"Left" vs "Right": Getting to know one another better politically

[Evie]

Here in Canada the liberal left is supposedly represented by the Liberals. The conservative centre/centre-right is represented by the Conservatives.

I honestly don't know that I'd call the Liberals the left in Canada. By American standards, sure, but American standards are skewed in that regard. By Canadian standards they're mostly Center-to-Center-Left. Likewise I'd argue that while the old progessive conservative were very much center to center-right, they've veered to a more center-right-to-right position after being absorbed by the (solidly right) Reform party.

Besides which I don't think you can really discuss Canadian political positioning without mentioning the New Dems (who really are the Left-wing party).

 

[warpus]

Yeah, that's why I said "supposedly". That's how your average Canadian voter would describe who represents the left and who represents the right in Canadian federal politics. They sort of self-identify as such, so people go with it.

 

[Narz]

I believe in Mother Earth.

Legalize drugs but fine people heavily for not cleaning their plate at the restaurant (double if its an animal that died in vain). Tax the crap out of gasoline & make policitians accountable & attending local political meetings mandatory. If approval rating drops below 50% politician is outed. Comment field necessary to fill out so you can't just say you don't like the guy cause his nose looks funny.

 

[Terxpahseyton]

fine people heavily for not cleaning their plate

Now you sound like my grand mother

 

[cybrxkhan]

I do like Prossack's stance. Ideally would something like a "raging moderate" as Al Gore called himself in his early days, though I interpret that as someone who sees the advantages and disadvantages of "left" and "right" (whatever that means) and would try to argue both and try to come to some sort of compromise. But practically speaking I'm more center-left in the sense that though my positions are mainly left I'm not really that enthusiastic about them or really care about debating them with other people and I love compromise. I'm a relatively strong supporter for environmental regulations, strong enough support for gay rights I guess (my gay cousin says I'm like one of those straight guys who doesn't think about it much but when asked will support), against death penalty, increased education on Asian-American issues... eh, I'm not really passionate on a lot of things.

I guess I feel like I'm the inverse of Goldwater's famous quote: I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no virtue! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no vice!

fine people heavily for not cleaning their plate at the restaurant (double if its an animal that died in vain)

NARZ FOR PRESIDENT

Y'know how all little kids don't want to finish their food or whatever - well, when I was a kid, a teacher made me throw away some food because I didn't finish it quickly enough and lunch was over. I started bawling my eyes out and my teacher was freaking out because she didn't know WTH was going on.

 

[Narz]

Now you sound like my grand mother

:grannyhifive:

I do like Prossack's stance. Ideally would something like a "raging moderate" as Al Gore called himself in his early days, though I interpret that as someone who sees the advantages and disadvantages of "left" and "right" (whatever that means) and would try to argue both and try to come to some sort of compromise.

So you're a uptopian.

NARZ FOR PRESIDENT

I'd prefer benevolent dictator but ok.

 

[Flying Pig]

Y'know how all little kids don't want to finish their food or whatever - well, when I was a kid, a teacher made me throw away some food because I didn't finish it quickly enough and lunch was over. I started bawling my eyes out and my teacher was freaking out because she didn't know WTH was going on.

It's quite common for soldiers under training to be told that they have ten minutes or however many for breakfast, only for the platoon sergeant and their corporals to burst in after five shouting 'everybody out!' After a few days of that they learn to eat quickly!