[The Jason]

I'm a dual citizen, French and American. I tend to vote on the right in France, and on the left in the US. Left in one country does not mean left in another. I don't like extremes, which is why I don't like the Republican party in the US (would be considered a far far far right party in France), and don't like the NPA and FN in France (far left and far right crazies). If you're a sane conservative, I don't have a problem with that. Unfortunately, sane conservatives don't exist in the US anymore (talking about political parties here, not individuals), and they're needed for debate. The Democrat party still has good candidates, but what happens when we get the equivalent of Tea Party crazies taking over that party as well? We need an alternative, and right now there isn't one.

Yeah, the conservative party in america is bat shit insane, they will stick to their bullshit talking points even if shown to be patently false (obama's a muslin, Kenyan, communist, anti-Christ). This is why Neogaf leans left, not because conservatism is wrong, but rather because PoliNeoGaf has maintained its sanity.

[FairyD]

I have those special shoes like MJ In smooth criminal. I can lean in any direction i want.

[Troll]

Honestly, it's because Centralist is even considered "left" now a days.

[Metrotab]

Unfortunately there is a racist party who was in coalition in previous government in Denmark. I would say that they are racist but they are not fiscal conservatives.

Are they social conservatives? Racist parties here actually tend to aim for the socially progressive image in order to legitimize extreme Islamophobia.

[ATF487]

Fiscally liberal has generally fallen out of favor in our (assuming we're younger than 40) lifetimes, because as Milton Friedman put it -- attributing to Nixon -- "We're all Keynesians now, [yet] nobody is a Keynesian."

Aren't we all Minksy'ites now?

[homerule]

.

[Rorschach]

I blame Urop.

PS: people who use "This!" tend to be douchebags quoting some terrible post.

[Computer]

So wait. What do you think of Sarah Palin?

I consider myself a (Rothbardian) libertarian. The fact my avatar is Sarah Palin has less to do with her political opinions than her looks.

[Deified Data]

If this is the case, then do liberals by default support the stance of the government being able to kill U.S. citizens without trial just because they vote for Obama in this upcoming election? Marijuana raids? Expansion of gun rights? There is no wiggling room out of that; if one votes for Obama, he or she by default supports these policies.

Yes, those who voted for Obama are responsible for that policy by proxy, IMO.

The only winning vote is not voting at all.

I consider myself a libertarian. The fact my avatar is Sarah Palin has less to do with her political opinions than her looks.

So is your theme MILFs in politics?

[Jackben]

Yes, those who voted for Obama are responsible for government being able to kill U.S. citizens without trial.

Stay classy, Deified.

Centralist is considered "left" now.

Interesting name.

[Mr. B Natural]

The internet is doing the exact opposite that it was designed to do. That's why.

Like minded people are huddling in smaller and smaller circles and weeding out those that might make them rethink or reconsider their subculture. You can see this happening exponentially now that forums like these are being split even more thanks to official fanbase forums.

Instead of talking to people, we are talking to ourselves. Err..typing. Whatever.

[Dinosaur Tamer]

I think the first reply already nailed it. Also, if you read through political discussions on GAF that are a few weeks old, it's always the "right wing" posters who got themselves banned in the meantime.

[Lactose_Intolerant]

Social Conservatives hijacked the Republican party and have converted the party in a bad joke, that is almost impossible to defend.

This is the true answer.

[QuiteWhittle]

Honestly, it's because Centralist is even considered "left" now a days.

Yeah. I'm a registered Independent, but only because I hate ascribing myself to any particular ideaology, and sometimes I just want to vote for someone a little more left or a little more right on certain issues. Independents who clamor for an "major all around middle ground" party puzzle me, because we already have one.

[kitch9]

Most people are centrally minded with slight leans one way or another depending on their current situation. This can get magnified in times of hardshit, as people tend to think they are the ones with all the answers and the politicians are dumbasses as if it was that easy.

The vast majority of people in the UK for instance would not be without the NHS, but most hate the fact some workshy in our society pop as many kids out as they can to be able to be provided with the best houses and benefits by the state.

[ggnoobIGN]

Conservatives tend to be happier people. I think a lot just ignore the political yelling because they are content. My anecdotal evidence suggests the same. If only we could see it on the grand scale.

[Mondriaan]

Yes, those who voted for Obama are responsible for that policy by proxy, IMO. The only winning vote is not voting at all.

Deferring to the people who end up voting for the winner makes you their accomplice/accessory by default, thus responsible by proxy.

[Sneds]

Aren't we all Minksy'ites now?

We're all Thatcherites now. And Thatcher, along with Reagan, was influenced by Milton Friedman.

[Computer]

So is your theme MILFs in politics?

Since I got funny remarks about my Merkel avatar, I did think I could stick to some kind of theme and I haven't got bored of it so far.

By the way, not being American is another good reason not to participate in US Politics thread.

[The Albatross]

The internet is doing the exact opposite that it was designed to do. That's why. Like minded people are huddling in smaller and smaller circles and weeding out those that might make them rethink or reconsider their subculture. You can see this happening exponentially now that forums like these are being split even more thanks to official fanbase forums. Instead of talking to people, we are talking to ourselves. Err..typing. Whatever.

This is a very good explanation.

[Phoenician_Viking]

Are they social conservatives? Racist parties here actually tend to aim for the socially progressive image in order to legitimize extreme Islamophobia.

No. They want an expanded pension/retirement for the elderly, because they represent most of their demographics. And they don´t want to cut healthcare. They are not anti gay. I am not sure if the majority is religious but i highly doubt it.. They wanted to cut a lot of the aid to the UN because they think that Denmark pays too much and they don´t want to use money to help foreigners. They even want Denmark to get out of the EU. They say that in 50 years Denmark will become a Muslim country and will be under sharia law. Fear tactic worked 2 elections ago unfortunately.

[Socreges]

Age, education, and people on the margins of society.

The internet is doing the exact opposite that it was designed to do. That's why. Like minded people are huddling in smaller and smaller circles and weeding out those that might make them rethink or reconsider their subculture. You can see this happening exponentially now that forums like these are being split even more thanks to official fanbase forums. Instead of talking to people, we are talking to ourselves. Err..typing. Whatever.

Ten years ago, nascent forum communities were much more divisive, possibly since the average forum-goer was much younger. Fanbase forums have always existed and might have actually been more common (proportionately) in the past.

[GCX]

The internet is doing the exact opposite that it was designed to do. That's why. Like minded people are huddling in smaller and smaller circles and weeding out those that might make them rethink or reconsider their subculture. You can see this happening exponentially now that forums like these are being split even more thanks to official fanbase forums. Instead of talking to people, we are talking to ourselves. Err..typing. Whatever.

Internet forums rarely result any great debates on real issues because people can shout whatever they want anonomously. That can get tiresome really fast so people just gather around likeminded people on sites where every second post doesn't make them angry.

[saltinekracka]

No. People are stereotyping racists and misogynists as conservatives. A slight difference, but an important one. No one is saying all conservatives are hateful, but all hateful people seem to be conservatives. See the difference?

Do I really need to keep going?

[Deified Data]

Conservatives tend to be happier people. I think a lot just ignore the political yelling because they are content. My anecdotal evidence suggests the same. If only we could see it on the grand scale.

It's true.

Though my own anecdotal evidence suggests the opposite, as I've never met a happy conservative (and I know many).

Deferring to the people who end up voting for the winner makes you their accomplice/accessory by default, thus responsible by proxy.

Yep. Though I'd rather take a passive role in such ugly business than an active one.

[thabiz]

I would like to believe that the majority of people are realists. As in, no matter who i choose im getting fucked.

Dollar, dollar bills, y'all

[Enosh]

There's no left in American politics.

you know, just for once I'd like to see some actual article or some shit proving this

Overall, I think Poligaf is actually pretty welcoming to people of many views

I really wonder if you could have typed this with a straight face ^^

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Conservatives tend to be happier people. I think a lot just ignore the political yelling because they are content. My anecdotal evidence suggests the same. If only we could see it on the grand scale.

Oh, what did Marx say? "Religion is the opium of the people"

[Jackben]

It's true. Though I've never met a happy conservative, and I know many. That's just anecdotal.

You forgot the part that talks about how extremists are the happiest of all according to the data. Obviously you're going to be happy if you believe everything touted by fundamentalist and extremist viewpoints.

"The truth? The truth is miserable. Vote Republican!"

[OriginofHysteria]

When I registered to vote I put myself down as a Republican. But that doesn't mean that I agree with all the views of the Republican party and I am also not a racist, bigot or thrive on hatred like liberals like to portray people on that side. There have been mentions throughout the thread of being economically conservative and socially liberal (though I do tend to have social views that are conservative) and that's what I am. To me, the most important part of my vote is/was going to be more economically driven than it is socially.

[Orpheus]

Moderation policies and reactionary banning. There was a poster who leaned right that I disagreed with. He got banned for expressing his opinion in a thread. Even though I disagreed with him, I posted about how he was banned for just expressing his opinion, and then I got banned for backseat moderating.

So I've seen a lot of people say that kind of thing occurres here, can anyone provide a link to an example of when it happened? I don't remember it, but if it does happen I'd like to know.

[thabiz]

you know, just for once I'd like to see some actual article or some shit proving this

Obama isnt a capitalist? He just did it with a smile on his face.

[SonicMegaDrive]

People who use computers a lot tend to lean left in politics.

Just sayin'.

[Deified Data]

You forgot the part that talks about how extremists are the happiest of all according to the data. Obviously you're going to be happy if you believe everything touted by fundamentalist and extremist viewpoints. "The truth? The truth is miserable. Vote Republican!"

Never said otherwise. Conservatives are happier because they're generally more removed from reality.

Though the *with kids* caveat is odd. Studies show that childless couples are significantly happier than their counterparts.

[QuiteWhittle]

you know, just for once I'd like to see some actual article or some shit proving this

You know, you could just research yourself. Compare different major parties across Canada, Oceania, and Europe with those in the US with a 3D political spectrum or something. You don't need some pundit or "expert" to tell you that.

[ATF487]

We're all Thatcherites now. And Thatcher, along with Reagan, was influenced by Milton Friedman.

This was said in 2002, where it would have made some sense. It's a bit silly now though, post financial crisis

[thabiz]

People who use computers a lot tend to lean left in politics. Just sayin'.

Because we use the tools at our hands to get the full story. Research all angles. Decide for YOURSELF.

[SonicMegaDrive]

Because we use the tools at our hands to get the full story. Research all angles. Decide for YOURSELF.

Well said

[Jackben]

It's actually a shame things have become so powerfully oppositional in our political system. There is literally a constant "enemy among us" mentality in our own country when it comes to politics. I honestly doubt that politicians personally give a shit which party they are for at the highest level of power.

The reality is both sides feed off the ferver created in support and opposition of each other and benefit from the country continuing to buy into a two-party system.

RED VS BLU. Which side are you on?!

[The Jason]

The internet is doing the exact opposite that it was designed to do. That's why. Like minded people are huddling in smaller and smaller circles and weeding out those that might make them rethink or reconsider their subculture. You can see this happening exponentially now that forums like these are being split even more thanks to official fanbase forums. Instead of talking to people, we are talking to ourselves. Err..typing. Whatever.

This is why GAF is left leaning? Or why the conservative party is completely irrational? This is a forum, if anything, it helps to hear the opinion of people from all over the world, on an open forum. I don't get what you are saying here. This thread is not closed to people who think differently.

[Dr.Acula]

you know, just for once I'd like to see some actual article or some shit proving this

Take the US Democratic platform, and compare it to the platforms of G20 "Centrist" parties, and see how far you get before the Democratic platform fails.

[maharg]

I think people also tend to forget that you can be fiscally conservative and socially liberal or socially moderate. People that are fiscally conservative will often fall under the rep's and get the same ridicule as those who are socially conservative which isn't a fair game to play. We get too black and white with our politics in America. Its always a us or them battle instead of the many shades of gray it really is.

There is a fiscally centre-right, socially left party in the US.

It's called the Democrats.

[OriginofHysteria]

It's actually a shame things have become so powerfully oppositional in our political system. There is literally a constant "enemy among us" mentality in our own country when it comes to politics. I honestly doubt that politicians personally give a shit which party they are for at the highest level of power. The reality is both sides feed off the ferver created in support and opposition of each other and benefit from the country continuing to buy into a two-party system. RED VS BLU. Which side are you on?!

They'll side for whatever wins them votes :p

[Reuenthal]

Neogaf is the forum most on the left on politics I am a member off and all major american forums I am a member of the majority dislikes republicans. Are those people more educated on politics here than elsewhere? I would say no.

Although I wonder how the political discussions and neogaf will appear with more posters of different views posting, mostly on economics. The ones who post create the impressions unfortunately and of course they can also put very significant pressure, bully and verbally abuse those with different opinions.

[thabiz]

Take the US Democratic platform, and compare it to the platforms of G20 "Centrist" parties, and see how far you get before the Democratic platform fails.

Truth

When your country is faith based (not an insult, just truth. No offense) you tend to fall on the side you were raised on.

Take a look at Canada. We actually have left or left central parties.

[~Devil Trigger~]

Diversity and Liberalism usually go together

GAF is a pretty diverse community.

[Freezie KO]

This is a forum, if anything, it helps to hear the opinion of people from all over the world, on an open forum.

What about GAF would you describe as "open"?

[Bitmap Frogs]

It's already been said but present day GOP pretty much qualified as ultra right pseudo fascist from an European perspective.

[The Jason]

What about GAF would you describe as "open"?

Are there any threads just for liberals? Where any non-liberal ideas are removed immediatly? It's open.

[Jado]

This. Sadly. It seems like it is allowable to reply with a snarky, completely useless post as long as it leans left. I made a snarky reply that leaned right and admittedly was useless and I got a week ban. Since then I've seen dozens of similar posts that were nothing but troll useless (heck some are in this thread) but if it leans left it escapes the "replies must be useful" ban. Not bitter! <3 gaf

Agreed, I've noticed this as well.

As I've gotten older, it has become more and more apparent how ridiculously left-leaning GAF actually is, to the point that the people who think they're so enlightened and open-minded actually aren't. Some of the things coming out of the "mouths" of left-leaning posters are nearly as bad and close-minded as anything a conservative could say. Some of the folks here are so young, short-sighted, and limited in their experiences and views, yet think they have it all figured out. "I'm liberal, I'm educated, I'm SO smart!" Yeah, sure.