Tsuyoiko
DON'T PANIC!
- 11 Mar 2005
- 3,136
- 165
We've had several threads discussing our religious views (or lack thereof!), but I don't think we've had any specifically to discuss our political views. I thought it might be interesting to share them in a bit of detail - beyond the level of which party you vote for.
If you want to vote in the poll, take the quiz at Political Compass and choose your result, but please elaborate in the thread as well.
Although my parents took me to chapel every Sunday, politics was even more important in our house. Both my parents were very active in the Labour Party and other left-wing organisations. They both served terms as local councillors, and my dad was branch secretary for his engineering union.
During the Miners' Strike of 1984/85 I took part in demonstrations and fundraising events. Although I was very young, I believe I understood what we were campaigning for as well as a child of that age could. With this upbringing, it's not surprising that I inherited very left-wing opinions. However, as I did with my religious upbringing, I subjected these views to scrutiny, but with very different consequences. Whereas I rejected my religious upbringing, my belief in the political values instilled in me by my parents is stronger than ever.
I believe in two things: freedom and equality. I believe that it's one of the duties of the state to protect the freedoms of its citizens. People to should be allowed to think and say whatever they wish, and their freedom to act should be limited only when it endangers the safety of others.
However, I feel strongly that equality is a more desirable goal for our society than unbridled freedom. I believe that it's right to curtail people's freedoms in some limited respects in order to achieve a greater measure of equality. For example, I believe in progressive taxation and workers' rights, which could be construed as limiting the freedoms of the rich in order to benefit the poor.
By equality I don't mean that everyone should be the same. People should have the freedom to strive for a better life, to achieve whatever status they desire and to surround themselves with material possessions if they so wish. But I do believe that it's offensive for people to be rich in a society in which children are going hungry or living in overcrowded accommodation. I think that everyone should have the opportunity to work to support their family.
I don't believe in maintaining the status quo, but in closing the gap between rich and poor by redistributing wealth through taxation, education and welfare. I believe that a person's ability to succeed in life is limited by much more than just their own actions, and that it's the responsibility of the state to take care of those who are disadvantaged. I believe that a more equal society is better not just for the poor but for everyone.
What do you believe should be the goals of the society in which you live, and how did you come by those values?
If you want to vote in the poll, take the quiz at Political Compass and choose your result, but please elaborate in the thread as well.
Although my parents took me to chapel every Sunday, politics was even more important in our house. Both my parents were very active in the Labour Party and other left-wing organisations. They both served terms as local councillors, and my dad was branch secretary for his engineering union.
During the Miners' Strike of 1984/85 I took part in demonstrations and fundraising events. Although I was very young, I believe I understood what we were campaigning for as well as a child of that age could. With this upbringing, it's not surprising that I inherited very left-wing opinions. However, as I did with my religious upbringing, I subjected these views to scrutiny, but with very different consequences. Whereas I rejected my religious upbringing, my belief in the political values instilled in me by my parents is stronger than ever.
I believe in two things: freedom and equality. I believe that it's one of the duties of the state to protect the freedoms of its citizens. People to should be allowed to think and say whatever they wish, and their freedom to act should be limited only when it endangers the safety of others.
However, I feel strongly that equality is a more desirable goal for our society than unbridled freedom. I believe that it's right to curtail people's freedoms in some limited respects in order to achieve a greater measure of equality. For example, I believe in progressive taxation and workers' rights, which could be construed as limiting the freedoms of the rich in order to benefit the poor.
By equality I don't mean that everyone should be the same. People should have the freedom to strive for a better life, to achieve whatever status they desire and to surround themselves with material possessions if they so wish. But I do believe that it's offensive for people to be rich in a society in which children are going hungry or living in overcrowded accommodation. I think that everyone should have the opportunity to work to support their family.
I don't believe in maintaining the status quo, but in closing the gap between rich and poor by redistributing wealth through taxation, education and welfare. I believe that a person's ability to succeed in life is limited by much more than just their own actions, and that it's the responsibility of the state to take care of those who are disadvantaged. I believe that a more equal society is better not just for the poor but for everyone.
What do you believe should be the goals of the society in which you live, and how did you come by those values?
I still think all politically related questions should have two boxes. "Let me think about it." and "I don't care because it doesn't effect me."
