NationStates Jolt Archive

For Republicans and Democrats, do you believe fully in everything in the platform of your party? Are there some issues you would compromise on? Are there issues you would never compromise on? What are they?

For others, what are issues for you? Why doesn't either party represent you? Which party is the closest to representing you?

Rules of the post. All ideas will be respected; no flames, no trolls, only serious and respectful input please.
:fluffle:

I don't care about what party represents me, I care about the candidate that each party puts forth. Which of those persons represent 'ME'.

No, not at all. THe major US party I agree most with is the Republican party but I disagree with much of their platform. Some of the more major issues I am apart from my party on are abortion, their stand on illegal immigration, and gay marriage.

I am for gay marriage because I do not think that the government has any business telling two consenting adults they cannot do somthing that hurts no one else. My views on abortion are pretty much the same.

As for the issue of illegal immigration neither of the partiers have dont anything to solve this problem. It is the biggest problem facing America a this time and no one is doing what needs to be done about it.

No, not at all. THe major US party I agree most with is the Republican party but I disagree with much of their platform. Some of the more major issues I am apart from my party on are abortion, their stand on illegal immigration, and gay marriage.

I am for gay marriage because I do not think that the government has any business telling two consenting adults they cannot do somthing that hurts no one else. My views on abortion are pretty much the same.

As for the issue of illegal immigration neither of the partiers have dont anything to solve this problem. It is the biggest problem facing America a this time and no one is doing what needs to be done about it.

You sound more Libertarian than Republican.

I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican.

Issues for me:

1. Genuine equality for women, Blacks, Latinos, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people.
2. The dissolution of the state and the radical decentralization of power.
3. Collective ownership of the means of production and egalitarian distribution of the product of production.
4. Genuinely voluntary labor.
5. A complete cessation of US imperialism.
6. The abolition of class.
7. The expansion of personal freedom.

Do I even have to explain why neither party represents me? The Democrats come closer, but only marginally so.

You sound more Libertarian than Republican.


I am but Republican is the major party closest to my beliefs.

I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican.

Issues for me:

1. Genuine equality for women, Blacks, Latinos, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people.
2. The dissolution of the state and the radical decentralization of power.
3. Collective ownership of the means of production and egalitarian distribution of the product of production.
4. Genuinely voluntary labor.
5. A complete cessation of US imperialism.
6. The abolition of class.
7. The expansion of personal freedom.

Do I even have to explain why neither party represents me? The Democrats come closer, but only marginally so.


Scary

If I were in the USA, I would perhaps support the LP, but even so many of its ideas diverge from mine. I am more a supporter of Rothbard and Hoppe, and not specifically the entire spectrum of the LP's intellectuals et al.

I'm a member of the Irish Green Party.

What would I not compromise on? I wouldn't renounce recycling, public education, opposition to imperialism, reduction of dependence on oil, or reduction of carbon emissions.

I don't care about what party represents me, I care about the candidate that each party puts forth. Which of those persons represent 'ME'.

though this completely misses a very large, very important part of a party-based system of 'representation'. vastly more important than the particular beliefs of any one representative is who else they'll empower by getting elected. cause it's things like that which determine what legislation can even be brought to the floor.

Actually, I would like to know if there are any Republicans who don't support the Iraq war? In my mind that is the one issue that defines the US Republican party.

For others, what are issues for you?
Environment, foreign policy, civil liberties.
Why doesn't either party represent you?
Because they're both either predominately center right or nearly far right.
Which party is the closest to representing you?
Hard to say. The Democrats, I suppose, but that's because both parties are an amalgam of certain spectrums of society. I prefer the Greens.

Actually, I would like to know if there are any Republicans who don't support the Iraq war? In my mind that is the one issue that defines the US Republican party.I've met some conservatives that don't. Haven't asked if they disliked it enough not to vote Republican though.

For Republicans and Democrats, do you believe fully in everything in the platform of your party? Are there some issues you would compromise on? Are there issues you would never compromise on? What are they?

For others, what are issues for you? Why doesn't either party represent you? Which party is the closest to representing you?

Rules of the post. All ideas will be respected; no flames, no trolls, only serious and respectful input please.
:fluffle:

I glad i am non USian because i thinkk US foreign policies deserve nothing short of ridicule. but i don't think demoshats are gunna fair any better so i reservre my true judgmeent. all linduistic fau pas intended, maybe.

Actually, I would like to know if there are any Republicans who don't support the Iraq war? In my mind that is the one issue that defines the US Republican party.

Many of my republican friends and I did not support the decision to invade Iraq. Though, now that we are in Iraq we do not support withdrawing because we stand to lose more by leaving than staying. If we withdraw it leaves and open ground for terrorists to take over.

I glad i am non USian because i thinkk US foreign policies deserve nothing short of ridicule. but i don't think demoshats are gunna fair any better so i reservre my true judgmeent. all linduistic fau pas intended, maybe.

I have asked for no flaming or trolling in this thread. The term USian and the tone of you post lends itself to both. Please leave now. Thank you.

Many of my republican friends and I did not support the decision to invade Iraq. Though, now that we are in Iraq we do not support withdrawing because we stand to lose more by leaving than staying. If we withdraw it leaves and open ground for terrorists to take over.

I think the Democrats understand that and will look toward a phased withdrawal. The bipartisan report on Iraq is due out very soon and it will be very interesting to see what they have to say.

1. Genuine equality for women, Blacks, Latinos, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people.
2. The dissolution of the state and the radical decentralization of power.
3. Collective ownership of the means of production and egalitarian distribution of the product of production.
4. Genuinely voluntary labor.
5. A complete cessation of US imperialism.
6. The abolition of class.
7. The expansion of personal freedom.


Scary

Essentially the point, I would assume (see also the last few paragraphs of chapter 17 of Huxley's Brave New World)

I would only worry about point number three, but only in regard to potential problems of implementation; otherwise, collectivism is a perfectly legitimate way for free individuals to associate with each other.

Essentially the point, I would assume.

I would only worry about point number three, but only in regard to potential problems of implementation; otherwise, collectivism is a perfectly legitimate way for free individuals to associate with each other.

What I meant when I said "scary" was referring to.
2. The dissolution of the state and the radical decentralization of power.
3. Collective ownership of the means of production and egalitarian distribution of the product of production.
4. Genuinely voluntary labor.
5. A complete cessation of US imperialism.
6. The abolition of class.

Those are what America needs to get away from.

I agree with issue 1 and issue 7.

For others, what are issues for you?


I'm a registered Libertarian (http://www.lp.org) who voted Green/"No Selection" this last election because of his state party's apparent need to scapegoat the poor and foreign (http://www.2006gov.com/issues001.html) for the rich and native's screw-ups. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_state) I share the opposition to the welfare state, but I will NOT share in the fearmongering and scapegoating of the desperately poor in order to further the goal. History is already (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynching) replete (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Canadian_internment) with (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_American_Internment) examples (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristalnacht) of the insanity that results from the privileged's attempts to blame others for their own fuck-ups.

Nationalism is a disease; I intend to be part of the cure.


Why doesn't either party represent you?


Because the single member plurality electoral system, commonly refered to as "first-past-the-post," often results in two-party system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duverger%27s_law), wherein the two major parties compete in order to maximize electoral support by running for the center (whatever "center" happens to be in the context of the particular political system/culture in question). As such, electoral support becomes maximized for the two strongest parties, and minimized for all others.

I happen to fall under "all others."


Which party is the closest to representing you?


If the Libertarians don't knock it off with the "Illegal Peril" nonsense, I guess it'll have to be the Green Party or "No Selection." I'd rather associate with no one or socialists, than nationalists (or the bigots such nonsense tends to attract :( )

What I meant when I said "scary" was referring to.
2. The dissolution of the state and the radical decentralization of power.
3. Collective ownership of the means of production and egalitarian distribution of the product of production.
4. Genuinely voluntary labor.
5. A complete cessation of US imperialism.
6. The abolition of class.

Those are what America needs to get away from.

I agree with issue 1 and issue 7.You oppose genuinely voluntary labor? Does that mean you support slavery?

So, where do we stand for 08?

For Republicans and Democrats, do you believe fully in everything in the platform of your party? Are there some issues you would compromise on? Are there issues you would never compromise on? What are they?

For others, what are issues for you? Why doesn't either party represent you? Which party is the closest to representing you?

Rules of the post. All ideas will be respected; no flames, no trolls, only serious and respectful input please.
:fluffle:

Excellent post.

I am equally alienated by both parties issues.

Some key issues for me are things like -

- Business and economic freedoms
- A government that isn't too big, or powerful. Less taxes. More efficient spending.
- Getting out of Iraq like we should have the moment we got Saddam
- Combatting racism/bigotry/minority-bashing, and equal rights and opportunities
- Civil liberties, like gay marriage, pro-choice, gun rights
- Making immigration easier

The main problem I have with both parties is that they see themselves in a struggle for power. And they are. That's their primary concern, maintaining or getting power. Each candidate may or may not agree with the issues as his Party supposedly does, or even as he supposedly does, and that's one huge thing that's fucked up about this country. The only way it could get worse would be if we fell into a One-party system, and everyone knows that - trouble is, both parties are working to get there because they wouldn't have a problem, as long as it's my party in charge.

So I consider myself independent not just because neither party officially fits my beliefs and values, but because I don't want either party to get its goal of Real Ultimate Power Over The Globe, because we need third and fourth and fifth alternatives and viewpoints, not just huge artificial "teams" that can battle back like a silly football game.

My positions are as follows:

Abortion on demand: Against

Gun Control: Against

Death Penalty:
Should be used for a minority of multiple homicide cases

Affirmative Action: Against

Although these views should suggest I would be Republican, I do not agree with their lack of regard for the environment or their policies on corporate power.

As a Democrat I apreciate my party's efforts to:

Curb the effects of global warming.

Raise the minimum wage.

Provide better health care for the poor. (what if someone catches a rare, deadly, contagious disease and dosn't seek medical help because he/she can't afford it? Something like that could cripple a nation!)

Allow a woman to make her own decision regarding pregnancy.

And if a Democrat were president right now, I dont think the idea of a wall along the Mexican border would have come into play!

I am a Republican because it is the second closest party to my political beliefs. The libertarians represent me better but a) nobody else votes for them and b) they are to dovish on military affairs.

I differ from the Republican platform in that I believe that the Environment is the most important issue in our lives. I wish the Republicans were much much greener in their thinking. I also like abortions. More Republicans are pro-choice than pro-life. I am pro-abortion and kind of pro-adoption. I think only stable financially secure married couples should be able to breed or raise children that they adopted. I have not bred yet because I am waiting to be in that situation before I breed.

I love guns and that is one of the great things about the Republicans. I also oppose social security for anyone young or old unless they are disabled. I oppose any minimum wage increases. I hate affirmative action because it is racist. I am for pension protection and oppose any taxes that penalize people for being married.

I do like the Death Tax as it is a safeguard against a meritless aristocracy.

Seeing how I'm not American, I can't say Republican or Democrat. However, I fully support the NDP's platform. I have yet to find one issue that I disagree on. I think if they brought up affirmative action, I would be against it, since AA is a form of discrimination.

Well, as not American I have much more choice of parties. And I don't have a special party which I always vote for. In four elections I've voted for three different parties: CSU (a conservative party), FDP (a liberal party) and SPD (social democrats)

My preferences are:

Economy: I prefer a quite liberal economy, with exceptions of mono- and olgypols. These should have limits set by the state. (At the moment, we have to pay too much for electricity - because the few cooperations dictate the prices) And an easy taxation system is something really important. My parents have a small buisness, and without a tax adviser they wouldn't have a chance too pay the right amount of tax...

Social rights: Public healthcare and social security is important. Of course, there should be sensible limits, but in general I like some basic social security.

Civil Rights: Very important for me! The private life is something the state should not interfere. That means: No tapping, no torture, pro Gay marriage, religious freedom for everybody (and not only christians), Abortion basicly allowed, although with certain limits.

Ecology: A sensible mix between protecting the enviroment and practical laws is what I like the best. We have a clean enviroment, and we should try to keep it clean, but without strangling the economy with laws too complicated r too strict.
(So, I think our fuel tax is right even if I have to pay 1,20€ per litre, shutting down the nuclear power plants the next 30 years is good, but shutting down nuclear power immedeatly is plain stupid)

The party I identify closest with is the Michigan Green Party, but I disagree strongly with several planks on the last elections platform.

Comments in bold.

PEACE – The Green Party calls for peace abroad, and peace at home. We must challenge our corrupt and dysfunctional federal government, which is a cause of so many global problems Agreed

A just peace in the Middle East is absolutely essential. We call for:
An immediate end to the illegal and undeclared ‘war’ in Iraq.
An immediate return of all US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We will recall Michigan National Guard troops; Michiganders should not suffer and die for Bush’s and the neocon’s war I disagree with the war, but an immediate pullout from either of those countries will only fuck them over even more.


Support global movements toward true freedom and self-determination. Immediate divestment of all state funds supporting the occupations of Palestine and Tibet Agreed for the most part

Peace at home is possible only through grassroots political self-determination:
Reclaim a state’s right to self-governance. We need to develop our own decentralized, human-scale, transparent system of government.
Reduce the influence of PAC’s and lobbyists. Agreed

Both major parties have become corrupted—especially by the Israel Lobby which supplies the majority of their funds; hence their lack of enthusiasm in ending the war in Iraq, the occupation of Palestine, and the invasion of southern Lebanon OMG teh ebil Jewz control everything! No.

We will severely restrict all PAC’s and lobbyists. Agreed

JOBS – Stable jobs with living wages can only occur in a stable and self-reliant economy. Global commerce has wreaked havoc on Michigan’s economy, extracting jobs and wealth. This will only worsen as the global environment deteriorates, oil supplies diminish, and the US dollar declines to a second-rate currency. We need a stable and self-sustaining local economy

While it's true globalization has hurt our economy badly I'm under no illusions that we can maintain our current standard of living by attempting self reliance. We need to adapt our economy away from durable goods manufacturing into things like biotech.

Local currency. We will launch a state-wide local currency, as a complement to the US dollar. This is a proven and legitimate method of developing a local economy; it encourages stability and retains wealth within the state. Targeting 5% of state GNP in local currency within 4 years.

I'm actually quite fascinated by the concepts of local currency lately. I'm no economist so I really don't know how good an idea this is.

Local production for local consumption:
Tax ‘imported’ (i.e. non-Michigan) goods, to encourage in-state production.
Agricultural and water exports will be taxed and/or restricted.
Organic CSA’s (Community-Supported Agriculture) will be promoted as an optimal and sustainable food supply

Unconstitutional and unrealistic, although I agree on taxing water exports mainly to discourage diversions from the Great Lakes watershed.

JUSTICE – True justice demands justice for people, and for nature (eco-justice). We must meet our material needs without compromising the long-term sustainability of our bioregion

Agreed. The Great Lakes are Michigan's most important natural resource and we need to maintain them. The terminology (eco-justice) is a bit kooky, though.

Sustainable environment: Michigan today is only 0.7% wilderness (250,000 acres). This must be dramatically increased for the long-term health of our bioregion. We are targeting an additional 1 million acres of true wilderness (no paved roads, no permanent structures, free-burning fires, limited human presence) within 4 years. Strictly regulate industrial farms and CAFO’s.

(b)Live within the carrying capacity of our state: Our 10 million people use 7 times as much land
as we have (per WWF). We must either (1) reduce consumption, (2) reduce population, or both. Targeting a 10% reduction in ‘ecological footprint’, and a population decrease of 400,000 (4%).

I agree we need to be careful with our environment and I think we really need to put more effort into conservation, recycling, and developing alternative energy sources. However, I'm not sure we need to go for such drastic steps as these just yet.

A fair and sustainable standard of living for all

Who doesn't that? It'd be nice if they elaborated though.

If anyone actually got through that I'll be amazed.

I'm sure none of you really care about specific Michigan politics, but I'm kinda bored and don't want to do my French homework.

As for Federal politics I really don't like any of the parties as I'm very pro states' rights, as you may have guessed. These days, other than things that directly effect Michigan and it's citizens I try to ignore what goes on in the rest of the US.

I am a Libertarian, though I was a Republican before Bush.

All politics is local, and the local democrats are corrupt as hell and my Republican Congressman is a really great guy.

Anyway, I am all for liberty. While there are some great things government could accomplish, the reality is that government screws up just about everything it tries to do. Some studies show that approximately 13% of the registered voters in the US are for minimal government interference in both social and economic issues. Unfortunately with the entrenched 2 party system it is unlikely that many will actually switch to a ‘third’ party.

I used to be a Republican because back in the day they stood for limited government (which included keeping the government out of the bedroom). These days neither the Republicans nor Democrats have the slightest intention of curbing the growth of government. What is someone who believes in free markets and doesn’t want most of his income taken in taxes to give subsidies to special programs to do? The Libertarians are the last bastion of those who believe in the individual over ‘the collective’.

If more of the Republicans were old-school like Wayne Gilchrest (R – Maryland), I would happily support the party. Since he is in the minority, I will throw my efforts into the Sisyphean endeavor that is the Libertarian party.

I believe that the Federal government should be constrained to the very limited powers laid out in the constitution (without going through some very strange leaps of logic that allow it to dictate the manufacturing process for pillows in the name of ‘regulating interstate commerce’).

It has no business in making personal decisions for me (being it sexuality, abortion, nutrition, recreational or medicinal use of drugs, what I read or watch, etc). I believe it should not be using the tax code as a tool to manipulate society or the economy. It should be very limited in scope and scale on the Federal level. Everything should be devolved to as local a level as possible, that way the politicians are held more accountable for their actions, the scope for corruption is severely limited, and there would not be nearly as much pressure for a party to attempt to house several wildly different philosophies.