Which way do you swing... Poltically

[Lanny_MacDonald]

So much has been said here in the past months where certain individuals try to categorize others in their political beliefs. I thought we should see who leans what way and where they sand on certain topics. First of all please take the following quizes, then share where you stand on the following issues. I think this will help the politically ######ed learn something about themselves and politicals beliefs. Voting for or following a given party does not make you liberial or conservative. Only your beliefs make it so.

http://www.politopia.com/quiz_index.php3 (requires an e-mail address)

http://www.self-gov.org/quiz.html


Issues

Employment: What role the government should have in job creation.

Education: What role government should take in educating the population.

Drugs: What policy the government shoulod have on drug use and the war on drugs.

Health and Public Safety: What the government should be doing in regards to social risks and encouraging a lifestyle.

Health Care: What role should the government have in people's access to health care.

Lifestyle Choices: What role should the government have in people's lives in regards to what is done in their home or behind closed doors.

Social Assistance: What role the government should have in supporting those that cannopt support themselves.

Support of Business: What role government should have in business.

Freedom of Speech: What is the government's role in protecting freedom of speech.

Taxation: What is fair?

Immigration: What the government standard should be.

Foreign Policy: What the government should be doing in support of other nations.

Military: What is the perfect military?

Scientific Research: What is the government's role in Scientific Research or preventing Scientific Research.

Please participate so we can better define the political landscape.

[transplant99]

I could of answered this before i even took these "tests"...

I socially liberal and fiscally conservative. A bit of a hodgepodge per se... Pretty much a middle of the road guy...much to the chagrin of many a poster here who assumes im a whacko right winger.

So..

You are a Westerner-a civil libertarian-which means that you advocate a diminished role for the government in the personal realm. You are more or less pleased the government's role in the economic realm.


Centrist
Centrists favor selective government intervention and emphasize what they commonly describe as "practical solutions" to current problems. They tend to keep an open mind on political issues. Many centrists feel that government serves as a check on excessive liberty.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

I am described in both polls as a Libertarian, which is a very good thing IMO. Here's what I believe the solution to the posted issues are.

Employment: The government has no responsibility to create jobs that do not support the good of the nation. Outside of government, infrastructure and military, the government should not have a hand in creating employment. What the government's role is, is defining and enforcing policies that encourage business to employ people and make it extremely punitive to make profits off of terminating employees (downsizing for stock gain, layoffs during times of record profits, offshoring of jobs for quick profits, etc.). Government should try and create an environment where employers want to retain people, not terminate them. I believe that if you set up a system where a company must pay a termination tax equal to the employee's salary times the number of years service for letting an employee go without cause (theft, incompetance, etc.) it would prevent employers from over-hiring in the first place (a bad practice that still goes on) and encourage them to retain their biggest asset, their human resources.

Education: Privatization. Government's role is defining and enforcing standards and policies, and then enforcing them on the schools. Huge fines (nee taxes) on those institutions that do not maintain standards or fail to generate results that meet the standards (inclusion of suspension of charters) will lead to better run institutions that offer better education.

Drugs: Legalize them and tax the living crap out of them, just like alcohol and tobacco. Give the pub lic what they want, but in a way that is regulated. You are always going to have people that abuse things (over indulge) so you might as well have control over the substance and have revenues generated from its use that will help set up programs to treat and educate those that want to try the product.

Health and Public Safety: In general, defining and enforcing policies. Nothing more, nothing less.

Health Care: Normally I would say that defining and enforcing policies is their only role, but the system is out of control. I feel that the government must take the system back and create a national health care system. When it costs me and my employer (combined) almost seven hundred dollars a month for health insurance for myself and my wife I would say that the system is out of control. Too many people cannot afford to have even basic coverage and this leads to much hardship. The government needs to setup a system where they provide basic services for no cost (other than taxation). All other services, and electives, can be status quo, but for basic services (life maintaining and saving services) should be covered. The Alberta system is a great example of one that works.

Lifestyle Choices: The government should have zero say. What I decide to do with whom in the privacy of my own home is none of the government's business.

Social Assistance: Social Services should be a safety net. What happens should I fall? It is a temportary service, not a permanent one. I feel that those that wish to use the system should support it, through working in the social services department for their support payments in what ever capacity is required. Get people working (if physically able) even while they are on sicial services.

Support of Business: None. Businesses should not get a break because they are a business. They should pay taxes and be forced to operate under the rules in place. As harsh as that is, that's the way it should be. Businesses should not be making 20% profits off the backs of the employees and through government handouts (essentially triple dipping into the public's pockets).

Freedom of Speech: Protection of that right to the point where indescency is not crossed.

Taxation: Flat tax... across the board. Everyone, and I mean everyone, pays a flat 15% tax from their earnings. Its fair and equitable and is easy to budget from.

Immigration: As an immigrant myself I can say that the system is broken. There are too many immigrants let into the country that cannot function on their own, and too many are held out that could be contributing members of society immediately. The whole system should be over-hauled and only those that meet the minimum national standards in education (doing an SAT test would be a damn good start for people applying to the US for immigration) and ability to support themselves should be allowed access to the country. Political and hardship cases not withstanding naturally.

Foreign Policy: Worry about their own backyard and keep their nose out of other people's business. I'm not talking about isolationism, but I am talking about only responding to requests for help, not just sticking a gun in someone's face and asking how you can help.

Military: This is where job creation takes place IMO. Outside of infrastructure programs (the country could use every road resurfaced, but that's another story) the military is a place where you can educate and employ your people with benefits all around. The military should be strong and reactive. I believe that small special forces units with branch specialities is the way to go. Technology is extremely important and continual development of both human and technological resources make the a strong military.

Scientific Research: Encouraging science to strive for improvements in human life and understanding of our universe, even if it means it may go against accepted social norms (stem cell research as an example). I think the givernment should have large scale projects that are funded through grants and co-shares with industry to move research and development a head. Examples of projects like these are a) a manned mission to Mars by 2020. B) an alternative fuel source other than fossil fuels by 2020. c) a cure for cancer by 2020. etc. etc. etc. Many of the marvels that we have today were spun out of the space race. I believe that government should be pushing the people and the industry to be more inventive by giving them these grandious challenges.

Go a head, and pick these a part. As you can see I'm a real left wing wacko (I do believe that's how it was put) and want our society to work for every "responsible" individual, not just a select already priviledged few. Left wing? Nope. Pretty well center to right of center for the post part.

[Cowperson]

In the first poll, I live in Centerville. John Kerry is my neighbour.

In the second poll, I'm virtually dead centre on the chart.

Cowperson

[La Flames Fan]

I too scored Centerville, living near Mr. Kerry. On the the second, scored liberal. I love these kind of quizes....

There's a great game everyone should check out, its called the "Political Machine".....www.politicalmachine.com.....

I myself haven't played it, but anyone interested in politics (US), would love this game. You can choose to be Kerry, Bush...and also leaders and runners of the past, Nixon, Carter, Kennedy....etc.....

You run your campaign from start to finish, lining yourself with special interest groups like unions and the religious right.

[Flame Of Liberty]

Originally posted by Lanny_MacDonald@Aug 21 2004, 04:53 PM
I am described in both polls as a Libertarian, which is a very good thing IMO. Here's what I believe the solution to the posted issues are.

Employment: The government has no responsibility to create jobs that do not support the good of the nation. Outside of government, infrastructure and military, the government should not have a hand in creating employment. What the government's role is, is defining and enforcing policies that encourage business to employ people and make it extremely punitive to make profits off of terminating employees (downsizing for stock gain, layoffs during times of record profits, offshoring of jobs for quick profits, etc.). Government should try and create an environment where employers want to retain people, not terminate them. I believe that if you set up a system where a company must pay a termination tax equal to the employee's salary times the number of years service for letting an employee go without cause (theft, incompetance, etc.) it would prevent employers from over-hiring in the first place (a bad practice that still goes on) and encourage them to retain their biggest asset, their human resources.

Education: Privatization. Government's role is defining and enforcing standards and policies, and then enforcing them on the schools. Huge fines (nee taxes) on those institutions that do not maintain standards or fail to generate results that meet the standards (inclusion of suspension of charters) will lead to better run institutions that offer better education.

Drugs: Legalize them and tax the living crap out of them, just like alcohol and tobacco. Give the pub lic what they want, but in a way that is regulated. You are always going to have people that abuse things (over indulge) so you might as well have control over the substance and have revenues generated from its use that will help set up programs to treat and educate those that want to try the product.

Health and Public Safety: In general, defining and enforcing policies. Nothing more, nothing less.

Health Care: Normally I would say that defining and enforcing policies is their only role, but the system is out of control. I feel that the government must take the system back and create a national health care system. When it costs me and my employer (combined) almost seven hundred dollars a month for health insurance for myself and my wife I would say that the system is out of control. Too many people cannot afford to have even basic coverage and this leads to much hardship. The government needs to setup a system where they provide basic services for no cost (other than taxation). All other services, and electives, can be status quo, but for basic services (life maintaining and saving services) should be covered. The Alberta system is a great example of one that works.

Lifestyle Choices: The government should have zero say. What I decide to do with whom in the privacy of my own home is none of the government's business.

Social Assistance: Social Services should be a safety net. What happens should I fall? It is a temportary service, not a permanent one. I feel that those that wish to use the system should support it, through working in the social services department for their support payments in what ever capacity is required. Get people working (if physically able) even while they are on sicial services.

Support of Business: None. Businesses should not get a break because they are a business. They should pay taxes and be forced to operate under the rules in place. As harsh as that is, that's the way it should be. Businesses should not be making 20% profits off the backs of the employees and through government handouts (essentially triple dipping into the public's pockets).

Freedom of Speech: Protection of that right to the point where indescency is not crossed.

Taxation: Flat tax... across the board. Everyone, and I mean everyone, pays a flat 15% tax from their earnings. Its fair and equitable and is easy to budget from.

Immigration: As an immigrant myself I can say that the system is broken. There are too many immigrants let into the country that cannot function on their own, and too many are held out that could be contributing members of society immediately. The whole system should be over-hauled and only those that meet the minimum national standards in education (doing an SAT test would be a damn good start for people applying to the US for immigration) and ability to support themselves should be allowed access to the country. Political and hardship cases not withstanding naturally.

Foreign Policy: Worry about their own backyard and keep their nose out of other people's business. I'm not talking about isolationism, but I am talking about only responding to requests for help, not just sticking a gun in someone's face and asking how you can help.

Military: This is where job creation takes place IMO. Outside of infrastructure programs (the country could use every road resurfaced, but that's another story) the military is a place where you can educate and employ your people with benefits all around. The military should be strong and reactive. I believe that small special forces units with branch specialities is the way to go. Technology is extremely important and continual development of both human and technological resources make the a strong military.

Scientific Research: Encouraging science to strive for improvements in human life and understanding of our universe, even if it means it may go against accepted social norms (stem cell research as an example). I think the givernment should have large scale projects that are funded through grants and co-shares with industry to move research and development a head. Examples of projects like these are a) a manned mission to Mars by 2020. B) an alternative fuel source other than fossil fuels by 2020. c) a cure for cancer by 2020. etc. etc. etc. Many of the marvels that we have today were spun out of the space race. I believe that government should be pushing the people and the industry to be more inventive by giving them these grandious challenges.

Go a head, and pick these a part. As you can see I'm a real left wing wacko (I do believe that's how it was put) and want our society to work for every "responsible" individual, not just a select already priviledged few. Left wing? Nope. Pretty well center to right of center for the post part.

Sigh.

Libertarian = someone who does not believe in state/government. Period. Neither in small government, nor in big government. None.

That being said, I am quite surprised by your answers and kind of like some of them. They are not libertarian, but right wing leaning is there (something that`s not easy to spot on this board but i digress).

My take, very shortly:

Employment: What role the government should have in job creation.

None. Government cannot create jobs - at very best it can only `relocate` them which means create one at the expense of another. Realistically, it kills more jobs than it creates, but people can only see created jobs they think there are no `side effects` to `job creation.`


Education: What role government should take in educating the population.

None. Leave education to the market.


Drugs: What policy the government shoulod have on drug use and the war on drugs.

None. Its not anyone`s business if someone is on drugs or not.


Health and Public Safety: What the government should be doing in regards to social risks and encouraging a lifestyle.

Nothing. Only individuals can decide bout their lifestyle that should be a no brainer ever for commies.


Health Care: What role should the government have in people's access to health care.

None. Involvement of the government in health care is the cause of the problem and not the solution (as in every other case).


Lifestyle Choices: What role should the government have in people's lives in regards to what is done in their home or behind closed doors.

None. None at all.


Social Assistance: What role the government should have in supporting those that cannopt support themselves.

None. That`s role of charities. Governmental assistance kills philantrophy in people because they have less money to spare after they are taxed and they have a feeling that the good ol government took care of everything so they don`t have to do anything.


Support of Business: What role government should have in business.

None. Other people`s money are not yours. You have no right to be `helped out` at the expense of others (taxpayers, competition, etc.)


Freedom of Speech: What is the government's role in protecting freedom of speech.

There`s no such thing as freedom of speech, that`s another phanthom quasi right made up by the left that is unable to comprehend what individual rights are all about.


Taxation: What is fair?

What robbery is fair? None.


Immigration: What the government standard should be.

Let everyone in who has either bought a property or rented one.


Foreign Policy: What the government should be doing in support of other nations.

Nothing. Its not their money. If people want to donate their own money, then be all means let them. That means no embargoes, trade blocks and trade blocs. Get rid of all tariffs, quotas etc.


Military: What is the perfect military?

Perfect military is military that protects people who are directly financing it, while honoring the principle of nonagression, ie acting only under attack or a threat of an attack.


Scientific Research: What is the government's role in Scientific Research or preventing Scientific Research.

None. If there`s something governments do when it comes to research it is slowing it down. There`s no innovation in bureacracy.

[Displaced Flames fan]

In the first poll, I'm just north of Centerville, smack dab on top of Bush's dot. Everyone should note the lack of distance between Bush and Kerry. It's important.

Second poll I'm a centrist on the Libertarian border leaning to the left. Sorry to all those who think I'm a 'crazy right-wing American'.

Lanny's issues:

Issues

Employment: A strong economy creates jobs, so the government should do everything it can to maintain a strong economy. Eliminate all international economic barriers (tarrifs, embargos, etc). Make welfare an incentive program instead of a handout because most people on welfare can help themselves and choose not to.
Education: Privitizing education means rich kids get educated and poor kids don't. Bad idea. The Federal goverment has to find a way to infuse the education system with more money without raising taxes on the people who use that system.

Drugs: Legalizing drugs is akin to holding someone for ransom IMO. You end up with more desparate people who can't afford the high costs due to the large tax rate. This leads to more poverty and crime. I've seen what drugs can do to people and I think legalizing them, in my country anyway, would be very counterproductive.
Health and Public Safety: Tax cigarettes to no end. They should be illegal too, but that's unrealistic. The health costs due to smoking are insane. Make drunk driving penalites much, much stiffer. Just read about a local guy who got 30 months in prison for his 11th DUI conviction. What a joke. Providing incentives for a healthy lifestyle opens up too many opportunities for fraud. Not everyone agrees on what is and isn't a healthy lifestyle. Who decides what person is living a healthy lifestyle? Way too complicated.

Health Care: No comment. Way too complex of an issue.
Lifestyle Choices: As long as rights aren't being violated have at 'er. The minute someone starts using child pornography they should be locked up forever.Social Assistance: The definition of not being able to support one's self is way too lax. Turn welfare into an incentive program instead of a handout. For those that TRULY can't help themselves....they can continue to be cared for..

Support of Business: Promote an environment conducive to business growth. Tax breaks for businesses should be based on job creation thus rewarding success and not bailing out failure.

Freedom of Speech: Non-issue. Freedom of speech is protected in my country. Obscenity should be reserved for adult-time.
Taxation: First $50,000 per household should be tax free. People can't live otherwise. I'm not going to ask someone who makes $12,000 per year to pay 10% income tax. That's insane. Without knowing the breakdown income wise in the US I can't say what is and what isn't a fair tax rate or system.
Immigration: Legal immigration only. All illegals should be given a small window of opportunity to begin the legal process if immigration and if they fail to do so they should be immediately tossed out on their asses.
Foreign Policy: Absolutely nothing. Free trade, that's it. No more bailouts by the US. No more huge sums of money for disaster relief. No more loans and and forgiven debt. No more liberations. All of this should be left to the UN....but then again, the UN doesn't really work either.
Military: All voluntary. Protect our borders only. Stop giving allies an excuse not to have their own defense system.
Scientific Research: Scientific research should be encouraged by the government and should be a staple of government activity in certain areas.

Fire away.

[La Flames Fan]

"Second poll I'm a centrist on the Libertarian border leaning to the left. Sorry to all those who think I'm a 'crazy right-wing American'."

DFF---- Please say you didn't take that seriously....I was just kidding man. And I didn't say you were a "crazy right wing AMERICAN"....I said, Crazy right winger....I was just ribbin' you man!

[Displaced Flames fan]

Naw, I didn't mean it like that.

[La Flames Fan]

Okay cool....Just making sure....I'm a crazy left winger....HAHAHA.

[troutman]

First poll:

SW- You would feel most at home in the Southwest region You advocate a large degree of personal freedom and a large degree of government control over the economy. Your neighbors include such folks as Jesse Jackson, Ralph Nader, Hilary Clinton, and Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, and may refer to themselves as "liberals," "left-wing liberals," "civil libertarians," "democratic socialists," "egalitarians," or "anarcho-socialists."

Second Poll:

Left-Liberals generally embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but support central decision-making in economics. They want the government to help the disadvantaged in the name of fairness. Liberals tend to tolerate social diversity, but work for what they might describe as "economic equality."

I found this a bit suprising. Think of myself as more centrist. In the US iw ould probably vote Democrat; in Canada I would vote PC if they still existed.

[TheCommodoreAfro]

Government: Creates jobs that support it's infrastructure, but stays out of the actual creation of employment, something it seems to know ittle about anyway. The government should hold sway over military, education and the judiciary, as well as the services it supports. They should have a mandate to preserve a country's natural resources, and should retain ownership of those resources that exist with their boundaries. Outside of that, they should not be into "developing" industries or assisting private businesses - if the money's there, they don't need to.

Education: There should be a national standard with regional differences that are influenced by local culture. I'm not a fan of private schools, but that's because I can't afford them.

Drugs: Let the stuff like marijuana / mushroom / hasish become legal. Bust "moonshine" type of operations, and tax the holy hell out of things like cocaine and opium (legal in certain parts of th world). I don't agree that dependency drugs like crack or heroin should be legalized, as they are too much of a health threat to society at large.

Health and Public Safety: Defining and drawing up policy, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to enforce.

Health Care: Society is better if healthy, and peace ensues if there is less class stratification. The Canadian system of health care is very good, and I think that it is close to ideal.

Lifestyle Choices: Do what you want, be who you are, punish hate crimes severely.

Assistance: Should exist for parental leave. I'd like to see more cooperation with educational insitutions to help people get back on their feet. I think businesses that lay off people (especially when they are profitable) should pay more into this type of assistance plan, or at least be accountable with fair severance packages.

Business Assistance: Complicated. There should be sector development, but the government being too close leads to unrepresentative influence. I'd say no, seeing what it's come to recently.

Free Speech: Yes. And less media concentration to prevent influence.

Taxation: Japan has a decent system. Low initial taxes on everyone 5-7%. Drive a car? Pay road tax, environment tax, safety inspection and pay for using highways. Health premiums - you can go with the national service or a bunch of private carriers - another sort of tax. I don't have a problem with taxes, as long as I get things in return for them. As a single bike riding guy in my 20's living in downtown Calgary I resented my money going away on services I didn't need. As a married guy in his 30's with 1.5 year olo daughter, I don't mind more as I can use things like subsidized day care.

Immigration: Good thing, especially with the greying of society. I think there should be more, and illegals who are simply overstaying visas in jobs NOBODY wants to do, and that if they were paying into things like pensions and taxes, they could help out.
Canada would be better positioned in NA with about 50 million people, IMHO. It's not like we don't have the room.

Foreign Policy: Hard to say what it would be - you should have one, though.
Diplomacy, I guess, and education should be key components of it. Promoting of the country as a place to invest in is a good start, and if an ally needs help, we help.

Military: Volunteer, no draft. Protection of agression against our borders, and against hostile acts of key allies.

Science: There should government support of this - in either educational institutions or otherwise. Private businesses engaged in it should also have their facts scrutinized by a watchdog, to prevent things like the Thamidalyde scandal in Britain in the 50-70's.

I'm left of center, if you didn't already know.

[evman150]

I was a centrist on the first test and a left winger on the second one.

I think that's pretty much right, I consider myself a little left of centre.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Employment: None

Education: Up to grade 12 should all be paid for as well as money to instituations however one should not expect a freeride through university with no tuition rates.

Drugs: As they are now.

Health Care: The government should be involved in health care to a minimal degree. I think that people earn money, and they work hard for their money so why should they be told that they can not recieve the best services possible. I know that if I worked my entire life in order to become wealthy and then I needed a surgery I would be mighty upset that I had to wait for someone who hasn't worked as hard to get the same surgery. That being said I wouldn't have a problem whatsoever with people having access to some health care on the dime of the government, it is mainly just that I feel as though we shouldn't force people to all be in the same system. Two tiered systems are not necessarly horrible systems.

Lifestyle Choices: I don't really care that much, but to be honest with you, I do get the heeby-jeebies seeing two men holding hands or two men with public displays of affection. Not meant to say I hate them or that it is wrong, mainly it is something I just don't really want to see.

Social Assistance: If you can support yourself, but choose not to, screw you. If they are disabled, or physically incapable of finding work due to external circumstances I have little problem supporting individuals. If someone does some drugs though and gets brain damage I don't feel sorry for them or feel as though they should get more from the government than the average citizen. Sure it sucks, but those are the risks you run when you use drugs.

Support of Business: Don't pour money into businesses but rather lower taxes on businesses which would make it a more desirable destination for companies.

Freedom of Speech: As long as your speech doesn't incite hated, and violence then I am all for it. However I would rather protect someones right to life and right to their personal safety than I would the right of some backwoods fool to publish or state things which result in people becoming hated.

Taxation: I like lower taxes to be honest with you.

Immigration: As high as possible, educated, healthy individuals who want to be here and would have a good time adjusting to the Canadian way of life.

Foreign Policy: Support them with aid other than dropping cash into a nation where it then goes to golden toilet bowls, such as food.

Military: Strong enough to defend itself and its intrests.

Scientific Research: Government should promote research.

[Patek23]

well I'm a left-liberal

Issues

Employment: The government should assure all people who have a high school degree a job or hire them as a government employee if they have no motive to work or do poorly time and time again then they should lose the privelage of being garunteed a job.

Education: The goverment should make sure that all schools across the nation teach the same material and principals. they need to get rid of suspensions and expulsions and instead provide counciling and give the students more help with a TA, which the government should provide for every class (speaking as a guy who was suspended over 15 times and expelled at least twice, this was what I needed growing up and alot of my friends needed too).

Drugs: The goverment should treat drugs like alcohol, ban harmful substances but drugs like marijuana and other like it considered "soft drugs" should be legalized and sold in stores so that people aren't risking so to say "spiked" drugs. ( I have never taken drugs but always felt people should be allowed to if they needed too, I see soft drugs like alcohol)


Health Care: In my opinion the government has let people abuse free health care. I know people who try to do jackass stunts because they know any injuries will be covered. people who repeadetly injure themselves doing stupid thinks ex. jumping off buildings, self induced injuries ( to some extent but if serious like attempted suicide than they need couinciling) and so on should force the people to pay up to learn how much it costs to be stupid. They need to increase hospital funding for more nurses and doctors and the doctors deserve a increase in pay, To save lives they make 5 figure salarys (depending on which type of doctor) whilst sports athletes can make 100x that to throw a ball or shoot a puck.



Lifestyle Choices: Personally I feel that if someone owns the property than they can do what so ever they feel like. if someone is trespassing than that should mean that they are endangering themselves of getting injured. Whatever happens behind closed doors should be left there unless things being done are federal crimes.

Social Assistance: people who are below the poverty line should be assesed an amount of how much groccerys per month cost and than the gov't should send that amount each month since being under the poverty line is when you spend too much money on food than that would eliminate the costs for the people.



Freedom of Speech: TV in NA is too censored. the word "god" and "damn"get bleeped out while words like "ass" and "bitch" don't. they're should be absolutely no censorship on TV but the gov't should force TV channels after each commercial break to inform viewers of nudity,language and violence sort of like what showcase does.



Immigration: ages above 50 should not be allowed in, anyone under who has no criminal record or illegal activites should be allowed in.

Foreign Policy: Leave all other nations the hell alone. Let them do what they need to do, but if it effects your country than you step in but otherwise let things be.

Military: There should be a military draft, if your 18 or over and have a clean record of health than serving 2 yr.s in the military is a must.

[HOZ]

Second one I am slightly north of centre

Centrist
Centrists favor selective government intervention and emphasize what they commonly describe as "practical solutions" to current problems. They tend to keep an open mind on political issues. Many centrists feel that government serves as a check on excessive liberty


First

I am NE of George W Bush. Mind you this poll was stupid. Want to be a Centrist you just had to hit the middle button every time.

I think I am North of Geogre becuase I decided to hit the "Execute Drug Trafficers button :P

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Anyone under 50 and they should all get jobs on the governments dime? You will have 3 billion people knocking on Canada's doorstep.

So you think that free immigration, and increased government spending would work? Wow I can also see why at least some drugs would be legalized in your world, as the taxpayers would royally be taking it up the ass there.

[Flame Of Liberty]

Originally posted by Mean Mr. Mustard@Aug 22 2004, 05:12 AM
Anyone under 50 and they should all get jobs on the governments dime? You will have 3 billion people knocking on Canada's doorstep.

So you think that free immigration, and increased government spending would work? Wow I can also see why at least some drugs would be legalized in your world, as the taxpayers would royally be taking it up the ass there.

Fearmongering.

Before admiting 10 new countries into the EU this year, there was widespread fear in western European countries that Eastern Europeans would flood their countries.

Didn`t happen.

10 countries joined the EU in may. 80 million of people. Since then, in the UK, 8172 people registered as job seekers. Wow what a flood.

Polish administration estimates 15 thousand Poles tried to look for a job abroad. Since then, 8 thousand came back. (Source is a non-english newspaper so no link but I`m sure you can find english source easily).

Very few people above 40 would even consider to leave their country (with the exception of war torn countries of course) because of family ties, language difficulties and thousands of other reasons.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I've said it before I'll say it again:

Gender: Male
Age: 22
Education: University Graduate

I lean to the right in Atlantic Canada, however I lean to the left in Alberta, it's all perspective. I think I'm centre overall.

[EddyBeers]

Employment: The government should have a role in the economy and in employment. The government should work closely with the Bank of Canada to create monetary policy that reflects the economic situation that the country faces at the time. The government should also be involved in ensuring that trade agreements are respected and adhered to. This may mean some tough love, such as accidentally shutting down the natural gas when it is -30 in Illinois or when it is 110 in Phoenix. Whatever is needed to ensure that trade agreements are respected.

Education: The government should eliminate as many barriers to education as possible. Increasingly in Canada education is for the rich, not necessarily the elite in society. Those that have the ability to attend universities should be allowed to attend universities. In order to keep costs down, implement higher academic standards, such as a minimum 3.0 GPA to attend university. Let anyone who wishes to attend do so, and weed out those that should not be there.

Drugs: Legalize marijuana and tax the hell out of it. Amend the Criminal Code so that those caught trafficking marijuana, as well as any other drug, serve a significant amount of jail time and are fined an exorbitant amount.

Health and Public Safety: Create appropriate policies and enforce. Do so without racial stereotyping or the elimination of civil liberties.

Health Care: Provide health care within scope to any Canadian that needs it. Define what is an acceptable level of minimum health care for all Canadians and provide that level of health care. Also have a royal commission to determine who bought the land at the old Calgary General and use Access to Information to see how much money they contributed to the PC Party of Alberta.

Lifestyle Choices: None, do whatever you want as long as the person is of age.

Social Assistance: The government should help provide for those without the ability to provide for themselves. The government should also ensure that the resources are available so that those who need basic training for employment can receive it. Finally, the government should be in the business of providing low income housing options for the working poor, as clearly the private sector is an abysmal failure at it, given the low profit margins.

Support of Business: Government should promote Canadian businesses throughout the world within reason. The Team Canada trade missions were a success throughout the 90’s and should be continued.

Freedom of Speech: The government should protect freedom of speech, except for hate speech that is deemed harmful to any group within society.

Taxation: Eliminate taxes on the first 15000 dollars earned. Progressively increase taxes as income increases. Eliminate excessive tax shelters and ensure that everyone pays their fair share. Always remember that supply side economics does not work and that one can not name a Conservative government of significance anywhere that has balanced its budget outside of Alberta, which is an anomaly because of oil and gas revenue.

Immigration: Increase funding to Immigration so that the Immigration board can process more immigrants and Canada can actually reach its yearly quota. Once this is achieved, increase the quota to around 450,000 immigrants a year, thus ensuring the continued success of the Canadian economy, since Canadians have 1.8 kids per 2 adult Canadian citizens. Anybody who is against immigration should return to their country of origin and live there.

Foreign Policy: The government should work actively with other nations to open markets and increase the standard of living for citizens around the world.

Military: Canadian military should be trained to perform modern peacekeeping missions. That should be the sole focus of the modern Canadian military.

Scientific Research: I agree with Lanny on this one, the government should set scientific goals and provide funding to achieve them within timelines. Any money granted to private enterprises should also include a profit sharing agreement should the research lead to any type of profitable endeavor. Alternative fuel would be the first scientific goal in my government.