Meme answers: Politics

[sholio]

So, remember how naye and I shouldn't be allowed to write anything together, ever? Exhibit A.

Anyway...

dovil asks:

What are your political views? Is it something that you're passionate about or something that isn't particularly of interest?

Hmmm. As far as where I generally stand on issues, I'm kind of on the liberal-libertarian divide -- pretty much a social libertarian (minimal government interference in people's personal lives = good thing as far as I'm concerned) but kinda leaning in the liberal direction on economic issues. I don't belong to a political party (I'm registered "unaffiliated") and I'd like to think I'd vote for any candidate who I feel would do well in office, but in practice I seem to go for Democrats most of the time. There are aspects of the party platform that I don't agree with, but on the issues that I feel most strongly about, the Democrats are ... well, not perfect by any means, but they're a helluva lot better than the other guys (gay marriage, civil rights, abortion, etc).

I'm not an activist or a revolutionary by nature. Opinionated, sure, but as far as actually jumping into the fray, it's hard for me. I'm just fairly mellow in general -- I waffle between liking that aspect of myself, and wanting to try a little harder because I feel that it's cowardly to sit back and let other people do the hard work. Actually, the area where you'll find my political beliefs coming out most strongly is in my fiction -- in my original fiction mostly, but sometimes in fanfic, too.

Comments

[flingslass.livejournal.com]

It's mostly about trying 5to help those less fortunate than us, isn't it. The Republicans are like our Liberal Party and they only want to look after Big Business and the rich. Screw the poor!

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

It's mostly about trying 5to help those less fortunate than us, isn't it.

Well, kinda ... more like sympathy/empathy for others, I think, and the desire to offer a hand where it's needed (and, more importantly, wanted).

And one of the things that being on LJ has helped me remember is that America isn't the world -- I mean, intellectually I know that, of course, but it's easy to lapse into talking about politics as if everyone has the same context and assumptions, which is very blatantly NOT true.

[dovil.livejournal.com]

I must admit I did have second thoughts when I hit the post button, just because politics can be so divisive and also so personal, so yes, thanks for such a thoughtful answer! :)

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! It *is* a touchy subject, but I don't mind talking about it, even if I don't volunteer information all that often. I would hate to think that people felt unwelcome here because my politics differ from theirs. I suspect that people whose politics are really, seriously different from mine wouldn't like my stories enough to come here in the first place, though.