The Introduce Yourself thread!

[Socialist]

Hello everyone, my name is Matt. I'm a 17-year old living in the U.S., born and raised here. I am currently in high school and plan to go further my education in political science and other social studies related courses. I do not have a favorite philospher but have studied the works of Karl Marx, Joseph Lenin, Noam Chomsky, Bertrand Russell and a few others.

I have spent most of my life up in till this year in the central part of urban cities. That is where my intrest in politics started. Seeing what my fellow people must do to survive and what the goverment does to help has angered me, and basically turned me into a revolutionist you might say.

My view of this capitalist goverment in the U.S. is non-supportive. The class strugle is a never ending problem. i belive this goverment is based on greed and corprate America rather then the people that live here. I have also learned of the economic imperialism of us onto other countries. Not only that, are education system is poor compared to what we can do with it. The propaganda of America is also a never ending problem. As citizens of this country we will never know the full truth of what is going on. I also belive we are a hypocritical goverment based soly on our own advance.

I see multiple events in the future of America. I do belive that a civil war and/or revolution will take place in my life-time. I do think it will happen as the leftist parties grown in numbers and the right wing loses its control over the goverment and their credibilty. But this will only take place if we survive that long. A nuclear or chemical war is very possible in the near future. Especially if Bush is elected again. War with countries like North Korea or China poses severe damage to our economy, world status, etc.

Well that is some basic information about me, any other questions please let me know and I will answer. One more thing is that I do not fall for the regular bullshit everyone else does. If you do respond to my posts please do not just answer with what you belive but give reasons to. I will not argue with someone who has no reason behind the opinions.

[jazzer]

I read your posts Charles and enjoy them- it is great to hear a little more about you.
My name is Jen - I'm 27 and married. I'm a jazz pianist - hence the name "jazzer" . I do a lot of teaching and I also perform a few times a week. Music is the best way that I can express myself... words always fall short of what i'm feeling. Composing is what has been a real joy for me lately. I also enjoy reading, traveling and eating good food
Music has given me the opportunity to travel to many great countries including - France, Switzerland, Japan and Turkey (my personal favorite) - I have loved being able to do this and hope to travel many more times in my life. This is something I definietly do not do enough of...ahhh... I need a vacation!

as to my politicalviews-i don't have too many defined views. I came to this website to get better insight into what I think about politics and the world. I am a christian and want to understand my role better in the political arena. In contrast to what a lot of people think- I don't vote republican just because I am a christian. My christian beliefs encompass my whole life and I want to be responsible with the decisions I make - including politics. I was tired of people thinking I like George Bush just because I am a christian.
I also am weary of the whole two party system and hope to gain insight as I read and have discussions in the future.
as for this introduction- I feel it's forced and work better when asked questions- so if you ever want to know anything else about me - don't hesitate to ask. i love meeting new people and having honest conversations

[fishdawg40]

WFCY great thread idea!

Welll, I'm 25 and just began going to school 2 years ago, I'll be attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando (it's not just Mickey Mouse here). I'm thinking about a possible major in Political Science or History, not sure what kind of specialization yet, but I am extremly interested in learning about, let's say, America's tainted history, something I hardly know much about. As a teenager I listened to a lot of punk rock. The Dead Kennedys turned me on to a lot of radical ideas. Of course I didn't further my "education" about these ideas until just recently. Michael Moore is who sparked my interest into politics. I joined this forum, for the most part, to learn.

I love all music; from the Grateful Dead to Thelonius Monk (hey jazzer). If I were to pick a favorite genre, it would be jazz.

I was born in Cleveland, OH. I've lived in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles area, and Ft. Lauderdale. The latter is where I grew up. Talk about a lack of culture.

I have a girlfriend who is Cuban. Her father came over on the Mariel in 1980. He has tons of great stories about Cuba and it's politics/history.

Glad to see Socialist being so young and into radical politics. WFCY your knowledge of politics is extremly commendable for your age. I thought you were in your 50's.

I have to go read my "Chomsky for Beginers", yeah I'm a little slow.

Take care everybody and I hope all is well.

[Gizzey]

Well I am a 33 year old mother of 3 (boy 6yrs, 2 girls 4 and 2) My husband is from the Highlands of Scotland and we met while we were both living in London.
I am a psychiatric nurse and have been for 15 years, my husband also works in psychiatry.
I have an BA in Irish Politics and am currently studying for an MSC in world politics with International relations.
I have always had an interest in politics, even when I was little, this baffled my family as they have no interest in politics.

Politically I am a liberal.
I believe in respect and tolerence for all races,creeds,nationalities and religions. I have no faith or respect for politicians as I believe them all to be corrupt.
Particularly the US's current administration (among others including the two that lead Ireland)

I am an eager learner and am hungry for knowledge. I think I will be an eternal student.

I believe there are 2 sides to every story and search for both sides before I form an opinion.

[dumblikeapoet]

Who am I?

Well I am 20 year old computer programmer in the US Air Force. I am currently working at AFRL on Kirtland AFB in NM. I am married to my high school sweetheart. I am originally from the rust belt of the Ohio Valley. Grew up with a single mother who had no ambition and pretty much slept on the couch during my childhood. I start class' at UNM next semester and really have no clue as to what I want to major in, probably education/history.

This is basically the first political message board I've found where people actually listen and consider what you write instead of brushing it off and push on with making their point. I like debating because it more clearly defines what I actually feel about a subject, it also helps you learn a good deal about the subjects debated.

I have serious problems with the US government. Everything ranging from poor healthcare to foreign policy. I am a former anarchist and now more closely align myself with socialists. In reality I don't think the US government is functioning as the american people think it should. However I don't agree with a violent revolution as revolution generally has a horrible track record.

Edit:
As I'm sure you've all noticed I also run a blog called Alias: Jonus. I am also a christian, just not a dumb one who only cares about getting to heaven. There is a saying that I think applies to most christians "To heavenly minded to be any earthly good".

Jonus

[thinkandask]

good grief, i'm old compared with these bios.
going to be 41 in a couple of weeks. i'm single, and i have a french lopped-eared bunny (almost 8 years old.) he rules, and i take him with me to france and california. we also walk around manhattan on nice days. he is a celebrity, and i'm often surrounded by paparrazzi kids when he is out with me. lol!

1.) i'm lost, confused, and question everything.

2.) i don't believe in anything, and yet i believe in everything. lol

but since this is a "political" forum, and the only one i belong to... here are my political views:


i'm extremely conservative politically;
although some would think my views are perhaps -- hmm, not conservative, but anarchistic or even inhumane. i advocate for absolute minimal government. people must be trusted to rule for themselves; however, for anyone who takes advantage of this "public" trust, the price they pay is quite great. in my government, you don't worry about locking your door. crime is nearly non-existent... which itself saves us money and a heavy police force.

under my government there is no longer a need for federal prisons, thus saving us taxpayers $33 billion a year, plus incremental spending on new prison facilities and a huge industry expense to support prisons. for criminals sent to institutions (would be federal); such as sexual predators, (non passion related) murderers, and anyone who causes a crime that affects society in general, let me say "ken lay" of enron -- you get the "life time prison award"....

in northwestern nevada, we have a 20,000 acre plot of land surrounded by electrified fencing and walls. this plot is divided with a wall in 7/8 for men, 1/8 for women (proportionalty to the prison population). no one escapes nor is anyone ever allowed out. the men, prior to incarceration, are surgically sterilized.

electricity, water, and food is supplied inside these walls, along with building materials to sustain the prisoners in custody. the prison has a crematorium to take care of the dead. instruction manuals would be provided.

simple. no prison guards or managment required. and if there ever was a deterrent for commiting crime of such magnitude, i've just laid it out.

secondly, local prisons would continue to deal with petty crime and misdemeanors; however, anyone charged with burglary, robbery, mugging etc., sleeps in the prison by night, and is outside by day. s/he becomes part of a chain gang on day labor jobs, saving our cities millions in labor costs each year for street cleanup, road repair, trash pickup, etc.

every trial is heard by a jury of 5, majority rules. with nevada in working order, there is no longer a need for the death penalty.

there are no illegal drugs. if you want to shoot yourself up with heroine, go right ahead, but you deal with the consequences.... (see the penalties for crime.) the same goes for any activity relating to/of your abuse of substances that cause harm to someone else. in the case of self-injury as a result of (say) driving while intoxicated, you lose your rights to drive. forever.


government is responsible:
for insuring education preschool through bachelor's degree; health care; and auto/life/home insurance. government distributes medication as part of your tax spend. for those who wish to take advantage, "fraud" may qualify for your new home in nevada.

there are no government subsidies, there are no government funds for not-for-profit organizations.

there is no welfare for those physically able to work. if you lose your job, you will get benefits, however you work for government agencies 30 hours each week until you find a new job. the idea being the extra 10 hours a week can be spent looking...

if you have a child (which takes equally a man and a woman to produce) you are equally repsonsible for the care and finances of that child whether you have custody or not. abuse of that child is seen detremental to society as a whole, and therefore would pay the consequences through a jury's decision. should man or woman abandon that child either through divorce or non-payment of support, that too is considered determental to the well being of the child and therefore society.

there is full care for those who mentally and or physically can not care for themselves.

religion is a personal choice, and has nothing to do with government. for any discriminatory crime related to religion, ie, cross burning, etc... the jury has to decide whether nevada is the place for you, or cleaning streets for awhile would suffice.

on international policy:
our military aligns the borders of our country. those who wish to apply to live in the united states may do so. those who try to enter the states illegally are sent home, the first time. the second time they are flown via helicopter over nevada; and told that a third try will land them there.

countries may apply for aid through proper channels, much like applying for a credit card. the usa does not provide money in any form to countries without their willingness to apply and pay back with interest.

on business:
the CEO and the board of directors are personally liable and held responsible for all company actions at home and abroad. the CEO and board members are held accountable for all actions within 5 years of their departure(s). they act together, and if one is found liable for wrong doing, so are they all by default.
it becomes a federal crime to swindle investors, abuse employees, or cook the books, and the jury decides whether or not these folks sweep streets or relocate to nevada as a happy team. the board could be absolved of wrong doing if they turn-in the bad guy of their own free will.

corporate tax dollars, even at half of what they are today, should be enough to cover government expenses annually, releasing citizens themselves from paying income tax. state and city income taxes would be appropriate depending upon city and county budgets, and programs that serve that community.

elections and elected officials:
this includes councilmembers, mayors; state legislature, governors; senate, reps, congress, and white house roles. political contributions are not allowed, period.
first, their pay scale is the average wage earned in their city, state, or (national.)
second, anyone can run for office. you must gain .05 percent of voter signatures, and register with the city, county, or federal office for intent to run. every candidate will receive an equal amount to spend on his or her election; however, no candidate may purchase advertisments for television, radio, print, or any form of broadcast.
voting is handled via us-postal services, or maybe handed (in person) to a voting office.

voting fraud (?) -- well, just look at nevada again.

retirement:
every citizen is granted full retirement benefits at the average of (last five years salary, with maximum of three times the average national income) plus cost of living increases for the remainder of their life beginning at age 67, and this age will increase/decrease with the life expectacy ratio through time.
for those who never worked, they may receive retirement benefits equal to the national average income at age 67 thereforeto.

have i missed anything?

[whitestreet101]

Hello, my name is Kolin, I'm 24, married, and about to be the father of one.

I grew up in very rural Alaska. I got a BA in Journalism from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, and married a medical student from the east coast. I am currently working as a carpenter and volunteering as an EMT. I use my degree as a placemat.

I have always been interested in issues, if not in the political process. Politics frustrate me to no end.

Ideologically I'm a libertarian, but I think we need a major reconstruction of our government and society before we can go in that direction. People are not going to put up with the privatization of education and transportation.

I own many guns and enjoy shooting and eating all sizes of furry animals. Name an Alaskan animal; chances are I've eaten it.

I've read a bit of political theory. Just the basics, mainly: Marx, Plato, Paine, Hitler and a few others. The one that really inspired me was Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. I'm a big fan of her Objectivism theories, but think they need to be moderated.

I try never to do anything selflessly. I volunteer to gain experience as an EMT. Personal improvement is the driving force behind society. Even my marriage is a calculated trade-off of freedom for pleasure.

With this mentality people expect me to be greedy. On the contrary I value well-spent time more than money, so I work only as much as needed to remain comfortable.

My first love is flight. There are few freedoms like flying in Alaska. It's just you, your plane, and thousands of miles of fantastic natural beauty all around.

[Antinazi77]

Hello all I am a black sheep, 26 year old white boy from a midwest suburb.
I was raised christian and republican and turned out to be a liberal, nature class panthiest/ Taoist/ buddhist. I have no real edjucation to speak of but I have taken several coarses in psychology and english and I liked them alot. Since the rise of the administration I have been incapable of finding employment though I had been working for nearly 7 years prior.

To my fellow man I am considered one who betrays his race, gender and baptizing as I am only passionitly predjudice against race suprimacy, religous mysoginy, republican ideoligy and the inner threadings of the three in my life.

I love; music, women, poetry, sun-baithing, a good book, exercise and out door activities. - but it is WINTER IN CORNVILE!

I am trying to quit; smoking, "dating" contrary women, writting poetry, letting the crudasers get to me

george senior once said "read my lips"
george W "this crusade"
how does a demon move his hips
when he is getting laid?

I can't choose a long road in my life until this urgent problem in the white house has been resolved. For if he steels another four, I will leave the country or attack the demographical plegau at the soarce. As a hippy able to forgive the 2 decades of multiple christian premeditated tactics of reaquiring through unethical reconaisance and simulated divine interventions, that is not what I want to do but it is exactly what I have been designed to do.

[TemporarySanity]

Ok I'll try to make this fairly short and sweet. I'm a 27 yr old college student etc. from Kansas. Finally going to graduate in Dec 2004 with bachelors in Biology and Sociology. Spent 4 years in the army which is why its taken me so long to actually get a college degree. I live with four roomates, three fish, two frogs and a snake. I tend to be a bit long winded at times especialy if I post while drunk(which I guess is better than driving while drunk). When I write things I have the habit of getting easily sidetracked and taking off in a completely random direction (and of enclosing things in brackets within sentences [and sometimes even inside of another pair of brackets]) I am mischievious and sarcastic and you shouldn't always take everything I say seriously. I enjoy wasting my time on the internet when I shoud be studying (like right now)

Politically I'm socialist. As others have posted I have read a good bit of and admire Bertrand Russell. I pobably have been influenced by Marx a bit more that the other socialists who posted in this topic. The way everything fits together in my head is weird complex and continually under development. I have been meaning to write it all down at some point. If I ever do I'll be sure to post it here. The details will come out eventually in my posts though so I guess I'll just leave it at that.

[RobroyJ]

Hello all

I am Rob Roy Jeffrey, ET2/SS US Navy.

I am married to the most wonderful wife who is an RN working at a local hospital. We have brought an extrordinary son into the world. I am currently stationed on Bangor Naval Submarine base Washington (approx 30 miles west of Seattle). I have been a submarine sailor since 1996. I do not intend to make this a career and will be matriculating to UW or Olympic in the spring of 05.

I was born to my father and mother at Fort Lewis WA in July of 1977. One year later my father resigned his commission US Army and entered the private sector.I was raised protestant Christian in varying denomonations running the gammot of Arminianism to Calvinism. I consider myself a rationalist and continue to beilieve in the Triune God.

I believe that the US was created as a secular state. I do think that maintaining this secular ideal is extrodinarily difficult but we as Americans are absolutely responsible to ourselves in this endeavor.

I believe that beside George Washington, Ronald Reagan was the best president ever. Hands down.

I have spent 5 years onboard USS OHIO SSBN 726 blue crew. Those 5 years taught me a great deal about human society's potential. I do not however have all the answers (accept One) and never will due to the fluid nature of humanity.

I believe that man was created perfect by God and has since fallen out of sight of the Father. This "fall" is the bane of man. I believe that there is an emperical right and wrong but we as humans may never have the understand/agreement to pinpoint it in every situation.

I believe in the free market economy implicitly.That being said, I am not an uber scholar of economy. I believe communism is an un-attainable goal and has been graphically proben so far to many times.

Oh I do have some collegiate level schooling but it has had its ups and downs. I will conquer though, and hopefully become an Engineer as this has been my bend since I was little.

I am always willing to entertain new points of view. I don't, however, tolerate condesension or intolerance as I try not to conduct myself in such a manner. I believe this type of forum allows people to be think before they speak and that is reasonable to expect thoughtful insight ...though I don't always do so myself...lol....

v/r
Rob