What drives your politics?

[Democratic Hawk]

Well .....

It will come as no surprise that for me the national interest trumps that of my own and my socio-economic group

Dave

[Filuwaúrdjan]

To be entirely honest it's religion.

Of those three, I'd say collective, although national is a factor at times. Hardly ever self-interest though.

[dazzleman]

national interest

[Jake]

National interest for the most part, for example, many of my social/legal views are based on what I perceive as betterment for society or security in the world. My economic views tend to bounce between collective and personal interests though.

[opebo]

Self-interest.  Apparently I'm the only one to answer honestly so far!

Though of course the interests of one's economic class are largely identical to ones individual interests.. other than possibly some disparity on social issues, etc.

[minionofmidas]

Neither. "Interest" does not determine more than a tiny handful of people*s votes.

[A18]

NOTA

I vote on moral principles: opposition to coercion.

[DanielX]

Suprisingly, I agree with opebo - sort of. Because, for me, my self-interest and national interest are one and the same (at least in a broader sense - I do not mean that my interests are the same as everyone's, but that what I believe that a government that acts to protect the rights of its citizens through the police, the judiciary, the armed forces, and the minimum amount of safety regulation needed, it is acting both in my interest and in the national interest). Of course, our definitions of self-interest are wildly divergent, too.

Anyone who answers collective interest is either a lunatic or follows an abhorrent economic philosophy (sorry Al).

EDIT: oh yeah, and PropertyRights is also right.

[opebo]

Suprisingly, I agree with opebo - sort of. Because, for me, my self-interest and national interest are one and the same (at least in a broader sense - I do not mean that my interests are the same as everyone's, but that what I believe that a government that acts to protect the rights of its citizens through the police, the judiciary, the armed forces, and the minimum amount of safety regulation needed, it is acting both in my interest and in the national interest). Of course, our definitions of self-interest are wildly divergent, too. 

Thanks for agreeing with me, but I suspect you're unaware of your own interests.  Unless you're a multi-millionaire and haven't mentioned it.

[Bono]

NOTA

I vote on moral principles: opposition to coercion.

^^^^^^

[John Dibble]

I will admit that like opebo, I'm driven by self-interest. However, I'd like to think my interests are better reasoned out than opebo, who constanly seems to preach things against his own interests.

[dazzleman]

I will admit that like opebo, I'm driven by self-interest. However, I'd like to think my interests are better reasoned out than opebo, who constanly seems to preach things against his own interests.

The things he preaches will be in his interest after his trust fund runs out, and he's a poor.

[opebo]

I will admit that like opebo, I'm driven by self-interest. However, I'd like to think my interests are better reasoned out than opebo, who constanly seems to preach things against his own interests.

The things he preaches will be in his interest after his trust fund runs out, and he's a poor.

I'm more worried about the inheritance than the meager stipends I've been allowed so far.  One never knows the whims of the tyrannical old.

But anyway, my interests at present are more focused on social issues than economic, and in any case the moderate liberalism I advocate would probably benefit the barely rich like my family, and certainly not harm them much. 

[MaC]

all three of those listed. 

[MarkDel]

All three to some extent, but National Interest comes first by a wide, wide margin.

[nini2287]

All three to some extent, but National Interest comes first by a wide, wide margin.

Hey, welcome back!

[MarkDel]

All three to some extent, but National Interest comes first by a wide, wide margin.

Hey, welcome back!

Thanks.

[John Dibble]

I will admit that like opebo, I'm driven by self-interest. However, I'd like to think my interests are better reasoned out than opebo, who constanly seems to preach things against his own interests.

The things he preaches will be in his interest after his trust fund runs out, and he's a poor.

I'm more worried about the inheritance than the meager stipends I've been allowed so far.  One never knows the whims of the tyrannical old.

We can only hope those 'tryannical' old people figure out what an ingrate you are and disnherit you. It would be rather amusing to see you finally shoved into the real world.

[© tweed]

Self-interest.  But I like politics more for the horserace of it than anything, I have no illusions to believe I can make a difference in society.

[Speed of Sound]

National interest because poolitics for me is all about progress for your government and nation. (or in most cases, the destruction of progress )

[ilikeverin]

All three to some extent, but National Interest comes first by a wide, wide margin.

Hey, welcome back!

Thanks.

AAH!  (no, I haven't changed )


I'd say moral interests.

(I don't think it's self-interest, because I'm an upper middle class white Protestant suburban male )

[jokerman]

National Interest

[bullmoose88]

Self-interest.

[opebo]

Self-interest.

Another honest man!

[Alcon]

Well, I suppose what I believe in could be construed as self-interest when it comes to economics, but since I squander away my money on every charity that walks on the door (hell, I'd donate to Nuns Against Itchy Sweaters if I was asked - what else am I going to do with the money I have?), I suppose it defeats the purpose of that self-interest.