2008 Woodie Awards
Left, Right or Other?
Escaping the trap of one-dimensional politics.
Brian Dean
Issue date: 11/16/05 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Many people find politics either too boring or too frustrating to tolerate in large doses.
One possible cause for this estrangement is the linear nature of the established political spectrum.
The left-versus-right system was inadequate to begin with. Political thought throughout history has never been so narrow as to be contained by such simplicity.
The left side of the aisle is reserved for liberal concerns. Communism and socialism fall into this category; systems in which private property is limited or abolished in favor of ownership by government, which provides employment and a level of general support for its citizens. In practice, communist governments have sought to exert control over personal freedoms.
The right side of the aisle is earmarked for conservative concepts. However, the right encompasses philosophies ranging from fascism, a system of strict government control over personal life and economic activity, and libertarianism - the exact opposite.
This contradiction presents an obvious problem. To make matters worse, the terms "liberal" and "conservative" have been twisted and given new meaning. Even the commonly used "neoconservative" is applied with complete disregard to it's actual definition.
The solution: the world's smallest political quiz.
Created by the Advocates for Self Government, a self-labeled "non-profit, non-partisan libertarian educational organization," this quiz features two sets of five questions. Each question tests the participant's idea of how much government is necessary. The first set deals with personal adult issues, such as sex and drug use. The second set examines economic problems such as welfare, taxes and government spending.
The results give a much clearer idea of where people stand as political thinkers than the old system.
Test-takers may be surprised to discover their self-applied label doesn't match their actual beliefs.
In a diamond-shaped grid, there are five general categories instead of two. "Libertarians" tend toward limited government in both personal and economic activity, whereas "statists" are the opposite. "Liberals" prefer greater personal freedom with government control over economics, and "conservatives" are the opposite. "Centrists" hold the middle ground, preferring a little of each, depending on the situation.
This test challenges popularly held misconceptions of political identity. It relieves the disorder and hostility caused when labels are applied simply by supporting or opposing the current administration.
People who clearly understand their own political leanings will elect leaders who share their beliefs. The entire political landscape could change for the better by taking one simple test.
The world's smallest political quiz can be found at www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html
One possible cause for this estrangement is the linear nature of the established political spectrum.
The left-versus-right system was inadequate to begin with. Political thought throughout history has never been so narrow as to be contained by such simplicity.
The left side of the aisle is reserved for liberal concerns. Communism and socialism fall into this category; systems in which private property is limited or abolished in favor of ownership by government, which provides employment and a level of general support for its citizens. In practice, communist governments have sought to exert control over personal freedoms.
The right side of the aisle is earmarked for conservative concepts. However, the right encompasses philosophies ranging from fascism, a system of strict government control over personal life and economic activity, and libertarianism - the exact opposite.
This contradiction presents an obvious problem. To make matters worse, the terms "liberal" and "conservative" have been twisted and given new meaning. Even the commonly used "neoconservative" is applied with complete disregard to it's actual definition.
The solution: the world's smallest political quiz.
Created by the Advocates for Self Government, a self-labeled "non-profit, non-partisan libertarian educational organization," this quiz features two sets of five questions. Each question tests the participant's idea of how much government is necessary. The first set deals with personal adult issues, such as sex and drug use. The second set examines economic problems such as welfare, taxes and government spending.
The results give a much clearer idea of where people stand as political thinkers than the old system.
Test-takers may be surprised to discover their self-applied label doesn't match their actual beliefs.
In a diamond-shaped grid, there are five general categories instead of two. "Libertarians" tend toward limited government in both personal and economic activity, whereas "statists" are the opposite. "Liberals" prefer greater personal freedom with government control over economics, and "conservatives" are the opposite. "Centrists" hold the middle ground, preferring a little of each, depending on the situation.
This test challenges popularly held misconceptions of political identity. It relieves the disorder and hostility caused when labels are applied simply by supporting or opposing the current administration.
People who clearly understand their own political leanings will elect leaders who share their beliefs. The entire political landscape could change for the better by taking one simple test.
The world's smallest political quiz can be found at www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html
