Political alignment - more comprehensive

[SHODAN]

Since 'right' and 'left' are two very broad terms, I've expanded the poll to encompass the main variations of those ideologies as well as the 'centre'.

[Sir David Gray]

I've just come across this poll/post. Although it's not a large numerical majority, I am still shocked that the majority of people who have voted on this poll have identified themselves as being on the right of the political spectrum.From my experience, this board is extremely left wing.I'm sure previous polls of a similar nature have resulted in a landslide for those of a left wing persuasion.

[bighairyfaeleith]

where's the option for "I've not got a clue what left and right actually means?"

[Sir David Gray]

where's the option for "I've not got a clue what left and right actually means?"

A brief explanation on the definition of left and right wing politics;

This list is by no means exhaustive or definitive but it should give you an insight into what the differences are between the left and right.

ECONOMY

LEFT

Supports the nationalisation of businesses and companies being publicly owned by the state.

RIGHT

Supports privatisation of businesses and the state having very little say in business matters.

FOREIGN POLICY (taking the UK as an example)

LEFT

Tends to be opposed to the close relationship that the UK has with the USA. They support independence in places such as Tibet, Kosovo and Palestine and are strongly opposed to any potential attack on Iran. In general, they are anti-war and were strongly opposed to the invasion in Iraq.

RIGHT

Strongly supports the relationship between the UK and USA, is open to the possibility of an attack on Iran and whilst not necessarily pro-war, they accept that war is sometimes a necessary option. They are generally against any attempts to divide up a nation and are usually opposed to independence movements.

WELFARE STATE

LEFT

They believe that those who are most at need should be financially supported by the state, in the form of benefits. Those include the disabled, the elderly and the unemployed.

RIGHT

Whilst many on the right support the presence of the welfare state they believe that, in terms of the unemployed for example, that their benefits should be cut back and moves should be made to get that person into employment instead.

SOCIAL ISSUES

LEFT

Supportive of same sex marriage, abortion, same sex adoption and things like euthanasia. Less importance placed on marriage and embraces diversity. Opposed to capital punishment.

RIGHT

Opposed to same sex marriage and same sex adoption and generally opposed to abortion. A lot of importance placed on marriage, which is defined as being between one man and one woman. Opposed to euthanasia and supportive of capital punishment.

IMMIGRATION

LEFT

Supportive of immigration in general and backs the rights of migrants into the country. Opposed to any laws which seemingly discriminate against migrants. Strongly supports multiculturalism.

RIGHT

Generally more sceptical of immigration, particularly in large numbers and many people on the right advocate an annual cap being put on immigrant numbers. Also frequently demand that new immigrants learn English. Opposed to multiculturalism.

RELIGION

LEFT

Supports a more secular society where everyone has the freedom to practice their religion of choice in private but where religion and the state are free from one another.

RIGHT

More supportive of the established religion continuing to play an important role in all aspects of public life.

I hope this gives you a bit of help into finding out the basics of left/right wing politics. Someone who is left wing won't necessarily believe in all of the above. For example, I would identify myself as being on the right of the political spectrum but I am strongly opposed to capital punishment. It is purely a rough guide.

[CropleyWasGod]

I've just come across this poll/post. Although it's not a large numerical majority, I am still shocked that the majority of people who have voted on this poll have identified themselves as being on the right of the political spectrum.From my experience, this board is extremely left wing.I'm sure previous polls of a similar nature have resulted in a landslide for those of a left wing persuasion.

Not my reading of the results.

Centre right, right and far right... 8.

Centre left, left and far left..... 8

A hung parliament, your worship :wink:

[Woody1985]

I've just come across this poll/post. Although it's not a large numerical majority, I am still shocked that the majority of people who have voted on this poll have identified themselves as being on the right of the political spectrum.From my experience, this board is extremely left wing.I'm sure previous polls of a similar nature have resulted in a landslide for those of a left wing persuasion.

I'd guess that the people who have thoughts on the right can't be arsed to get into long debates on serious issues because they'd have to be fitted with a stab proof vest prior to entering the discussion due to the amount of knives that come out.

Also chatting to those with far left views tend to give the impression that they are far superior people and tend to look down their noses at others views. They also tend not to concede any ground on a discussion, no matter how valid any points raised are.

[IWasThere2016]

Not my reading of the results.

Centre right, right and far right... 8.

Centre left, left and far left..... 8

A hung parliament, your worship :wink:

Now 10-8 to the Righties

[steakbake]

A brief explanation on the definition of left and right wing politics;

This list is by no means exhaustive or definitive but it should give you an insight into what the differences are between the left and right.

ECONOMY

LEFT

Supports the nationalisation of businesses and companies being publicly owned by the state.

RIGHT

Supports privatisation of businesses and the state having very little say in business matters.

FOREIGN POLICY (taking the UK as an example)

LEFT

Tends to be opposed to the close relationship that the UK has with the USA. They support independence in places such as Tibet, Kosovo and Palestine and are strongly opposed to any potential attack on Iran. In general, they are anti-war and were strongly opposed to the invasion in Iraq.

RIGHT

Strongly supports the relationship between the UK and USA, is open to the possibility of an attack on Iran and whilst not necessarily pro-war, they accept that war is sometimes a necessary option. They are generally against any attempts to divide up a nation and are usually opposed to independence movements.

WELFARE STATE

LEFT

They believe that those who are most at need should be financially supported by the state, in the form of benefits. Those include the disabled, the elderly and the unemployed.

RIGHT

Whilst many on the right support the presence of the welfare state they believe that, in terms of the unemployed for example, that their benefits should be cut back and moves should be made to get that person into employment instead.

SOCIAL ISSUES

LEFT

Supportive of same sex marriage, abortion, same sex adoption and things like euthanasia. Less importance placed on marriage and embraces diversity. Opposed to capital punishment.

RIGHT

Opposed to same sex marriage and same sex adoption and generally opposed to abortion. A lot of importance placed on marriage, which is defined as being between one man and one woman. Opposed to euthanasia and supportive of capital punishment.

IMMIGRATION

LEFT

Supportive of immigration in general and backs the rights of migrants into the country. Opposed to any laws which seemingly discriminate against migrants. Strongly supports multiculturalism.

RIGHT

Generally more sceptical of immigration, particularly in large numbers and many people on the right advocate an annual cap being put on immigrant numbers. Also frequently demand that new immigrants learn English. Opposed to multiculturalism.

RELIGION

LEFT

Supports a more secular society where everyone has the freedom to practice their religion of choice in private but where religion and the state are free from one another.

RIGHT

More supportive of the established religion continuing to play an important role in all aspects of public life.

I hope this gives you a bit of help into finding out the basics of left/right wing politics. Someone who is left wing won't necessarily believe in all of the above. For example, I would identify myself as being on the right of the political spectrum but I am strongly opposed to capital punishment. It is purely a rough guide.

Falkirk, it's a rough guide as you say and one I reckon you've put a bit of thought into and is no doubt well intended. But to be honest, it's more of a map of your own social conservatism than it is a definition of being "on the right".

[SHODAN]

I've just come across this poll/post. Although it's not a large numerical majority, I am still shocked that the majority of people who have voted on this poll have identified themselves as being on the right of the political spectrum.From my experience, this board is extremely left wing.I'm sure previous polls of a similar nature have resulted in a landslide for those of a left wing persuasion.

I identify as socialist and in my personal opinion this board is certainly not left wing. If anything it's balanced, possibly leaning slightly towards the right.

Or maybe we both just think it's biased against our own personal views. :wink: