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My Politics

I'm finding it increasingly difficult to define and categorize my political views due to the nature of the political landscape we are living in. The main problem for me is how so many issues contradict one another. It's impossible to reconcile some issues and that means it is hard to label your politics and align yourself with one party. I have some notion of what I am politically, but it is undermined by other values and beliefs that people with the same or similar politics have. And so, that makes me question whether being politically interested in any way is worthwhile. Last night I was watching a video, and I found myself being in complete agreement with the speaker...until he mentioned Roe v Wade and abortion.

Examples of my politics:

Abortion - Con.

I am very much against abortion. It will never be stopped or reduced in the U.K or other Western European countries though.

Death Penalty - Con.

The death penalty is not an issue in the U.K, but it's still pertinent to mention.

Welfare - Pro.

Vulnerable people who can't work should receive some assistance from the state. Poor families with children should also receive some assistance from the state.

Overseas Aid - Con.

I recognize the value in international aid, but I think that most Western countries are spending far too much on it.

Defence and Security - Pro/Con.

I don't think more money should be spent on defence than say, healthcare, but it does warrant some spending and investment. I probably would limit defence spending though.

Family Life and Childcare - Pro.

I think there should be more emphasis on family life, and that childcare should be made more affordable. Maybe the government could incentivize family members to provide childcare?

Immigration and Asylum - Pro/Con.

I don't want to be a hypocrite here but I really think it needs to be subject to greater checks and in the context of economic migration, reduced.

Housing - Pro.

Maybe we should take greater care of the environment by not building lots of houses in the countryside or in rural areas, but it is difficult. If we are going to build more houses in this country, they should be affordable (most of them aren't). There are a lot of unused properties that could be used for housing as well. I think the government is obligated to provide housing to those who can't afford it. They should make private housing more affordable as well.

Tax - Pro/Con.

I think the tax system should be rearranged, and that the working-class and middle-class are paying too much tax in the U.K.

Education - Pro/Con.

I think too much is spent on the wrong areas in education. And this would apply to all Western countries at present.

Local government - Pro.

Local governments should be given more power.

Policing - Pro/Con.

Policing is essential, but there are problems with it in this country. Same as education.

Healthcare - Pro.

I am for universal healthcare and see healthcare is being a vital service to all people, but it is seriously lacking in the U.K. They need to make some major changes to their system and the way it is organized and delivered.

University Fees - Pro.

You should pay for your degree yourself.

Freedom of Religion - Pro.

I shouldn't have to explain that one.

Globalization- Pro/Con.

Globalization is a complex issue. It has benefits and detriments so I find it hard to decide what side I am on with respect to that.

Environment - Pro/Con.

I'm undecided because this is also a complex issue that conflicts with others.

Gun Ownership - Pro.

I am for gun ownership subject to background checks. Like the death penalty, this is less of an issue here and in other European countries though.

Minimum Wage - Pro.

Minimum wage is essential, lol.

Lockdowns? ALWAYS Con.

Anyway, these are the issues I can think of right now.
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dancingtongue · 80-89, M
Congratulations on recognizing that no political party is 100% right on every single issue. It is a sign of being capable of critical thinking, and maturity. As Thomas Jefferson said, political parties are a necessary evil -- a way of gathering support in campaign funds & workers, public recognition. But they are not the sole source of knowledge, or always correct in their positions. When we begin looking to them as an infallible ideology we are on the fast-track to a dictatorship from one extreme or the other.

That doesn't negate the value of being politically active and vocal. Politics is the art of the possible, and only by being active and vocal do we avoid the extremists and their ideologies taking over as dictatorships forcing us to adhere to only their set of values.