nazis then fail to be the example of extreme right-wing that was suggested.
Yes, essentially I agree. That was my thesis. They are only right-wing to the extreme in terms of authoritarianism and perhaps their racist predilections. Economically speaking, though, they brushed upon socialism.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 00:59
One thing I have noticed from the oh-so tolerant lefties on this site is their deftness in stereotyping and ridiculing those who ascribe to the right. Not that it bothers me, but it is amusing.
Agreed. I don't care which side you argue for -- if all you can do is sling epithets and make ridiculous generalizations, you automatically lose.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:05
I'm sorry but i did not understand that at all. Can you rephrase that?
Asking h4ck5 to explain his positions is like asking the rabbit how he got into the magician's hat: he doesn't know, and even if he did, he couldn't tell you in any way you'd consider clear.

H4cks is the forum shotgun who attempts to paint on a patina of knowledgablity through the clever use of gross misspellings and grenade logic.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:08
you fall into the same trap as the majority of humans around the world - you see, it's as simple as this: humans seem to equate the loudest of any group with the majority of that group . Christians, Vegetarians, Muslims, Conservatives, Liberals, and so on... all have their loud mouths that make the group as a whole look bad to those who are unable to make a distinction.

I'm a white, vegetarian, liberal, pot smoker so I must be a racist, militant PETA member who hates freedom and loves terrorists and I smell of patchouli and never bathe.
Well? Aren't you?

*ducks*

:D
Derscon
20-07-2006, 01:10
Meh, from that time I made a thread on Christianity and Capitalism. I find protestantism more aligned with my personal philosophies. Hence the conversion.

Yay! *welcomes you to Protestantism* :fluffle: :D

One thing I have noticed from the oh-so tolerant lefties on this site is their deftness in stereotyping and ridiculing those who ascribe to the right. Not that it bothers me, but it is amusing.

Most of the time I brush it off, and the hypocrisy is amusing, yes. :D
Derscon
20-07-2006, 01:11
Asking h4ck5 to explain his positions is like asking the rabbit how he got into the magician's hat: he doesn't know, and even if he did, he couldn't tell you in any way you'd consider clear.

H4cks is the forum shotgun who attempts to paint on a patina of knowledgablity through the clever use of gross misspellings and grenade logic.

Do be watchful of such personal attacks, please.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:16
Centrism is cowardess, you don't have to be a centrist to think for yourself. Just like you don't have to be a loyal republican or democrat to be an idealogue.

It's not like party members are robots, they know how they feel, and they stickby the party that most conviently acknowledges and expresses those feelings.
"Cowardess"? What IS that? A female coward?!?

Heh. Kids are sooooo cute.

Okay, Junior, how's about we look at centrists as people who desire some kind of balance between demagoguery on both sides of damn near every issue? Is it cowardice to believe that somewhere between "don't burn my flag/stem cells could be Christians/God loves only the US" and "my freedom is more important than anything else/abortion is birth control/strip the military/liberal white guilt" the truth just MIGHT exist?

I'm sorry, son, but moderation and balance takes a hell of a lot more courage than repeating either fringe's talking points at the top of your lungs. When you grow up, you'll learn that. Or not, I personally don't care unless you run for office in my state.

I respect your ability to continue to post despite having nothing coherent to say. Persistence can be its own reward.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:17
Do be watchful of such personal attacks, please.
Oh, yes, I apologize. Wouldn't want to offend anyone. Much.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:21
There are plenty of centrists. We just get labeled as being "far left" or "far right" (and sometimes both) by the people who really are "far left" and "far right."
Bingo.

Anyone with their head stuck in the sand, whether said sand is Red (right) or Blue (left), will think that anything purple is anathema or abhorrent and acrimoniously shout it down.

Sorry for the alliteration. I have lexical inertia -- once started, it's hard to stop.
Derscon
20-07-2006, 01:23
Intangelon, I hate you. I despise you with such a strong passion that the passion fruit looks like a rock. I hope you travel to the hills of Kansas and stay there as a hermit, so I never have to see you again. You are an idiot.






I mean, seriously, how can someone like the Seahawks????

:p
Europa Maxima
20-07-2006, 01:23
Yay! *welcomes you to Protestantism* :fluffle: :D
:) It was a difficult choice to make, but I'm happy I made it.

Most of the time I brush it off, and the hypocrisy is amusing, yes. :D
Well, at least in the case of some right-wingers you're given fair warning about their intolerance...quite another thing to be hearing the self-important followers of the cult of Tolerance to be hurling out prejudiced insults.
Derscon
20-07-2006, 01:24
Oh, yes, I apologize. Wouldn't want to offend anyone. Much.

Don't apologize, just tone them down. I'm not worried to much about this thread, and I apologize to you if I seem overbearing. I just don't want someone to overreact and then this thread erupts into a flamewar.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:24
No, you're not. Infact barely any of you are centrist. That's like saying Hitler was centrist.

He was a tad right-wing, but he was so authoritan you didn't notice. But he wasn't the epitmy of right-wing, just compared to Stalin he was.

Choosing between you dems and republicans is like choosing between Hitler and Stalin. Genocide against The Jews, a completely irrational plan, or a commie bastard who would starve me and my family to death just to get a half a percent ahead in life..

The funny part is it is infact the liberals who are more like Hitler. Think about it.

Who wants to destroy Isral? Liberals..
Who claims the current administration is crap and they can save us? Liberals..
Who has former nazi party members? Liberals..
Who is the one that promises socialism but is controlled by large coporations and hollywood? Liberals..
Who is the one with a very disturbing seperation of people between race, build, and background? Liberals..

What we have here is American nazis vs American communists. We lost the war..
Ahem...

WTF, over?

...thank you.
Derscon
20-07-2006, 01:25
Well, at least in the case of some right-wingers you're given fair warning about their intolerance...quite another thing to be hearing the self-important followers of the cult of Tolerance to be hurling out prejudiced insults.

I know, racists, etc, don't make the claim that they're tolerant.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:28
LOL I love the wild generalities that get thrown around when people mention political parties. Such as claiming Reps are racist and stupid, or that Dems are unreasonable or perhaps living in a parallel universe. Although sometimes I wonder about those myself ;) . Well, first off, the majority of these forums did not score over a 1500 on the old SAT. The majority of these forums isn't even old enough to have taken the old SAT, if the way they debate is any clue. Now, lots of people CLAIMED over a 1500 on the SATs, but, come on, we all know people on these forums spew a lot of bullshit if it suits them at the time.

In the interest of full disclosure, I scored a 1210. I don't test well under time constraints. I took the SAT before they allowed untimed versions for those with clock anxiety. I had it bad, too. Once I got to the point where the answers weren't coming fast and easy and required computation or reading comprehension, I'd look up after every question and try to figure out how much time per question I had left until I was dizzy. I hated that test.
Europa Maxima
20-07-2006, 01:29
I know, racists, etc, don't make the claim that they're tolerant.
Well, some of the left-wing ones may go that far even...you are more than equal to the rest of us, for instance, so long as you are the same colour/nationality/religion/ideology/whatever as us. Protectionism is now a left-wing ideology. It's odd. What is more, you can get racists on the right, who however do not think that government should impose its will on the populace, and therefore are willing to be tolerant. I don't think either group should make a claim on tolerance unless they can actually prove that they are so inclined.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:31
To reiterate:

There is no such thing as 'centrism'. There isn't a political center either, for that matter.

There is a fencepost, however. And you're either to one side or the other. Or you're one of those hapless gits who try sitting astride the fence. But come what may, they'll still climb down off their lofty perch in order to proceed, whether right or left, to enter a voting booth.

Got it? You can talk 'til the cows come home about just how 'centrist' you are, but when all is said and done you'll choose a side. That's why you should always hold a self-proclaimed 'centrist' to their own hype - and knock some sense into their heads when possible.
THUS SPOKE THE ONE AND TRUE EXPERT.

Remember folks, an "EX" is a has-been, and a "SPURT" is a drip under pressure.

I'd tell you that you're wrong, but why mess with the self-evident?
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:34
There is only one party in the US: the rich. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. Want proof? Clinton crying at Nixon's funeral or Bush suddenly on good terms with the NAACP. It's all a game that we're watching, but from over the fence with binoculars.
NOT SO LOUD! Do you want them to come after you, too? The last guy to publicly suggest that was met with bullets at the door of the Dakota in 1980!
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:36
Fallacy. You do not exist, therefore you are neither with him or against him. Your reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination.

That's what Hegel told me anyways. Marx just said you were offsides.

(wonders if anyone will get the reference)
A very sophisticated Flying Circus reference. You get two cookies and The Comfy Chair.
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:37
You haven't paid me to argue back at you, your five minutes are up.
But that was never five minutes just now! Oh, come on...
Intangelon
20-07-2006, 01:45
Intangelon, I hate you. I despise you with such a strong passion that the passion fruit looks like a rock. I hope you travel to the hills of Kansas and stay there as a hermit, so I never have to see you again. You are an idiot.






I mean, seriously, how can someone like the Seahawks????

:p
You mean the NFC Champion Seahawks, don't you? I dunno, could it be that I'm from Seattle? My first football hero was Jim Zorn becuase he was left-handed like me? See, nobody picks on Eagles fans, and they haven't one The Big One, either. Lay off. I love my 'hawks...even if they did make some insane off-season moves...like losing Mack Strong and Steve Hutchinson...and...and...aw, hell.

*cries in his beer*
Derscon
20-07-2006, 02:02
You mean the NFC Champion Seahawks, don't you? I dunno, could it be that I'm from Seattle? My first football hero was Jim Zorn becuase he was left-handed like me? See, nobody picks on Eagles fans, and they haven't one The Big One, either. Lay off. I love my 'hawks...even if they did make some insane off-season moves...like losing Mack Strong and Steve Hutchinson...and...and...aw, hell.

*cries in his beer*

Hahahaha. I pick on Eagles fans all the time, but I don't like Phillie anything (other than the cheesesteak...yum...), but I live here in PA, so I see more of them. :D
Derscon
20-07-2006, 02:04
A very sophisticated Flying Circus reference. You get two cookies and The Comfy Chair.

Yay!

However, you're too late, as I already posted it was the International Philosophy tournament.

Ni!
Markreich
21-07-2006, 03:38
There is only one party in the US: the rich. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. Want proof? Clinton crying at Nixon's funeral or Bush suddenly on good terms with the NAACP. It's all a game that we're watching, but from over the fence with binoculars.

NOT SO LOUD! Do you want them to come after you, too? The last guy to publicly suggest that was met with bullets at the door of the Dakota in 1980!

Hey... Nobody told me there'd be days like these... (strange days indeed)!

PS: There's nazis in the bathroom just below the stairs.
Angermanland
21-07-2006, 06:28
i'm a centerist... in that i'm variously extream in all sorts of directions on various issues, and moderate in lots of others.

the political compase rates me at just slightly north of the pefect center on authoritarian/liberal, and about halfway west on the ... whatever he economic one is called. left/right thingy.

New Zealand politics is an interesting thing. it has at least 4 axis, no one party is always present on all of them, they don'te ven all intersect, some of them start at 0 and only go in one direction from there...

then there's the bitts that defy quantification.

all up though, they're all fairly incompitant.

the only reason i'm not an obvious centerist is because if i say anything to the effect that i disagree with a lot of "left" social issues, i get slammed 8 ways to sunday, and if i dare object to the shear incompitance evidanced by the current american government, i either get slammed the same, or get all my opinions taken all out of proprotion and exagerated, or both ...or


i get ignored.


anyway, as a rule, i also don't comment on forums in threads about subjects that are important to me. i can convince and persuade just about anyone of just about anything i belive to be true. in person.

i'm not so good at laying out clear and precise arguments though [even wheni have the facts to back them up, and the coherancy] in such a way as to be convincing, so i am simply left raging against the idiocy assulting me from all sides, or the indifference of all concerened reguarding a valid point.

thus, i tend to stay below the radar by way of walking on the ground.

though when it comes to political idiology, you just about need a new axis just to be able to quantify some of my opinions, or so it seems :P
Derscon
21-07-2006, 19:12
zOMG! A serious post! :eek:
Derscon
21-07-2006, 19:14
if i dare object to the shear incompitance evidanced by the current american government, i either get slammed the same, or get all my opinions taken all out of proprotion and exagerated, or both ...ori get ignored.

Bollocks. In fact, in General, it's quite the opposite. If you say a single good word about the Bush administration, you are derided and insulted until they get bored.
GreaterPacificNations
21-07-2006, 19:20
I am centrist. Libertarian leaning, but centrist nonetheless. :D *Does the centrist dance*
Derscon
21-07-2006, 19:22
I am centrist. Libertarian leaning, but centrist nonetheless. :D *Does the centrist dance*

What, spin around in circles, get drunk, and pass out? :D
GreaterPacificNations
21-07-2006, 19:28
What, spin around in circles, get drunk, and pass out? :D
It involves assessing all of the other dances, taking whats best from all of them, then advocating that all of the other dances shoulld still be danced, then declaring that there should be no restricitions on the new uber-dance. When it finally comes to getting to the dance floor, the libetrian-centrist merely exudes a 'meh', then takes credit for all of the favourable moves of the other dances. As such, there is no actual dancing in the centrist dance.
Derscon
21-07-2006, 19:29
It involves assessing all of the other dances, taking whats best from all of them, then advocating that all of the other dances shoulld still be danced, then declaring that there should be no restricitions on the new uber-dance. When it finally comes to getting to the dance floor, the libetrian-centrist merely exudes a 'meh', then takes credit for all of the favourable moves of the other dances. As such, there is no actual dancing in the centrist dance.

I like mine better. :p
Angermanland
22-07-2006, 00:06
Bollocks. In fact, in General, it's quite the opposite. If you say a single good word about the Bush administration, you are derided and insulted until they get bored.

i get both, which i belive i ment to say. did i not end up saying that? oh well.

the lot of the centerist: both sides hate you :D
Verve Pipe
22-07-2006, 00:12
i get both, which i belive i ment to say. did i not end up saying that? oh well.

the lot of the centerist: both sides hate you :D
Yup. I get labelled "prejudicial right-wing scum" and "hippie liberal" both within the course of twenty-four hours. Personally, I find it hilarious -- it demonstrates the sheer inability of either side to actually think about anything other than fighting their opponents.
Meath Street
22-07-2006, 00:30
LOL I almost made the joke that all the conservatives were actually working at work and not posting on the web.....but I thought that might not go over well.... didn't think about adding [/joke]

That joke doesn't make sense. Leftists are the workers, so surely they would be at work?

And that's all they'll ever get, because no one else will ever again bother to produce anything, and soon even these small benefits will vanish.
Governments in other countries have provided all the things that he lists, and have still had a prosperous free market.

(actually most of my MENSA friends are conservative, but that's probably more to do with region than IQ score.)
How has conservatism benefited the South? It is more impoverished than the liberal North.
Meath Street
22-07-2006, 00:34
Got it? You can talk 'til the cows come home about just how 'centrist' you are, but when all is said and done you'll choose a side. That's why you should always hold a self-proclaimed 'centrist' to their own hype - and knock some sense into their heads when possible.
The terms means that instead of aligning with one particular party on all issues, you might align with different parties on different issues.
Verve Pipe
22-07-2006, 00:42
The terms means that instead of aligning with one particular party on all issues, you might align with different parties on different issues.
Which, in my opinion, makes a lot more sense than just blindly suscribing to some ideology. There are, of course, shades of grey on both sides of the spectrum, with issues such as affirmative action, for instance. However, it seems to me that there are clear standings on certain issues that one must fulfill in order to be considered a "true" member of a certain persuasion. For example, if you're liberal, you must be pro-gay marriage, or at the very least, pro-civil unions. If you're conservative, you must lean pro-life to quite a good extent, at the very least only supporting the aboriton procedure for certain reasons of concern relating to the mother's well-being. Being a centrist doesn't constrain you to try and keep in line with these "hot button" issues that you must respect in order to be "true" member of your ideology group.