New Feature - Displaying Political Ideology in Profile

[CGP]

I think when reading posts it helps to have some idea of the framework from within which a person is expressing their views. As such, I have added the option of each member being able to add their political ideology to their profile. This will then show up in your member info in each posting. The options are:

Liberal Democrat
Moderate Democrat
Moderate Republican
Conservative Republican
Independent
Libertarian
None of Your Business
Write in Your Own

TO ADD THIS INFO:

1) Go to "user cp" (top line of forum, see left side)

2) See left menu and go to "edit your details"

3) See "required registration info" and make selection from drop down menu or write in your own

4) Save it

[Jobu86]

Don't know if it's just an option. Wouldn't let me get to the forum until I filled it in, heh.

[CGP]

Don't know if it's just an option. Wouldn't let me get to the forum until I filled it in, heh.

Oh well, maybe that's a good thing!!! :p

[SoCal4Hillary]

I think when reading posts it helps to have some idea of the framework from within which a person is expressing their views. As such, I have added the option of each member being able to add their political ideology to their profile. This will then show up in your member info in each posting. The options are:

Liberal Democrat
Moderate Democrat
Moderate Republican
Conservative Republican
Independent
Libertarian
None of Your Business
Write in Your Own

TO ADD THIS INFO:

1) Go to "user cp" (top line of forum, see left side)

2) See left menu and go to "edit your details"

3) See "required registration info" and make selection from drop down menu or write in your own

4) Save it

I don't think it should be mandatory (yes, I know there's a "none of your business" choice, but I still don't think it should be mandatory).

Also, you left out a VERY important choice for those of us who fled the [un]Democratic party as a result of their shenanigans last year: Former Democrat.

[CGP]

I don't think it should be mandatory (yes, I know there's a "none of your business" choice, but I still don't think it should be mandatory).

Also, you left out a VERY important choice for those of us who fled the [un]Democratic party as a result of their shenanigans last year: Former Democrat.

I wasn't sure what the options meant, so I am working them out.

You can write in whatever you want - that's the last option.

[Mallory]

I don't think it should be mandatory (yes, I know there's a "none of your business" choice, but I still don't think it should be mandatory).

Also, you left out a VERY important choice for those of us who fled the [un]Democratic party as a result of their shenanigans last year: Former Democrat.

You can fill in your own category as well. I finally settled on conservative Democrat. I'm not really sure there IS such a thing, but I don't know what else to call myself. Blue Dog? Conservative Independent? I didn't feel like Independent was the right term... I have definite opinions and I'm not undecided about anything.:rolleyes:

[CGP]

You can fill in your own category as well. I finally settled on conservative Democrat. I'm not really sure there IS such a thing, but I don't know what else to call myself. Blue Dog? Conservative Independent? I didn't feel like Independent was the right term... I have definite opinions and I'm not undecided about anything.:rolleyes:

And you can always change to whatever else you think fits you best at a given point in time.

[VotingHillary]

Chose to use my own description.

[CGP]

So with the current setting did it force you to answer the ideology question before you could return to the main forum?

[CGP]

I like it!

Like a new toy!

[JustMom]

I have always thought of myself as a Conservative, and in some ways I am. But not so much Republican. Tonight I didt he Political Profile Quiz on OnTheIssues.org and it says I am a Moderate Populist Conservative.

[CGP]

I have always thought of myself as a Conservative, and in some ways I am. But not so much Republican. Tonight I didt he Political Profile Quiz on OnTheIssues.org and it says I am a Moderate Populist Conservative.

What you describe as the general defining features of "moderate populist conservatism" ?

[hillary4change]

I have called myself an Independent before, but that is not totally correct. Like Mallory said, I am not undecided about anything and I have very real opinions about things.

I have a hard time boxing myself in now. Being affiliated with any group automatically puts you in a box, and people file you in a category that they have for which ever political party you associate with. I dont fit any group anymore.

I have to say I like it that way. I feel much more free. I can bitch about either party now with out reservation!! :cool::D:p

[CGP]

I have to say I like it that way. I feel much more free. I can bitch about either party now with out reservation!! :cool::D:p

I definitely understand that.

I think also it's possible to identify with the broader goals of a party and yet still feel free to criticize the people that claim to represent that party.

For me the gay marriage issue has really reminded me of where I need to be politically for that particular goal to be achieved.

[CGP]

This feature will help me to get to know people a little better, and to understand where they are coming from.

I hope it helps others as well.

[Tim4Hillary]

I think it's good you add things like this Murray. And the options given covers everything as anyone can write in what they want.

[foxyladi]

Don't know if it's just an option. Wouldn't let me get to the forum until I filled it in, heh.

me either:rotfl:

[JustMom]

What you describe as the general defining features of "moderate populist conservatism" ?

Actually I have NO idea. Let's see.

I believe the Government should ....

Have no role in marriage at all. Unions should be by contract mutually agreed by parties involved. They would be legal documents bound by contract law. (How we were married.) They could be between family members to protect inheritance rights as far as I am concerned.

Stay out of people's personal lives, unless there is injury to another person or property.

Abide by their Constitutional responsibilities and no more.

Be as small as possible and as local as possible.

Make as few laws as possible.

Protect life at all ages and stages. This includes being Pro-life, anti-draft and unnecessary war, and right to defend oneself.

-------
I don't really see a category to fit into? Maybe a Liberatarian Constitutionalist?

[greenleaf]

CGP wrote: For me the gay marriage issue has really reminded me of where I need to be politically for that particular goal to be achieved.

It was the misogynistic tactics that Obama and the DNC used, encouraged, and condoned in the service of his/their ambition that made me realize that I needed to change party affiliation.
Count me as a former Democrat.

[Mallory]

I'm finding this new feature fascinating. As I read posts I look at what people think is their "political identity" and it's pretty amazing at (1) how many people either refuse to admit where they REALLY are as far as political beliefs or (2) don't know where they REALLY are (as in, "I didn't leave the party, it left me") or (3) are trying to HIDE who they really are. ;)

[CGP]

I think it's a useful feature and provides context for some of the more heated discussions.

[eyedoc333]

I think it's a useful feature and provides context for some of the more heated discussions.

It is interesting to see where people are coming from. And I'm glad that there is the option to write anything for those who don't fit in a neat little box.

[blueskygal]

I definitely understand that.

I think also it's possible to identify with the broader goals of a party and yet still feel free to criticize the people that claim to represent that party.



Yes Murray i totally agree with this. I have morphed during last year's primary and election from a moderate to conservative dem to a conservative repub. i do believe in conservative principles but do totally disagree with some of the mouthpieces of the conservatives that pervert them and use them for political gain i.e. GWB and others. i also totally disagree with the extremeists in either party that have hijacked their parties principles and subverted them for personal gain and power.

i remembering listening to a speech of nixon's years ago and being shocked at how DEMOCRATIC is sounded. the political waters have become muddied with opportunists and con men (and women).

i really appreciate seeing where people are coming from in the discussions with this new feature.

[CGP]

I really want to put "independent" beside my name, but it seems most of my views/ideas fall into the "liberal democrat" category so I will stick with that for now. I do, however, like the idea of being "neutral" and I think being an "independent" helps with that.

I think it's also the case, however, that some people (generally, in society, not in this forum per se) masquarade as being "independent" when they are clearly for one side or the other.

Maybe it all gets down to personality and personal identity and what political labels one feels comfortable with.

[Suzan]

I'm not sure being an independent helps you to be neutral. I've never been anything but a registered independent and I've voted both parties over the years, but I'm certainly not neutral on most issues. I lean toward being conservative when it comes to government, taxes, fiscal issues, and this is probably because I'm pragmatic by nature and don't see government as particularly efficient or effective, but I'm liberal and always have been on social issues. This makes it really difficult for me to pick a party, but it doesn't make me neutral.

Really, what I want in a president is the best qualities of both parties. And now that I think about it ... that would be HILLARY!!!

[CGP]

I'm not sure being an independent helps you to be neutral.

I think perhaps it helps with regards to how others perceive and interpret what you say. If someone doesn't think you have an obvious bent, they may be more open to hearing what you have to say.

[Mallory]

I came to realize that I was no longer a conservative Democrat, but a Republican. I just find fewer and fewer things that I can identify with in the Democrat party. I still support Hillary Clinton but I'm having real issues with the rest of it.

The only liberal views I have left are that I don't like guns, don't know why anyone wants one (but that said, I don't have a need to take guns away, either... it is a constitutional right as far as I can tell)... and the other liberal view I have is that I am very, very involved in animal welfare. I think anyone who hurts an animal is a piece of garbage and ought to be treated that way. I 'm pretty much "live and let live" but I believe that Americans ought to have some rights in our own country... and I see that changing every day. If I wanted to live in a third world country I'd move to Belize. I don't like seeing Phoenix change into one right before my eyes, thanks to all the illegals.

I believe in personal responsibility, but I also believe in compassion for your fellow man. Everyone needs a hand up sometime... it's the people who want a hand up ALL the time that get on my nerves. I don't OWE my neighbor anything... if I want to help him out.. that should be my business, not the governments business to take what's mine and give it to him. I prefer CHARITABLE giving to the government taking.

One of the reasons I came back to this forum was because of all the wonderful people that I met here last fall. I was hoping for a good dose of healthy optomism. Not Obama Mania... HEALTHY optomism based in reality and fact. Unfortunately, I've found some things that I really, really, really dislike and am not enjoying at all. I've found the ugly side of liberalism where it's all about the rights of an individual group/cause... and everyone else be damned. I know I'm not explaining this right, so I want to give a related example.

Years ago there was a big strike at the Hormel plant in southern Minnesota. Everyone in the news media got behind these poor abused Hormel workers and there were marches and protests and you name it. Celebreties got involved (Willie Nelson comes to mind). But the TRUTH was this.... Hormel workers were very pro-union, but only when it came to P-9... THEIR union. What the press never learned, or never exposed if it did, was that P-9 guys had NO PROBLEM busting someone else's union. My dad had been a home builder in that community years before. He finally left town because Hormels had such great work rules that guys would only work half days and collect full days pay... they were making $9 an hour in 1962... he was having a very hard time paying his carpenters and electricians to keep up with that. The real problem was that the P-9 guys would moonlight as plumbers or electricians or carpenters when they were off the clock at Hormels for $3-$4 an hour. They put other businesses out of business. By 1963 the town was pretty well dried up, except for Hormels... there was no other work left. That was the point where graduates left down and didn't go back.

The ultra left liberals here remind me of P-9. They're only for fairness and equality (unions)when it's their cause(union).

[CGP]

Mallory - we many not agree on most issues, but it's interesting to read your personal account above. It's always interesting to know the details behind people's viewpoints, regardless of what those are as that helps with providing background context.

[Suzan]

Mallory, I agree with Murray. IMO, you bring a lot to this forum with your POV. Your posts are always passionate and persuasive, even when I don't necessarily agree with them--and more importantly, we want and need all points of view here. Our discussions wouldn't be nearly as interesting without you, so please hang in.

Also, I particularly like that you ARE open minded in many areas that surprise me. Please don't take that wrong. It's meant as a compliment. You have a wide range in how you view things. Just when I think you're going to react as a "stereotypically rigid" conservative, you'll express a willingness to consider an issue or even look at it in ways that hadn't occurred to me. I guess my point is that as strong as your opinions are, you don't appear to be entrenched, and as a fellow poster, I really appreciate that.

[Suzan]

I think perhaps it helps with regards to how others perceive and interpret what you say. If someone doesn't think you have an obvious bent, they may be more open to hearing what you have to say.
Okay, yes, that makes sense.

[Laura Cereta]

I'm about to go change mine to be a little more specific since technically, I'm not registered as "unaffiliated," I just feel unaffiliated.

[CGP]

I'm about to go change mine to be a little more specific since technically, I'm not registered as "unaffiliated," I just feel unaffiliated.

I think it's definitely something which can change over time, that's why I think it's important that on the forum peole have the option of amending it or wording it more specifically to their particular circumstances.

[Laura Cereta]

I believe in personal responsibility, but I also believe in compassion for your fellow man. Everyone needs a hand up sometime... it's the people who want a hand up ALL the time that get on my nerves. I don't OWE my neighbor anything... if I want to help him out.. that should be my business, not the governments business to take what's mine and give it to him. I prefer CHARITABLE giving to the government taking.


Bingo! And in my opinion, the far left ignores almost all aspects of personal responsibility, while the far right displays little compassion for their fellow man. This is where I find myself stuck... I don't see enough leaders in either party who are able or willing to stake out that middle ground.

[CGP]

Bumping.

[sojourner]

IMO, if you support your argument with facts and sound reasoning it shouldn’t make any difference what your ideology is.

But I check out the ideology of posters and I am often surprised at their posts, so I think posting one’s ideology is a good idea because we will have an idea where they are coming from and maybe we will find we agree more than we think.

I originally posted my ideology as decline-to-state because that was how I registered to vote in California. I am going to change it but can’t decide what to choose. Independent fits but it doesn’t give any more information than decline-to-state. Libertarian would be better. Constitutionalist would be good but it is too narrow. Capitalist is good but a little misleading since I think there is a role for government in the economy. I have always thought of myself as a conservative but more in the traditional sense than the political one. Guess I will go with that, either I will confirm everyone’s stereotype of a conservative or convince you that we have more in common than you thought we did. Might be interesting.

[foxyladi]

I have always thought of myself as a Conservative, and in some ways I am. But not so much Republican. Tonight I didt he Political Profile Quiz on OnTheIssues.org and it says I am a Moderate Populist Conservative.

me too..

[Laura Cereta]

I think it's good you add things like this Murray. And the options given covers everything as anyone can write in what they want.

I agree and I like your "Ideology," Tim4Hillary.

[foxyladi]

bumpty bump

[CGP]

IMO, if you support your argument with facts and sound reasoning it shouldn’t make any difference what your ideology is.

But I check out the ideology of posters and I am often surprised at their posts, so I think posting one’s ideology is a good idea because we will have an idea where they are coming from and maybe we will find we agree more than we think.

I originally posted my ideology as decline-to-state because that was how I registered to vote in California. I am going to change it but can’t decide what to choose. Independent fits but it doesn’t give any more information than decline-to-state. Libertarian would be better. Constitutionalist would be good but it is too narrow. Capitalist is good but a little misleading since I think there is a role for government in the economy. I have always thought of myself as a conservative but more in the traditional sense than the political one. Guess I will go with that, either I will confirm everyone’s stereotype of a conservative or convince you that we have more in common than you thought we did. Might be interesting.

Good points.

And I think "conservative independent" is a good fit based on what you posted in this forum. You definitely don't come across as favoring any particular party, but my interpretation of your posts/opinions is that they often have a conservative bent.

[CGP]

I agree and I like your "Ideology," Tim4Hillary.

Tim is M.I.A. :(

[foxyladi]

I'm about to go change mine to be a little more specific since technically, I'm not registered as "unaffiliated," I just feel unaffiliated.

i changed mine it,s more in line with my views.:thumbsup:

[CGP]

i changed mine it,s more in line with my views.:thumbsup:

I think "independent" is a more accurate reflection of your posts, yes! :thumbsup:

[foxyladi]

bumping up