Do you have a political ideology that defines who you are and what you believe i

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   KKalmesposted 14 years ago

   Do you have a political ideology that defines who you are and what you believe in?
   
   Many here at Hub Pages do... some of us, however, don't know how to express our opinions or comment on other people's hubs without being inappropriate and mean-spirited. I have been discussing it with SheriSapp. We have both been victims of personal attacks, sometimes childish rants and other times truly mean-spirited vitriol. We aren't alone... we belong to a community that could be used for serious political engagement, challenging and constructive debate , but without the argumentum ad hominem... personal assassinations. We could start with a civil discourse about this problem - any ideas?

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   rlaframboiseposted 14 years ago

   I believe in the earnest pursuit of human individual liberty. I have a philosophy that guides my determinations of which policies are good and it applies to various other aspects of my daily life. It is difficult sometimes to separate politics from other topics when they are related or if people feel their individual beliefs are insulted.
   
   Personal assassinations are unacceptable and are attempts to limit free speech. Name calling etc. lowers the intellect of the debate and stifles political and philosophical growth.

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   mackyxxposted 14 years ago

   I concurr. It doesn't matter what site you go to trying to hear other peoples opinions there is always a torrent of abuse in the comments section. Fortunately you have nothing to worry about because the 'outsiders' like me who read it think nothing of the negative idiots. They probably know nothing about your discussion topic but feel they have to contribute somehow, and if you've got a low iq all you can do is wave your toys around and spit your dummy. Rise above it I say. Oh and I don't have a political atom in my body so I don't think its an influence at all.

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   Marisa OConnorposted 14 years ago

   This is a great question.  I think the problem is when people are married to conclusions rather than methodology.  The way you framed the question, "a political ideology that defines you", is problematic.
   People get vary defensive about their ideologies when they ego-identify with the conclusion of "democrat" or "libertarian".  I would say that it's perfectly logical to argue for what you believe in, but always be open to new ideas.
   The methodology is what's important.  How do you distinguish truth from falsehood?  Once you have those answers down, there's no need for defensiveness or personal attacks because you can decide if the argument is valid or not and then adjust your views accordingly.
   Unfortunately, most people don't follow this methodology and so we have the trolls.  I deal with abusive trolls by keeping in mind that they are trolls.  They don't actually add value to conversation.  They feel like they're adding value by tearing down other people's contribution but that's a sad, insecure way to live so eff 'em.

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   C.A. Johnsonposted 14 years ago

   I do not belong to any prescribed political structure or party. I simply wish for the America government and its people to remember the reasons and intents behind our country's foundation. I believe in hard work, education, and fair opportunity. I believe in the pursuit of the American Dream that does not come with a guarantee of success, just the guarantee of pursuit.Success comes to those willing to work for it. I believe that our infrastructure needs rebuilding and fresh blood needs to replace the corruption in government. I believe that honesty and integrity should be respected and not condemned. I believe in equal chances to whomever is willing to abide by the laws to achieve their goals. I stand behind a firm conviction that we should go back to our roots and start the country over.
   
   That being said... How I perceive things may sound a little extreme but I truly believe that as a country we need to step back and breathe. We need to re-evaluate how we managed to bring ourselves to this point. We need to stop placing blame, take some responsibility, and start from scratch. As individuals we have forgotten what we are capable of. We have forgotten that we can work together within the structure of existing laws to restart this country. Above all, we need to remember to withhold judgment of a person until we have a chance to know them. People need to be accepted at face value regardless of their religion, color, gender, sexuality, or any one of the multitudes of reasons we hold ourselves back from others or choose not to associate with them. The differences of individuals is what once made us a great nation and only by using the knowledge of many individuals will we ever get back our former standing.
   
   I also read the comments on several site regarding several types of articles. The biggest thing I see within the words of intolerance and hate is a great big pink elephant of fear standing in the middle of the room that no one wants to discuss. Fear is considered a weakness and nobody wants to admit to vulnerability. Hate, intolerance, racism, and false bravado are all signs of the tremendous fear that most of us share that our country is dying and being pushed over a cliff. People are afraid of not being able to feed their families, protect their homes, and of being censored. As Americans, being controlled is not in or nature and we are dangerously close to losing our freedoms.

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   Apostle Jackposted 14 years ago

   I don't believe in politics.I believe in the principals of God above world government .Where there is no RIGHTEOUSNESS...THERE IS NO PEACE.

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   Freeway Flyerposted 14 years ago

   I naturally avoid ideological extremes. I have a tendency to see the holes in any way of thinking, be it politics, religion, or anything else. So I guess that I am generally floating around in the middle somewhere, and a liberal would label me conservative, and a conservative would call me a liberal.
   
   What annoys me the most, however, is blind partisanship. I have more respect for people who stick to their ideology than to those who support their political party no matter what. Neither party, after all, is anywhere close to being "ideologically pure."

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