Left/Right Conspiracy

The concept of "left" and "right" are so ingrained in politics that it's difficult to believe the concept is not a conspiracy designed to squelch other views.

According to wikipedia, the origin of this form of classification has its roots in the French revolutionary era Origin of left/right politics as representative of the "rich" and the "poor".

But what has purpetuated this into modern times? It seems it serves those already in power to exclude others who do not fall into this mercantilist vs. socialist mindset.

But this perspective is not propagated merely by the politicians themselves, that would be understandable, but also by the educational system (controlled by politics), and also the news media.

Is there collusion between the major parties and the news media to ensure this mentality persists?

If you don't know what I'm talking about regarding alternatives to left/right, try this quiz Two-d political quiz

You are right.

We live in a six-dimensional world and the majority of western people are taught two-dimensional politics.

But being in the nucleal center can still be fun.

Interesting link, but at the risk of challanging Wikpedia, I was taught that the English Parliament was organised during the Glorious Revolution with the King's party on the right hand of the chamber and those challenging the crown on the left.

I'll try to nail down a source.

I took that quiz, and here I am:




I do lean to the right.

But most would consider me a conservative. I'm pro-life, anti-gay-agenda, pro-gun, Christian, anti-socialism, pro-capitalism, etc.

However, I am against outsourcing jobs. I'm against free trade. I'm pro-American-sovereignty, and I say kick the illegals out ASAP!

The left is sinister, the right is correct
As Anthony J Hulder says the 'Nazi Sons of bitches" are right in the Centre ready to be encircled by the two apparently opposite wings

Closer to the centre of things:



That would be about right on one dimension, but not on the other for me. The quiz is less than two-dimensional. It's far too vegan, it needs more meat.

But let's try it again, this time answering everything with a wishy-washy "maybe". (My chart above was based on real responses of which only one was "maybe").





-----> Yes, as expected, the Quiz puts you at the centre point if you answer everything "Maybe". It would be better as a forced choice. But actually this could point to the utility in a new Board called "MTS".


[edit on 6-6-2005 by MaskedAvatar]

Speaking from what I know, there is a huge mis-understanding of what left and right even mean in todays context... And in America, England and Australia (atleast) there is a huge fake left party...

In America the Democrats are left - when in reality they are still an extremely right-wing party, they are moderately better than the Republicans, but big-business is the true rulers of America...

In Australia the Labor party are apparently left - but they lost their leftist ideals probably 20 years ago...

The Democrats and Labor parties both wouldn't exist if it wasn't for huge corporate sponsorship - so when these parties are in power - whos interests do you think they are going to serve?

I consider myself to be a liberal democrat...

spamandham said But what has purpetuated this into modern times? It seems it serves those already in power to exclude others who do not fall into this mercantilist vs. socialist mindset.

You are correct (also found on Wikipedia under 'Two Party System')

Wikipedia - Two-Party System

While Americans often see the two-party system as natural, based on their long experiences with it, it is in fact a product of the particular rules in place. The two parties that dominate thus have an incentive to keep the rules as they are, so as to prevent electoral losses to smaller parties.

The Republicans and Democrats are not going out of their way to make it any easier for any other 3rd parties, for its not in either platform's best interest. There just hasn't been a 3rd political party powerful and influential enough to be considered a threat...yet. It's not necessarily power issues or some hidden conspiracy...it's the design of our already established system that makes it extra hard for any 3rd party contenders. 3rd parties do seem to have potential to make a difference in election outcomes, in 2000, Democrats accused Green Party candidate Ralph Nader of having cost them the election. Even though I'm a Democrat, I have no problems with 3rd parties, I believe if they are able to get enough support then they have every right to organize and take a shot at the Whitehouse, it's their country as well.


[edit on 6/7/2005 by Lecky]

According to this test Im a LIBERTARIANS I wouldnt call myself a Libertrian by anymeans no doubt Amuk would be go nuts if I called myself a Libertrian.