What am I?

[Togglebog]

I don't know what my political affiliations are at this point. I know I want less government though. And government regulation on some things. I don't know if what I'm hearing is wrong, but I heard that while we cannot drill in the gulf, Obama has let Brazil start drilling. I think if an American company wants to drill, let them. I hear all this stuff about the problems in the Middle East and what we need to do. Why do anything? I'm sure that if it wasn't for all the oil that we're dependent on there, we wouldn't be doing much. I think the government should stay out of peoples lives though. I'm not sure if that's a form of anarchism or libertarianism. Please don't rage on me, cause I really do not know at this point.

[DrStrangelove]

To put it simply, a capitalist. But you definitely hold ideas that are in line with the Libertarian Party's view points. You hold social and economic libertarian views, which put you into a branch from classical liberalism. You aren't an anarchist in any sense of the word (as in you don't wish to completely abolish the state or classes/capitalism).

That's my lackluster analysis. Hopefully a much more intelligent person on the forum will be able to give you a better analysis than me.

[NoOneIsIllegal]

Ecology is extremely important and we shouldn't pursue drilling. There are many good alternatives. The problem is, the oil/gas lobby is extremely strong and electric car manufacturing for many years lost financial support. A great book on the subject is "Ecology and Socialism" by Chris Williams.

But that's besides the point. If you don't see your final goal as abolishing the state and classes, you are a lot different than the rest of us.

[Shinigami]

He doesn't seem to have very strong opinions on much at this point; I wouldn't label him as much of a capitalist just because he doesn't know enough about socialism yet.

[Dunk]

Being a capitalist isn't a point of view, it's a very specific class position where one owns and controls a means of production - or finance capitalists, who may not directly own productive resources.

Togglebog, how old are you?

I apologize if you're not a youngster, it just strikes me as strange that someone can say on their profile that they're leaning toward Trotskyism or Titoism and then make a post like this. It makes me uncomfortable when teens treat anti-capitalism or it's myriad of tendencies like a change of clothes.

[Kronsteen]

I don't know what my political affiliations are at this point.

That's a good place to start. I suggest you call yourself a Independent until you're ready to align with one group or another - or just continue as independent if that suits you.

From what you say, at the moment you seem socially liberal and economically conservative. You'd like to see capitalism reformed and restrained in a humanitarian direction, as opposed to overthrown - and if it's a choice between american capitalists and non-american ones, you'll side with america.

Around here we'd probably call you a Liberal, a Liberal Democrat, or possibly a Left Libertarian. Some will use these terms as insults, but they have nonjudgemental meanings.

Here's a quick quiz:

Ayn Rand - prophet or deluded?
Gay marriage - threat or human right?
State Welfare - handouts to spongers or necessary safety net?
Creationism - valid alternative or blithering nonsense
Obama - man trying his best in difficult circumstances or puppet of wall street?

If the second alternative answer appeals to you for each question, you're consistently Liberal. If you feel the first alternatives are stupid and evil, you're further to the left than Liberal. If you're not sure about any of the questions, then you're still unformed politically and need to do a lot of reading.

If the last, the 'Opposing Ideologies' section of this site is a good place to ask questions.