[dish]

all this "left and right" talk is strange when used to describe political and social affiliation, I am stuck with the association of brain function, left being the logical, right being artistic, but when these directions are stolen to represent poli/social orientation they are reversed, the "Right" seems conservative, and conservatism hinders artistic endeavor, but the "Left" are more loose and not very logical in the mathematic, rigid sense.
it is said that the learning and thinking process is enhanced when both sides of the brain participate in a balanced manner, I wonder if this applies to this strange affiliation game? or would you think that would be reversed too?

[pyritechips]

I believe that the "left" and "right" designations in politics come from the fact that long ago, the conservatives sat to the right of the throne whereas the progressives sat to the left. Any association with brain function is completely coincedental (then again it is believed by some that any brain function in politicians is completely coincedental!).

It was mentioned in another thread that in the U.S. "liberal" has become almost synonomous with "socialist". I think that is just a reflection of the deep polarity of American politics, a result of a most curious and rare situation wherein there are only two political parties. This instills in the American mind a dichotomy, a "with us or against us" mindset that was also proclaimed by the President last year and so angered the people of other nations that have a multi-party system and do not understand the dualistic nature of American politics or society.

[GoneForNow]

It was mentioned in another thread that in the U.S. "liberal" has become almost synonomous with "socialist". I think that is just a reflection of the deep polarity of American politics, a result of a most curious and rare situation wherein there are only two political parties. This instills in the American mind a dichotomy, a "with us or against us" mindset that was also proclaimed by the President last year and so angered the people of other nations that have a multi-party system and do not understand the dualistic nature of American politics or society.

PC..............(Hi BTW), I'm going to disagree with you here. I suspect without having a formal proof that most Americans do not associate "liberal" with "socialism" nor "conservative" with "fascism". Now having said that, there are times when politicians promote ideas which could fall within either extreme political system. Further, there are more then two political parties in the US, however, I acknowledge that the other parties do not generate anywhere as near the support of the two main parties.

[dish]

i associate conservative with facist, aren't they the ones always trying to outlaw "immoral" practices? what about "Civil" liberties?
thats my association, that and it makes me think, just what are they conserving? and what for?

[John Burns]

Dish - the Democrats are more fiscally conservative than the Republicans now - look at the deficit - figure that one out. And the Republicans who always wanted Big Brother out of their affairs now have the right to search without warrants, and are considering a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit Gay marriage - rather than let the states handle it. Go figure - who knows what is left or right - liberal or conservative in this great country U S of A!

[GoneForNow]

Originally posted by John Burns:
Dish - the Democrats are more fiscally conservative than the Republicans now - look at the deficit - figure that one out. And the Republicans who always wanted Big Brother out of their affairs now have the right to search without warrants, and are considering a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit Gay marriage - rather than let the states handle it. Go figure - who knows what is left or right - liberal or conservative in this great country U S of A!

I think the confusion may be assuming that Democrat equals liberal and Republican equals conservative. Surely you are aware that there are very conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans. Identifying politicians by their party doesn't tell you anything about their (general) political beliefs.

[pyritechips]

Hello gb; good to read you again!

Sometimes I assume people know what I'm talking about (Hell, sometimes I assume I know what I'm talking about). I should have qualified my statement. Since I do not travel to the States my sould contact with them (excluding the one-way medium of TV) is here in TSG and other forums. It is here in Random that I have seen references of liberal being equated to socialist. I have myself even been called a socialist. But that's neither here nor there. Sticks and stones...

[GoneForNow]

Back at you PC..............We have one self-admitted socialist here (nothing negative to be read in that statement), DN, (and I suspect AlbertB , just kidding). If you care, look up the true meaning of liberal and you will find that it does not equate at all with the socialist philosophy. Two completely different schools of political thought really.

[gotrootdude]

As a independant radical constitutionalist, I have never figured out the left and right thing. It seems nowadays, most republicans take stand on democratic ideas and vice versa. The lines aren't well drawn. As a constitutionalist, at least I know what side I stand on. The only thing that bothers me about my position is that there are a awful lot of militarism followed by constitutionallist. Although I strongly believe in the right to bare arms, and the non-involvement of government, I believe most ends can be achieved peacefully.

I always thought republicans were supposed to take a hands off approch to business, while democratics stongly took a interest in redistribution of wealth (ie. increased welfare). Time and time again, I have become disenchanted with both parties. I'm also disappointed with the present court system and judicial prejudice displayed by both. Recently a US court of appeals found that police had a right to conduct searches without a warrant in two states and a third is on the way. What happened to our constitutional rights? Where is the separation of church, state, and education. Why is the government deciding who we will marry, how are children are raised, what land we can claim ownership of (even when we have a deed)? Why all the corruptness? What happened to our integrity? Both republican and democratic parties have proven themselves traitorous to the laws this country supposedly was born from. Government, leave us alone! Don't force help on us that we don't want! Don't look over our shoulders! Get out of our schools! We are not slaves!

Just remembered, recently an person whom I have contact with was arrested for practicing law without a licence. What type of crud is that? Don't we as americans get to chose who can represent us? I guess not.

[LANMaster]

Hi Dish. Welcom to TSG.

Your absolutely correct.

It is usually the right that are less artistic and more technical and the left which are mutch more artistic and less technical.

Which is in direct opposite to the sides of the human brain and how it functions.

Much like the colors assigned to the political parties these days.
Republicans should be blue and Democrats should be red. It just makes more logical sense that way.

[oldie]

Therefore - who can disagree - that "more is better" - political party's that is At least it alleviates the polarization associated with two party political systems

Do I have a point?

Oldie

[WarC]

Yup! The two-party system blows. If I may speak frankly.

[oldie]

Originally posted by WarC:
Yup! The two-party system blows. If I may speak frankly.

Now this viewpoint gets my attention - lets hope your view is shared by many of your fellow countrymen - of your age - refreshing indeed lad

Regards - Oldie

[LANMaster]

Two party system is a natural progression of 2 opposing philosophies.

Unfortunately it means that everyone gets stuck with the extremes if whichever party is in power.

And natually the moderates of both sides are the big losers ... and the real majority.

[oldie]

Originally posted by LANMaster:
Two party system is a natural progression of 2 opposing philosophies.

Unfortunately it means that everyone gets stuck with the extremes if whichever party is in power.

And natually the moderates of both sides are the big losers ... and the real majority.

Then explain that to WarC LAN - a 17 year old who is not as yet able to vote. Ask him this. Does he see only the two extremes, and how will it affect his future reasoning when the time comes for him to vote !!!

Regards - Oldie