5 ms·

Here's a wild idea. Everyday people should not label themselves by a political party. Only politicians need to have a political party. Why put ideology horse bl

Here's a wild idea. Everyday people should not label themselves by a political party. Only politicians need to have a political party. Why put ideology horse blinders by self labeling yourself by a political party? That's why I'm a radical Independent. I look at each issue individually and come up with my own conclusions.

Bostonian 5y ago
Some research has found that many people who label themselves independent vote for one party or another a large fraction of the time. I almost always vote for one of the two major parties, so the label of that party applies to me.
- milkytron 5y ago
  The label might apply in certain contexts, but do you tie your identity to it? Will you switch parties if given a reason?
rossdavidh 5y ago
Technically, even politicians could run as independents, although it only very occasionally works. George Washington's farewell address warned of the dangers of political parties (he was not a member of one).
- jrs235 5y ago
  I have a dream that someday ballots will list only a candidates name. Party affiliation and incumbency status will not appear anywhere.
antisthenes 5y ago
> I look at each issue individually and come up with my own conclusions. That takes an enormous amount of brainpower. Not in terms of being particularly intelligent, but just in terms of time required to form a position on every single issue. This isn't a good time investment, considering the duopoly of politics in the United States. At best you'd be able to get a slightly bigger overlap on your issues by going with one party or another, since independents are unlikely to win in the foreseeable future. That being said, your position is admirable, if only for developing critical thinking skills and exercising them, something that modern politics is in dire need of.
- scotty79 5y ago
  It's common in multi-party democracies. Before each elections there are even online tools to help you verify which party is best aligned with you. It has a form of a poll. If responses that party gave match the once you gave then the fit is higher.

Bostonian 5y ago

Some research has found that many people who label themselves independent vote for one party or another a large fraction of the time. I almost always vote for one of the two major parties, so the label of that party applies to me.

milkytron 5y ago
The label might apply in certain contexts, but do you tie your identity to it? Will you switch parties if given a reason?

rossdavidh 5y ago

Technically, even politicians could run as independents, although it only very occasionally works. George Washington's farewell address warned of the dangers of political parties (he was not a member of one).

jrs235 5y ago
I have a dream that someday ballots will list only a candidates name. Party affiliation and incumbency status will not appear anywhere.

antisthenes 5y ago

> I look at each issue individually and come up with my own conclusions. That takes an enormous amount of brainpower. Not in terms of being particularly intelligent, but just in terms of time required to form a position on every single issue. This isn't a good time investment, considering the duopoly of politics in the United States. At best you'd be able to get a slightly bigger overlap on your issues by going with one party or another, since independents are unlikely to win in the foreseeable future. That being said, your position is admirable, if only for developing critical thinking skills and exercising them, something that modern politics is in dire need of.

scotty79 5y ago
It's common in multi-party democracies. Before each elections there are even online tools to help you verify which party is best aligned with you. It has a form of a poll. If responses that party gave match the once you gave then the fit is higher.