President Forever 2008 + Primaries: Policy Planks

[Mint]

Revised a bit

Abortion: Center Left.
Balanced Budget: Right.
Business Tax: Right
Education: Right
Energy: Right
Environment:Center Right
Gun Control: Right
Health Care: Center Right
Homeland Security: Center
Immigration: Right
Iran: Center
Iraq: Right
Outsourcing: Right
Personal Tax: Right
Same-Sex Marriage: Left
Social Security: Right
Unions: Right
War on Terror: Center Right

1 Left, 1 Center Left, 2 Center, 3 Center Right, 11 Right

[hcallega]

Abortion
Right: Only allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk. Ban partial-birth abortion.

Balanced Budget
Center-Left: Focus on real priorities. More funds for military and social programs.

Business Tax
Center-Left: Small increase in business taxation.

Education
Left: No school vouchers, large increase to federal funding. Modernize school system with more after-school programs.

Energy
Center-Left: Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025.

Environment
Center: Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies.

Gun Control
Center-Right: We should be wary of gun control. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms.

Health Care
Left: Completely public health care system and include prescription drugs under Medicare. Require health insurance for every child.

Homeland Security
Center-Right: Homeland security is an important priority. Focus on fighting terrorism but also provide disaster relief funding.

Immigration
Left: Immigration is great! The more immigrants the better. Just require a criminal record check. Full blanket-amnesty.

Iran
Center: Keep diplomatic channels open and use economic sanctions. Go to war as a last resort.

Iraq
Center-Left: We have done our job in Iraq. Begin pulling out troops gradually. Set a timeline for full withdrawal.

Outsourcing
Left: Remove tax incentives on companies that send jobs overseas to discourage outsourcing. Protect American labor.

Personal Tax
Left: Increase income tax for the rich. Reduce slightly for those in lower income bracket.

Same-Sex Marriage
Center-Left: Same-sex marriage, even if not in name.

Social Security
Left: No to private investment and personal retirement accounts, increase funding.

Unions
Left: Labor Unions are a worker's best protection against exploitation.

War on Terror
Center: We must focus on Al Qaeda, the War on Iraq is a distraction.

[Phony Moderate]

(Sorry to bump)

Abortion: L
Balanced Budget: L
Business Tax: L
Education: L
Energy: L
Environment: L
Gun Control: FL
Health Care: FL
Homeland Security: L
Immigration: FL
Iran: L
Iraq: L
Outsourcing: L
Personal Tax: L
Same-Sex Marriage: FL
Social Security: L
Unions: L
War on Terror: FL
 
 

[Mint]

Wow I had some bad ideas.

Abortion: R (Only allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk. Ban partial-birth abortion.)
Balanced Budget: FR (We need to eliminate all debt as quickly as possible. Outlaw deficit spending with a Balanced Budget Amendment.)
Business Tax: FR (Significantly decrease business taxation.)
Education: FR (School vouchers for anyone. Get the federal government out of education completely!)
Energy: R (Coal and oil are our main concerns right now. End dependence on foreign energy. Let private funds research other energy.)
Environment: CR (The environment is important. Find market based solutions to environmental problems.)
Gun Control: R (Gun ownership is constitutionally protected. Protect sportsmen's rights and the Second Amendment.)
Health Care: R (Very limited role for government in health care. Tax credits for personal Health Savings Accounts.)
Homeland Security: L (If we were more respectful to other nations they would respect us in return.  Reduce security measures and funding.)
Immigration: R (Tighten border security with stricter immigration enforcement provisions. Deport illegal immigrants.)
Iran: L (Deal with Iran through the United Nations.)
Iraq: L Withdraw all American troops at once. This was an illegal war of aggression.
Personal Tax: R (Taxes should be flatter and lower. Across-the-board tax cuts.)
Same-Sex Marriage: L (Same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.)
Social Security: FR (Let workers privately invest all retirement payments.)
Unions: C (Labor demands must be balanced with business concerns.)
War on Terror: CL (Focus on better foreign policy and cut off terrorist funding, use military force if we must.)

As fezzy said these aren't great choices (especially Iran, I think we should leave that to europe pretty much), but it's an improvement over earlier installments..

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Wow I had some bad ideas.

Abortion: R (Only allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk. Ban partial-birth abortion.)
Balanced Budget: FR (We need to eliminate all debt as quickly as possible. Outlaw deficit spending with a Balanced Budget Amendment.)
Business Tax: FR (Significantly decrease business taxation.)
Education: FR (School vouchers for anyone. Get the federal government out of education completely!)
Energy: R (Coal and oil are our main concerns right now. End dependence on foreign energy. Let private funds research other energy.)
Environment: CR (The environment is important. Find market based solutions to environmental problems.)
Gun Control: R (Gun ownership is constitutionally protected. Protect sportsmen's rights and the Second Amendment.)
Health Care: R (Very limited role for government in health care. Tax credits for personal Health Savings Accounts.)
Homeland Security: L (If we were more respectful to other nations they would respect us in return.  Reduce security measures and funding.)
Immigration: R (Tighten border security with stricter immigration enforcement provisions. Deport illegal immigrants.)
Iran: CL (Diplomacy and economic sanctions should make Iran see things our way.)
Iraq: CL (We have done our job in Iraq. Begin pulling out troops gradually. Set a timeline for full withdrawal.)
Outsourcing: CR (Outsourcing is not a problem, it is part of a globalized world and helps America.)
Personal Tax: R (Taxes should be flatter and lower. Across-the-board tax cuts.)
Same-Sex Marriage: L (Same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.)
Social Security: FR (Let workers privately invest all retirement payments.)
Unions: C (Labor demands must be balanced with business concerns.)
War on Terror: CL (Focus on better foreign policy and cut off terrorist funding, use military force if we must.)


As fezzy said these aren't great choices (especially Iran, leave that to other countries), but it's an improvement over earlier installments..

and you still have some bad ideas.

[segwaystyle2012]

Abortion: Center-Right
Balanced Budget: Far-Right
Business Tax: Right
Education: Center-Right
Energy: Center-Right
Environment: Center-Right
Gun Control: Right
Health Care: Right
Homeland Security: Center-Left
Immigration: Center-Right
Iran: Center-Left
Iraq: Center-Left
Outsourcing: Center
Personal Tax: Right
Same-Sex Marriage: Center
Social Security: Far-Right
Unions: Far-Right
War on Terror: Center-Left

[Mechaman]

Abortion: Left: Keep abortion as it is presently. Safe, legal, and rare. Keep partial-birth abortion legal.
Balanced Budget: Far-Right: We need to eliminate all debt as quickly as possible. Outlaw deficit spending with a Balanced Budget Amendment.
Business Tax: Center-Right: Reduce taxes for small businesses.
Education: Center-Right: School vouchers for lower-income students. Privatize failing schools. Charter schools provide competition.
Energy: Center-Left: Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025.
Environment: Center: Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies.
Gun Control: Far-Right: The Second Amendment is not negotiable! No restrictions on firearms!
Health Care: Center: Public health care benefits for the poor and elderly, the rest private.
Homeland Security: Far-Left: We do not need to be concerned with homeland security. No Star Wars or infringement on civil liberties!
Immigration: Far-Left: Completely open borders. Try to obtain global citizenship.
Iran: Far-Left: Iran should be able to develop nuclear technology - they will only use it for peaceful purposes.
Iraq: Left: Withdraw all American troops at once. This was an illegal war of aggression.
Outsourcing: Center-Right: Outsourcing is not a problem, it is part of a globalized world and helps America.
Personal Tax: Right: Taxes should be flatter and lower. Across-the-board tax cuts.
Same Sex Marriage: Far-Left: Same-sex marriage is a fundamental human right.
Social Security: Right: Gradually scale down federal involvement and implement privatization of social security over time.
Unions: Right: Unions are hindering our economic prosperity with their constant bickering.
War on Terror: Far-Left: Terrorism will be reduced if we stop meddling in other country's affairs. Dramatically change our foreign policy.

2 Far Right views
3 Right views
3 Center Right views
2 Center views
1 Center Left view
2 Left views
5 Far Left views
8 Left Wing views, 2 Center views, 8 Right Wing Views.
Wow, I'm even on both sides.

[JSojourner]

Abortion: Left
Balanced Budget: Left
Business Tax: Center-Left
Education: Left
Energy: Left
Environment: Far Left
Gun Control: Center
Health Care: Far-Left
Homeland Security: Left
Immigration: Left
Iran: Left
Iraq: Left
Outsourcing: Left
Personal Tax: Left
Same-Sex Marriage: Far-Left
Social Security: Left
Unions: Center-Left
War on Terror: Hawk on punishing those who actually attack us.  Dove when it comes to invading and occupying the wrong country.

On many of the above issues, however, I can come to rational compromises.  While I am left on abortion rights, for example, I could be amenable to a certain amount of tweaking of the laws governing parental consent, etc.  I wouldn't say that makes me center-left.  More like pragmatic-left.  Does that make sense?

[RIP Robert H Bork]

On many of the above issues, however, I can come to rational compromises.  While I am left on abortion rights, for example, I could be amenable to a certain amount of tweaking of the laws governing parental consent, etc.  I wouldn't say that makes me center-left.  More like pragmatic-left.  Does that make sense?

No, you've always struck me as a Far Leftist on abortion. It's one of your most liberal positions I can think of.

[JSojourner]

On many of the above issues, however, I can come to rational compromises.  While I am left on abortion rights, for example, I could be amenable to a certain amount of tweaking of the laws governing parental consent, etc.  I wouldn't say that makes me center-left.  More like pragmatic-left.  Does that make sense?

No, you've always struck me as a Far Leftist on abortion. It's one of your most liberal positions I can think of.

Maybe so.  But I could be persuaded to support parental notification.  I'm more than fine with being far leftist, though.

[Torie]

Abortion: Center
Balanced Budget: Center
Business Tax: Center right
Education: Right
Energy: Center- Right
Environment: Center
Gun Control: Center Left
Health Care: Center to Center Left
Homeland Security: Center
Immigration: Center
Iran: Center-Right
Iraq: Center
Outsourcing: Right
Personal Tax: Center-Left
Same-Sex Marriage: Left
Social Security: Center-Left
Unions: Center-Right
War on Terror: Center

[perdedor]

Abortion: Far-Left
Balanced Budget: Center-Right
Business Tax: Far-Left
Education: Left
Energy: Left
Environment: Left
Gun Control: Center
Health Care: Far-Left
Homeland Security: Center-Left
Immigration: Center-Right
Iran: Center-Left
Iraq: Left
Outsourcing: Left
Personal Tax: Far-Left
Same-Sex Marriage: Far-Left
Social Security: Center-Right
Unions: Center-Left
War on Terror: Center-Left

[tmthforu94]

Abortion: Right
Balanced Budget: Center
Business Tax: Center
Education: Center-Left
Energy: Center-Left
Environment: Center-Left
Gun Control: Right
Health Care: Center-Right
Homeland Security: Center-Right
Immigration: Right
Iran: Center
Iraq: Center-Right
Outsourcing: Left
Personal Tax: Center-Right
Same-Sex Marriage: Center-Left
Social Security: Right
Unions: Center-Right
War on Terror: Center-Right

It'll be interesting to see how much mine has changed...

Abortion: Right
Balanced Budget: Center
Business Tax: Center
Education: Center
Energy: Center-Left
Environment: Center-Left
Gun Control: Right
Health Care: Center
Homeland Security: Center-Right
Immigration: Right
Iran: Center
Iraq: Center
Outsourcing: Center-Left
Personal Tax: Center-Right
Same-Sex Marriage: Center
Social Security: Center
Unions: Center-Left
War on Terror: Center-Right

[Mechaman]

On many of the above issues, however, I can come to rational compromises.  While I am left on abortion rights, for example, I could be amenable to a certain amount of tweaking of the laws governing parental consent, etc.  I wouldn't say that makes me center-left.  More like pragmatic-left.  Does that make sense?

No, you've always struck me as a Far Leftist on abortion. It's one of your most liberal positions I can think of.

Maybe so.  But I could be persuaded to support parental notification.  I'm more than fine with being far leftist, though.

"Safe, legal, and rare" is not a "far left" position.

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

On many of the above issues, however, I can come to rational compromises.  While I am left on abortion rights, for example, I could be amenable to a certain amount of tweaking of the laws governing parental consent, etc.  I wouldn't say that makes me center-left.  More like pragmatic-left.  Does that make sense?

No, you've always struck me as a Far Leftist on abortion. It's one of your most liberal positions I can think of.

Maybe so.  But I could be persuaded to support parental notification.  I'm more than fine with being far leftist, though.

"Safe, legal, and rare" is not a "far left" position.

Yes it is.

[KeeptheChange]

Abortion: Should be banned in all circumstances and treated as first-degree murder.

Balanced Budget: Should be Constitutionally required of every budget a President submits to Congress.  Meanwhile, the President should have the line item veto and should be Constitutionally mandated to use it if Congress adds to the budget in such a way as to render it imbalanced.

Business Tax: Should be eliminated immediately for small and medium sized businesses, and as soon as the deficit is eliminated, for large corporations too. Then, I would favor a Constitutional amendment outlawing any taxation above one percent.

Education: The federal government has no business in education.  The DoE should be eliminated immediately.  Vouchers should be provided to parents who send their children to private, Christian schools.  Homeschooling should be encouraged and supported, rather than persecuted and demonized.

Energy: We should begin drilling immediately in the ANWR, offshore and anywhere there might be oil.  Pipe dreams like wind, solar and biofuels should be abandoned. Strip mining and shale oil should be encouraged. Nuclear power, coal and oil are our future. Federal and state regulation should be severely curtailed.  The free market and public opinion are not only sufficient, but more effective when it comes to encouraging good corporate behavior. Some of the mining operations in my state are very good corporate citizens.

Environment: Global warming is a myth. My note above is applicable here, too.  The EPA should be immediately disbanded and laws that inhibit business growth and job creation should be stricken from the books. Baby seals, spotted owls and snail darters don't matter one damn bit and it absolutely enrages me to think that some morons care more about baby whales than baby humans.  Jobs, people.  That's what matters.

Gun Control: It is the right of all Americans to own firearms.  This right should be jealously guarded and protected. There should be no limit on the kind of weapon a law abiding citizen can own, with the exception of anything of an explosive nature. Grenades? No.  Machine gunes?  Yes.

Health Care: Is a personal responsibility and a priviledge earned through hard work. Indolence should not be rewarded with welfare.  If I had my way, we would end Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security for that matter.  Since such liberty-oriented ideas are presently unpopular, we should try to limit these programs wherever possible. Let's take what we can get until the rest of America wakes up and smells the opium it has been smoking.

Homeland Security: Should remain a cabinet level department.  I favor the right of federal law enforcement to monitor the communications of suspicious persons.  And I hate to say it.  But I support racial profiling in this regard only. If someone is getting on a plane and is wearing a turban or is named Ali Baba (or whatever)...the chances of them being a terrorist are better than if the name is Joe Smith.  Yes, I hate that this means a lot of patriotic, law-abiding Americans of Arab desent and Muslim faith will be inconvenienced.  That grieves me terribly. But it is what it is.  I also think we have, especially since Obama, become waaaaaayyyy too mindless of the Nation of Islam and extremist black groups.  I don't want to believe this has anything to do with what Barrack Hussain Obama learned at Jeremiah Wright's feet...but if the shoe fits...

Immigration: Deport all illegals immediately.  If the INS lacks sufficient personnel, use the military or privatize some of the work.  There should be absolutely NO health care for illegals, including illegal children.  What these people do is nothing more than spit in the eye of foreigners who came here and played by the rules. And hey...all their countries have Socialist Medicine, so they should be in a hurry to get home to their paradise countries anyway.  Ha!

Iran: No country is as important to the security and future prosperity of the United States as Israel.  If Iran makes any kind of threatening move toward Israel, the US should join Israel in attacking Iran and completely wiping out its military infrastructure.

Iraq: We should withdraw immediately.  This was a mistake and we should admit it already.

Outsourcing: American companies would not outsource if we eliminated the Socialist policies that already exist here...and prevent new ones from taking effect.  Scrap the minimum wage, dump oppressive OSHA regulations (which frequently lead to bribery and graft) and above all, stop worshiping those damned trees and spotted owls... and we will see American business always choose to keep jobs here.  Oh...and getting rid of public schools will help, too. The students who graduate from private or homeschool situations are invariably more intelligent, well-read and eager to work than the dummies who come out of government schools.

Personal Tax: Taxation is legalized theft.  And a good case can be made for the fact that, Constitutionally, it's not even legal. The only question I have on personal tax is whether or not this government should make reparations to its citizens.

Same-Sex Marriage: Marriage is a union between one man and one woman.  Homosexuality is a psycho-sexual disorder that leads to bestiality, pedophilia and sado-masochism. We all know that random gay who is a nice guy and seems completely harmless.  But unfortunately, every study I have read by reputable sources indicates that he is the exception to the rule.

Social Security: Should be ended as soon as possible.  Failing that, it should be privatized.

Unions: While a ban on unionization would please me tremendously, I am not sure such a law would be Constitutional...given the right of Americans to freedom of association and assembly.  But every effort should be made to discourage unions and to defeat them.  They encourage workers NOT to work, defend workers who get suspended or fired for using drugs or stealing on the job and  create a sense of entitlement that is 100% antithetical to all that America stands for. And Unions should be investigated vigorously on matters of finance and criminal activity.  Most are (or have been) a front for organized crime, anyway.

War on Terror: I support it wholeheartedly.  I think the war on terror would have a great deal more credibility if we had a President who did not travel the globe, apologizing for "American aggression" and imperialism. Ronald Reagan understood what Teddy Roosevelt meant when he said, "Walk softly and carry a big stick."  This is exactly the approach we need. Appeasement only sends a message of cowardice and lack of conviction.
 
 

[Katherine Harris is legit]

Abortion: Should be banned in all circumstances and treated as first-degree murder.

Balanced Budget: Should be Constitutionally required of every budget a President submits to Congress.  Meanwhile, the President should have the line item veto and should be Constitutionally mandated to use it if Congress adds to the budget in such a way as to render it imbalanced.

Business Tax: Should be eliminated immediately for small and medium sized businesses, and as soon as the deficit is eliminated, for large corporations too. Then, I would favor a Constitutional amendment outlawing any taxation above one percent.

Education: The federal government has no business in education.  The DoE should be eliminated immediately.  Vouchers should be provided to parents who send their children to private, Christian schools.  Homeschooling should be encouraged and supported, rather than persecuted and demonized.

Energy: We should begin drilling immediately in the ANWR, offshore and anywhere there might be oil.  Pipe dreams like wind, solar and biofuels should be abandoned. Strip mining and shale oil should be encouraged. Nuclear power, coal and oil are our future. Federal and state regulation should be severely curtailed.  The free market and public opinion are not only sufficient, but more effective when it comes to encouraging good corporate behavior. Some of the mining operations in my state are very good corporate citizens.

Environment: Global warming is a myth. My note above is applicable here, too.  The EPA should be immediately disbanded and laws that inhibit business growth and job creation should be stricken from the books. Baby seals, spotted owls and snail darters don't matter one damn bit and it absolutely enrages me to think that some morons care more about baby whales than baby humans.  Jobs, people.  That's what matters.

Gun Control: It is the right of all Americans to own firearms.  This right should be jealously guarded and protected. There should be no limit on the kind of weapon a law abiding citizen can own, with the exception of anything of an explosive nature. Grenades? No.  Machine gunes?  Yes.

Health Care: Is a personal responsibility and a priviledge earned through hard work. Indolence should not be rewarded with welfare.  If I had my way, we would end Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security for that matter.  Since such liberty-oriented ideas are presently unpopular, we should try to limit these programs wherever possible. Let's take what we can get until the rest of America wakes up and smells the opium it has been smoking.

Homeland Security: Should remain a cabinet level department.  I favor the right of federal law enforcement to monitor the communications of suspicious persons.  And I hate to say it.  But I support racial profiling in this regard only. If someone is getting on a plane and is wearing a turban or is named Ali Baba (or whatever)...the chances of them being a terrorist are better than if the name is Joe Smith.  Yes, I hate that this means a lot of patriotic, law-abiding Americans of Arab desent and Muslim faith will be inconvenienced.  That grieves me terribly. But it is what it is.  I also think we have, especially since Obama, become waaaaaayyyy too mindless of the Nation of Islam and extremist black groups.  I don't want to believe this has anything to do with what Barrack Hussain Obama learned at Jeremiah Wright's feet...but if the shoe fits...

Immigration: Deport all illegals immediately.  If the INS lacks sufficient personnel, use the military or privatize some of the work.  There should be absolutely NO health care for illegals, including illegal children.  What these people do is nothing more than spit in the eye of foreigners who came here and played by the rules. And hey...all their countries have Socialist Medicine, so they should be in a hurry to get home to their paradise countries anyway.  Ha!

Iran: No country is as important to the security and future prosperity of the United States as Israel.  If Iran makes any kind of threatening move toward Israel, the US should join Israel in attacking Iran and completely wiping out its military infrastructure.

Iraq: We should withdraw immediately.  This was a mistake and we should admit it already.

Outsourcing: American companies would not outsource if we eliminated the Socialist policies that already exist here...and prevent new ones from taking effect.  Scrap the minimum wage, dump oppressive OSHA regulations (which frequently lead to bribery and graft) and above all, stop worshiping those damned trees and spotted owls... and we will see American business always choose to keep jobs here.  Oh...and getting rid of public schools will help, too. The students who graduate from private or homeschool situations are invariably more intelligent, well-read and eager to work than the dummies who come out of government schools.

Personal Tax: Taxation is legalized theft.  And a good case can be made for the fact that, Constitutionally, it's not even legal. The only question I have on personal tax is whether or not this government should make reparations to its citizens.

Same-Sex Marriage: Marriage is a union between one man and one woman.  Homosexuality is a psycho-sexual disorder that leads to bestiality, pedophilia and sado-masochism. We all know that random gay who is a nice guy and seems completely harmless.  But unfortunately, every study I have read by reputable sources indicates that he is the exception to the rule.

Social Security: Should be ended as soon as possible.  Failing that, it should be privatized.

Unions: While a ban on unionization would please me tremendously, I am not sure such a law would be Constitutional...given the right of Americans to freedom of association and assembly.  But every effort should be made to discourage unions and to defeat them.  They encourage workers NOT to work, defend workers who get suspended or fired for using drugs or stealing on the job and  create a sense of entitlement that is 100% antithetical to all that America stands for. And Unions should be investigated vigorously on matters of finance and criminal activity.  Most are (or have been) a front for organized crime, anyway.

War on Terror: I support it wholeheartedly.  I think the war on terror would have a great deal more credibility if we had a President who did not travel the globe, apologizing for "American aggression" and imperialism. Ronald Reagan understood what Teddy Roosevelt meant when he said, "Walk softly and carry a big stick."  This is exactly the approach we need. Appeasement only sends a message of cowardice and lack of conviction.
 
 

I agree with all of these.

[Conservative frontier]

Abortion : FR
Balanced Budget : FR
Business Tax : FR
Education : R
Energy : FR
Environment : FR
Gun Control : FR
Healthcare : FR
Homeland Security : FR
Immigration : FR
Iran : FR
Iraq : R
Outsourcing : None fits my view
Personal Tax : FR
Same-Sex Marrige : R
Social Security : FR
Unions : R
War on Terror : FR

[fezzyfestoon]

Abortion: CL (Protect responsible choice. Ban partial-birth abortions except in the case of life of the mother.)
Balanced Budget: C (Balance lowering the deficit with other priorities. No long-term deficits.)
Business Tax: R (Moderate decrease in business taxation.)
Education: CL (Support our public school system. Private school vouchers drain resources from public schools. Increase funding.)
Energy: CL (Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025.)
Environment: C (Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies.)
Gun Control: CL (The right to bear arms, but only responsibly! Ban assault rifles, require registration/background checks.)
Health Care: CL (Universal health care whether public or private. Require health insurance for every child.)
Homeland Security: L (If we were more respectful to other nations they would respect us in return.  Reduce security measures and funding.)
Immigration: L (Immigration is great! The more immigrants the better. Just require a criminal record check. Full blanket-amnesty.)
Iran: CL (Diplomacy and economic sanctions should make Iran see things our way.)
Iraq: CL (We have done our job in Iraq. Begin pulling out troops gradually. Set a timeline for full withdrawal.)
Outsourcing: C (The American labor market is fine the way it is.)
Personal Tax: C (Leave income tax as it is presently. Keep progressive taxes and remove small hidden taxes like marriage tax.)
Same-Sex Marriage: CL (Same-sex marriage, even if not in name.)
Social Security: C (Keep social security as it is.)
Unions: C (Labor demands must be balanced with business concerns.)
War on Terror: FL (Terrorism will be reduced if we stop meddling in other country's affairs. Dramatically change our foreign policy.)

I changed abortion one notch to the right, immigration and unions one to the left, war on terror two to the left, and energy three to the left.

[Phony Moderate]

On many of the above issues, however, I can come to rational compromises.  While I am left on abortion rights, for example, I could be amenable to a certain amount of tweaking of the laws governing parental consent, etc.  I wouldn't say that makes me center-left.  More like pragmatic-left.  Does that make sense?

No, you've always struck me as a Far Leftist on abortion. It's one of your most liberal positions I can think of.

Maybe so.  But I could be persuaded to support parental notification.  I'm more than fine with being far leftist, though.

"Safe, legal, and rare" is not a "far left" position.

Yes it is.

Says the guy who claims not to believe in the "left-right" scale.

[Phony Moderate]

Abortion: Far Left
Balanced Budget: Far Right
Business Tax: Right
Education: Center Left
Energy: Left
Environment: Center
Gun Control: Center Left
Health Care: Center Left
Homeland Security: Far Left
Immigration: Far Left
Iran: Center
Iraq: Left
Outsourcing: Right
Personal Tax: Right
Same-Sex Marriage: Far Left
Social Security: Center Right
Unions: Far Right
War on Terror: Far Left

The positions i've bolded suprise me slightly.

[Mechaman]

Abortion: Far Left
Balanced Budget: Far Right
Business Tax: Right
Education: Center Left
Energy: Left
Environment: Center
Gun Control: Center Left
Health Care: Center Left
Homeland Security: Far Left
Immigration: Far Left
Iran: Center
Iraq: Left
Outsourcing: Right
Personal Tax: Right
Same-Sex Marriage: Far Left
Social Security: Center Right
Unions: Far Right
War on Terror: Far Left

The positions i've bolded suprise me slightly.

Not to sound like a purist, but how in the cock can a libertarian be anything left of "centre" on gun control?

[Max Electric]

Abortion - Center-Left: Protect responsible choice. Ban partial-birth abortions except in the case of life of the mother.

Balanced Budget - Center-Right: We need to curb spending in order to balance the budget. Respect taxpayers' dollars.

Business Tax - Right: Moderate decrease in business taxation.

Education - Right: Support school vouchers and charter schools. Reduce federal government's role in education.

Energy - Center-Left: Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025.

Environment - Center: Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies.

Gun Control - Center: Gun control is a state issue. Responsible gun ownership is fine.

Health Care - Center: Public health care benefits for the poor and elderly, the rest private.

Homeland Security - Center-Left: We must defend ourselves only if attacked. Increase some security, funding for natural disasters. Oppose Patriot Act.

Immigration - Center-Left: Legal immigration is great. Support guest-worker program for illegals and amnesty.

Iran - Center-Left: Diplomacy and economic sanctions should make Iran see things our way.

Iraq - Center: We should seek a multilateral solution and bring in the UN/NATO and allies to help rebuild Iraq.

Outsourcing - Center-Right: Outsourcing is not a problem, it is part of a globalized world and helps America.

Personal Tax - Center: Leave income tax as it is presently. Keep progressive taxes and remove small hidden taxes like marriage tax.

Same-Sex Marriage - Left: Same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.

Social Security - Center-Left: Allow a small amount of private investment but keep it regulated.

Unions - Center: Labor demands must be balanced with business concerns.

War on Terror - Center: We must focus on Al Qaeda, the War on Iraq is a distraction.

[Electric Feel]

//Abortion
[X] Unrestricted access to abortions. (L)
[ ] Legal abortions in the first two trimesters for the mother's health. (CL)
[ ] Legal abortions in the first trimester for the mother's health. (C)
[ ] No legal abortions, except to save the mother's life or rape. (CR)
[ ] No legal abortions. (R)


//Affirmative Action
[ ] Make all federal agencies follow strict quotas. (L)
[ ] Diversity is a compelling reason for affirmative action. (CL)
[ ] The benefits of diversity can justify affirmative action. (C)
[X] Affirmative action programs only in certain cases. (CR)
[ ] Abolish all federal affirmative action programs. (R)


//Balanced Budget
[ ] A deficit is fine - focus on social programs. (L)
[ ] Military spending is more important than the deficit. (CL)
[X] Balance lowering the deficit with other priorities. (C)
[ ] A Balanced Budget amendment to eliminate the deficit. (CR)
[ ] Eliminate all national debt as quickly as possible. (R)

//Business Tax
[ ] Significantly increase business taxation. (L)
[X] Increase business taxation. (CL)
[ ] Businesses are taxed the right amount. (C)
[ ] Reduce business taxation. (CR)
[ ] Significantly reduce business taxation. (R)


//Campaign Finance Reform
[ ] Elections are rigged for the two parties - we need major reform! (L)
[X] We need to significantly reduce corporate donations. (CL)
[ ] We need to put more power into smaller donors' hands. (C)
[ ] The McCain/Feingold bill is sufficient. (CR)
[ ] No campaign finance reform is needed. (R)

//Ecology
[ ] The environment must be our first national priority. (L)
[X] Good environmental policies are good economic policies. (CL)
[ ] Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies. (C)
[ ] Economic policies must come before environmental policies. (CR)
[ ] The environment is fine, we don't need to worry about it. (R)

//Education
[ ] No school vouchers, large increase to federal funding. (L)
[X] No school vouchers, increase federal funding. (CL)
[ ] Lower-income school vouchers, increase federal funding. (C)
[ ] School vouchers for lower-income students. (CR)
[ ] School vouchers for anyone. (R)


//Free Trade
[ ] We need to erect large tariff barriers to protect all our industries. (L)
[ ] Some industries need to be protected. (CL)
[X] Open markets should be approached with caution. (C)
[ ] Most markets should be open. (CR)
[ ] All markets should be open! (R)


//Gun Control
[ ] Ban all guns! (L)
[X] Ban certain guns, and require registration/background checks. (CL)
[ ] Guns control is a state issue. (C)
[ ] We should be very wary of gun control. (CR)
[ ] Gun ownership is constitutionally protected - no gun control! (R)


//Same-Sex Marriage
[X] Same-sex marriage is a constitutional right. (L)
[ ] Same-sex marriage, even if not in name. (CL)
[ ] Retain marriage as it is, but explore civil unions. (C)
[ ] Marriage is between a man and a woman. (CR)
[ ] Homosexuals need to be treated for their condition. (R)


//Immigration
[ ] Immigration is great, illegal immigrants granted amnesty. (L)
[X] Legal immigration is great. (CL)
[ ] Legal immigration is fine, but immigration laws must be obeyed. (C)
[ ] Reduce legal immigration, crack down on illegal immigration. (CR)
[ ] Immigration is destroying the country, stop all immigration now! (R)


//Military Funding
[ ] Drastically cut military funding, establish a Department of Peace. (L)
[X] We should decrease military funding. (CL)
[ ] Keep military budget the same, look to be more efficient. (C)
[ ] Increase the military budget, but find ways to be more efficient. (CR)
[ ] We need to significantly increase military funding to meet new threats. (R)

//Military Intervention
[X] Military intervention is another way of saying 'empire building'. (L)
[ ] For humanitarian causes or if we are attacked. (CL)
[ ] Only if we are attacked. (C)
[ ] Only if our national interests are threatened. (CR)
[ ] We can and should use our military might to further our own interests. (R)


//Personal Tax
[ ] Increase income tax for everyone. (L)
[X] Increase income tax for the rich. (CL)
[ ] Reduce income tax for lower- and middle-class tax brackets. (C)
[ ] Reduce income tax across the board. (CR)
[ ] Reduce income tax for the rich. (R)

//Public Health Care
[ ] We need a completely public health care system. (L)
[X] Universal health care, whether public or private. (CL)
[ ] Public health care benefits for the poor and elderly, the rest private. (C)
[ ] Only a few public health care benefits. (CR)
[ ] The health care system should be completely private. (R)


//Renewable Energy
[ ] Renewable energy all the way! (L)
[X] We should focus on renewable energy sources. (CL)
[ ] Renewable and non-renewable energy must be equally researched. (R)
[ ] Coal and oil are our main concerns right now. (CR)
[ ] We don't need to worry about renewable energy sources. (R)

//Social Security
[ ] No to any private investment, dramatically increase funding. (L)
[ ] No to private investment, increase funding. (CL)
[X] Keep social security as it is. (C)
[ ] Let workers privately invest some of their social security payments. (CR)
[ ] Let workers privately invest all social security payments. (R)

//Terrorism
[ ] We should surrender to the terrorists. (L)
[X] We need to fight the cause of terrorism, economic and social injustice. (CL)
[ ] Focus on better foreign policy, but use military force if we must. (C)
[ ] We should not hesitate to use military force against terrorism. (CR)
[ ] Terrorism can only be stopped one way: military force. (R)

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

Abortion
Right: Only allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk. Ban partial-birth abortion.

Balanced Budget
Far-Right: We need to eliminate all debt as quickly as possible. Outlaw deficit spending with a Balanced Budget Amendment.

Business Tax
Far-Right: Significantly decrease business taxation.

Education
Center-Left: Support our public school system. Private school vouchers drain resources from public schools. Increase funding.

Energy
Center-Left: Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025.

Environment
Center: Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies.

Gun Control
Far-Right: The Second Amendment is not negotiable! No restrictions on firearms!

Health Care
Center-Right: More tax-deductible health costs. Very limited public health services. Give health coverage to uninsured children.

Homeland Security
Far-Left: We do not need to be concerned with homeland security. No Star Wars or infringement on civil liberties!

Immigration
Right: Tighten border security with stricter immigration enforcement provisions. Deport illegal immigrants.

Iran
Far-Left: Iran should be able to develop nuclear technology - they will only use it for peaceful purposes.

Iraq
Left: Withdraw all American troops at once. This was an illegal war of aggression.

Outsourcing
Center-Left: End some of the tax incentives for companies sending jobs overseas. Support American labor!

Personal Tax
Right: Taxes should be flatter and lower. Across-the-board tax cuts.

Same-Sex Marriage
Center-Left: Same-sex marriage, even if not in name.

Social Security
Right: Gradually scale down federal involvement and implement privatization of social security over time.

Unions
Center-Right: Unions are undermining our economy by blackmailing companies to overpay their workers.

War on Terror
Far-Left: Terrorism will be reduced if we stop meddling in other country's affairs. Dramatically change our foreign policy.