My results ->
Economic Left/Right: -5.00
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -3.18
Closest Match: Green Party
I guess there's a big difference between my ideals, and what I think would actually work, and obviously you have to factor in the (in)competence of the politicians as well.
This year's election may be all about the tactical vote. A lot of people, from a whole range of political standpoints, have reason to get rid of Brown (as Marko shows). Depending on their constituency (and it really does depend on constituency), they're probably going to vote for whoever is the strongest challenger from Con or Lib, despite not necessarily holding the views of that party. As Sketchy's link so clearly points out, the election this year is idealogically vapid.
Also, there is another kind of tactical voting, the "anyone but Tory" vote. This - again depending on constituency - means people will vote for the best of either Lab or Lib. However, the "anyone but Tory" vote has been around for pretty much ever (they are the only party to have such rampant hate directed towards them) - the difference this time is that the traditional 'home' of that vote (Lab) looks increasingly fragile, due to both the unpopularity of Gordon Brown and the lack of ideological Labour value.
What it means is there are going to be a lot more votes for Lib - but only where their candidate has a credible opportunity of being the MP. Elsewhere there are going to be massive swings from Lab to Con and smaller ones from Con to Lib, as a result of the "anyone but Brown" and "anyone but Tory" votes respectively. I don't think I've seen it written down so clearly, but http://www.politicalcompass.org/ukparties2010 has it spot on with its summary of the parties' stances. If you want a view of where I'm standing, according to that test, I'm Economic Left/Right: -6.62, Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -4.62 - which like Sketchy, matches me up closest with the Green Party (and fits in pretty perfectly with my positive view of Old Labour). However, the closest single party to me on that radar is the Lib Dems (and they're miles away), so I guess it's to those my vote must go.
I think that quiz has an insufficient amount of questions to truely judge someones political standpoint (defense, taxes, green issues, transport were all lacking or missing).
I class it as more of a fun tool that gives a very rough idea, plus should anyone trust a website that is trying to suggest whom you vote for?
My results was left/right -2.75 and lib/auth - 0.0. I can fully believe the second score, but the I think the left result maybe biased somewhat, seeing as i am in favour of not funding those that can work and will not, and capital punishment for some cases (rape, murder and child offenses) if 100% proven guilty and all doubt removed.
The thing is, stuff like transport, green issues and defence are not ideological issues - the scale is supposed to work in any era of time, and it allows you to gauge politicians from different decades (even centuries).
What would you say you were then Hagar, in terms of society; more authoritarian or more libertarian?
I think the websites assessment of 0.0 was spot on. I believe in some state intervention is required, as I think all hell could break loose if the masses was left to purely their own devices (I hold a similar view in terms of the economy, i.e. mixed). I am strongly against any form of ID card and or a DNA database, the idea of a DNA database in particular scares me! I have no problems with anyone's lifestyle as long as they do not try to start forcing their ideals upon anyone else, and I still think foreigners and women have a hard time (my GF of 4 years is not English). Ideally I think people do need more power, but part of me is afraid the propaganda machine will insure the ruling elite still get their own way.
I am also for land & property ownership, and I think given enough time as a tenant council houses should be able to brought outright at a subsidised price (like the right to buy), rather than the split ownership deals on some new housing projects. Let the working classes move up the housing ladder, rather than locking them to where they are currently.
I think the states structure should also not rely on a sole controlling entity either, that's why love them or hate them I think having the English Monarchy is good, purely as a safeguard. The Monarchy can deselect those in the commons if the preverbal hits the fan.
Also environmental concerns, and hence transport are typically concerns of Left Wing politics, with Karl Marx starting the ball rolling if memory serves me correct. May not apply to all time scales, but it is relevant today. Defence perhaps not .
I really am a complete oddball to be quite frank , and I am enjoying a good forum chat on DC Mr Boothman
I am also against ID cards, DNA databases and most kinds of government intervention in private lives. However, I'm a strong believer in nationalisation, the co-operative movement and welfare (like the minimum wage), so I guess that political test has me about spot-on (in favour of greater personal liberties, against greater economic liberties).
By the way, has anyone seen the Brown "bigot" gaffe today? Incidentally enough again, this was in my seat (Rochdale); where I come from is proving a real hot-bed recently. Unfortunately, all its done is make the media in general notice what a shit town Rochdale is; apparently the Gtr. Manchester Development Authority has said that Rochdale won't come out of the recession until 2023. I think even that's an optimistic forecast, in reality it has been in one long recession since the 1940s. Unsurprisingly, the bookies have the Lib Dems at 2/9 to win the seat now.
Honestly, I don't think Brown's gaffe today will make the slightest bit of difference - he was never exactly a like-able person to begin with. There are going to be a lot of people who quite strongly dislike Brown, but still respect him as a politician and agree with his policies, who will still vote for him.
Either way, it's always entertaining watching him make a prat of himself
Matt - I'm surprised you're not buying the conspiracy theory, that he was set up and blown out of all proportion by Murdoch & Co. I guess that's because it's not about the Lib Dems this time (just kidding)
I don't see any conspiracy theory here, even though I fear this might push just a few voters from red to blue (and that's all it might take in the end).
I don't know about basing your vote on the TV debates, but I think it's impossible for you to have not been influenced by them at all.
Tonight's wasn't particularly revealing IMO - just the same stuff that was discussed in the first two debates. I'd give Clegg a point for *finally* pointing out what the others refuse to acknowledge - that the vast majority of immigration is from within the EU - but I'd take it right back again, because he won't do anything about it either. Apart from that, it was a very poor showing from all three politicians.
Adam- I saw those anthems on Newsnight too. The chav-pop style song for the Tories actually wasn't too bad, but the other two are complete shite.
Originally Posted by Sketchy I don't know about basing your vote on the TV debates, but I think it's impossible for you to have not been influenced by them at all.
Tonight's wasn't particularly revealing IMO - just the same stuff that was discussed in the first two debates. I'd give Clegg a point for *finally* pointing out what the others refuse to acknowledge - that the vast majority of immigration is from within the EU - but I'd take it right back again, because he won't do anything about it either. Apart from that, it was a very poor showing from all three politicians.
Adam- I saw those anthems on Newsnight too. The chav-pop style song for the Tories actually wasn't too bad, but the other two are complete shite.
It's not really that chavy to be honest. I think people over use the term chav, without comparing to what a real chav is. And the Lyrics are quite meaningful if you listen. Oh and I didn't see it on newsnight, I saw it on a morning program yesterday
It's very chavvy. It's trying to sound like N-Dubz etc, and they are the ultimate chavs.
btw: Just because they don't wear Burberry, doesn't mean they're not chavs.
Chav fashion evolves, just the same as mainstream fashion. What you term a "real chav" may not even exist any more.
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Edited by Sketchy
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, and I am enjoying a good forum chat on DC Mr Boothman 
(just kidding)
