For the Record, I'm Fairly Moderate.

For the record.

I often complain about some of the poor strategy I see from DEMS- And to some DUers, this makes me some kind of "far left", radical extremist.

When did openly opposing wars based on lies, and wanting a more tough but honest fight against Republicans become the critera for being "far left?"

When openly supporting war based simply on our ability to kill people of a different race became criteria for being on the moderate right.

Some people are moving to the far right with that mindset- I see that- but there is nothing moderate about racism.

mainly to keep the Ship of State from tipping over on the right.

I see myself as centered. If people view me as a "far-left radical extremist," I figure it says more about them than me. : )

n/t

I believe in a philosophy of non-violence and social justice.

To Quote Elvis Costello -- "What's so funny about peace, love and understanding?"

BTW, you've always been moderate in your views and comments, IMHO.

p.s.: I've had a printout of your skull hanging on my office wall for three years now. : )

Edit to add: I haven't voted for a Republican in the 30 years since I started voting.

being moderate equals extremism on the right.

part of being moderate means cmpromising with those who have pulled very far to the right on two fronts: nationalism and corporatism.

it's the lay of the land in our contemporary political landscape.

people who are not elected to office have an increasingly dominate role in creating the political, legal, international world you and i have to live in.

there are plenty of folk either in denial or quite simply are happy with that reality.
but it does change what moderate means from say carter to the present.

It's supposed to be a discrediting tactic.

just curious.

n/t

How does that explain why you don't think you should be described as being "left"?

...does not make one "left" per se.

I'm starting to think that Democrats are in the center or moderate on almost everything- it's the GOP and the media that have shifted the spectrum so far right that anyone remotely opposed to these criminals is now seen as "left."

I dunno- I'm not a pacifist- but I am morally against wars based on lies & fraud. I'm for gun ownership & large middle class tax cuts. I'm also for respecting other peoples spiritual beliefs. I work for a faith based org. and I'm open minded to the good they can do with limited help from the govt. I'm for reasonable regulations on corporations, etc, and I'm for campaign finance reform.

Do these positions really make me "left?" I'm starting to think those are just plain old moderate, common sense positions. The media may paint me as "left"- but I'm not so sure.

Either way- I yam what a yam-I guess all these labels are just that- labels.

...Are you politically anti-woman's right--or pro-woman's right to choose?

Just like John Kerry or Dennis Kucinich.

Are you against the death penalty? Against all wars (great and small), and against ending all life which includes flora and fauna of all kinds?

I really don't like the term "pro-life" because that denotes an all-inclusive "for all things living" attitude--that one chooses life over all else no matter the circumstances--unless they add the restrictions and conditions, which defeats the "pro-life" definition, imho.

For the record: I'm personally anti-abortion, that's why I'd never had, no would ever have one, but politically, pretty much in line with Kucinich because I don't believe I have a right to tell another woman what to do; I'm not a vegetarian, and don't like insects in the house when I'm in it; I'm for diplomacy and against wars if we can avoid it; I'm for responsible gun-ownership for those who feel they have a need to have those things (for whatever personal reasons), and absolutely and unequivocally against the death penalty no matter the heinous crime.

I guess you and I are somewhat on the same lines, and I consider myself a liberal democrat--and am proud of being labeled one. :-)

Clinton sums it up for me:

"Abortion should be safe, legal & rare."

I eat meat & wear leather. I would not lose too much sleep if someone was subjected to the Death Penalty for high crimes, like treason. I do not believe it is a real derrent to street crimes or whatever we call them.

Radical, "far left" stuff, huh?

...extremely sound, and more than just fair!

You're not "far-left", just more liberal than most, I'd say.

And although I disagree with you on the Death Penalty (no matter the extreme of crimes, I don't think we have the right to put anyone to death because it's not justice, it's revenge), I agree with just about everything you've stated and I likes ya! :bounce:

What do they really mean anymore? All this arcane ideology makes my head spin. Do we give big corporate farms tax subsidies or poor people food stamps? Do we support what has worked for generations, public schools, or give every child a voucher to what ever school appears in his neighborhood? Do we find ways to make healthcare affordable or watch people struggle and die? Are you just looking out for yourself and your family, or do you understand our individual prosperity relies on cooperation and a sense of mutual responsibility?

Just do the right thing an support the people for office who will also do the right thing.

Sometimes too single-minded for my personal taste, but that's my problem.

If you were far left, frankly, you wouldn't give two craps about the Dem Party or its strategy.

For the record, so am I. Except when a freeper is looking at me. Then I'm a flaming liberal, or a socialist, or a communist. Depends on the "freak of the day."

When I was in GA, I was called a "socialist"- in San Francisco I am called a "red neck" and even "conservative" on some social issues- I figure I must be doing somthing right!!

LC- you are pretty darned single minded yourself- but I see that as your strength!!!

because I can't stand bush

And for suggesting that we tell the truth about various Bush scandals.

I did not realize morals was necessarily a "far left" thing.

ON DU??? I WILL KICK THEIR ASS

But they make these accusations when they cant win on any other points of debate.

I post a "Where I am coming from" thread every few weeks. I cant wait until we have Journals.

A lot of DUers feel it necessary to tell me what my views are and impeach my loyalty to DEMs- when I post a thread that allows them to really get to the bottom of it (Since they seemed to care so much on other threads), they never post on it.

Probably because they know it's just an intimidation tactic and against DU rules.

I can be very left on some issues (such as abortion rights, environmental protection, separation of church and state, gay marriage), moderate on some (military spending), and right on others (capital punishment, gun control).

I've always had a hard time "labeling" myself or automatically assuming a position on an issue based on where the left or right position is.

BTW, this is my first post after reading only for over a year. Guess I had to jump in sooner or later.

Dont get "hooked!"

Already addicted to these forums though!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

Amazing- hi there NY99!!!