Your Political Ideology?

[MillTownCath]

I guess that makes me the second-to-last person who supports the Iraq War.

I’m a Constitutional Conservative.

What does that even mean?

 

[Ridgerunner]

The shifting meanings of the labels make this difficult.

I want to be Catholic first and walk the path that such a commitment demands of me. Sometimes it means that I’ll side with the conservatives and perhaps less frequently with the liberals… even if it finds me out on a limb, alone.

Perhaps I should solicit prayers for my formation, that I might truly see the obligations that God has put before me. (And similar prayers for our national leaders can’t hurt either.)

I agree. There are problems, from the Catholic point of view, with many of the economic theories floating about, including those of most of the modern economists. Unfortunately, some of the latter are, to one degree or another, heirs to the theories of Adam Smith, whose personal pantheism, one suspects, led him to such notions as the “invisible hand” moving economies to progress.

I think it’s better for a Catholic to initially formulate his thinking about economics according to the Papal Social Encyclicals, which are readily available online. Also, it has been suggested by some that the economics of Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas and the neo-scholastics are more properly the areas of study for Catholics when it comes to economics. A book that I found interesting is John Mueller’s “Redeeming Economics” in which he revisits most of the economic theories (and their developers) around these days. In most cases, he finds them wanting. A very interesting (and amusing) problem none has ever come close to solving is what economists call “The Mother’s Dilemma”. However, if one approaches it from the AAA/Neo Scholastic standpoint, sense can be made of it.

I think you will also find interesting the author’s resolution of the “involuntary transfer” problem you mentioned in your post. Redistributive approaches are NOT Catholic. But neither are strict laissez-faire approaches.

Unfortunately, many Catholics have come to accept the various dogmas of pantheists and atheists, whose personal philosophies have arguably colored their thinking. As Catholics, I think we have an obligation to investigate REAL Catholic economic approaches instead of adopting what pantheists, atheists, agnostics and simple ideologues tell us we should understand.

 

[Wesley7]

Somewhat conservative. Somewhat liberal. Not neccessarily associating with any particular political party

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Religious Conservative. With slight Libertarian leanings. Basically Republican, but not hard-core loyal to the party. Religious Conservative first, Republican first. Willing to vote for third party candidate who shares my views (Pro-Life, Anti-Gay Marriage. etc.) Dislike intensely our recent Presidents.
Good thread.

 

[starshiptrooper]

What does that even mean?

I believe in conservative principles. For instance, I am pro-death penalty, in favor of capitalism, and I believe that it is fine to torture terrorists for information. I want illegal aliens deported and fence across the border.

However, I believe these policies should be implemented in accordance with the Constitution. In addition to this, I do not want the US Government funding or providing education, healthcare, or welfare as US Government involvement in these things is contrary to the Constitution.

 

[valentino]

I don’t have one because there is none that will work.Political system’s are put together so people can live together in peace and security.Jesus has the only system that willwork.

 

[USNCorpsman]

Nationalist, think Nazi germany with out the bad stuff

 

[USNCorpsman]

I should probably explain it a bit more, basically I like what the Nazis did in terms of bettering Germany IE brought all the German people together and built German stuff for Germany, had a great military and military service requirement, no one was on welfare or social security because everyone that could work did no matter how small the task was, it was really a nation for it’s citizens. Not to mention when a country is really industrious and producing goods for it’s country first everything is way more affordable!

PS sorry if I offend anyone, I do NOT support anything bad the Nazi govt. did.

 

[JerrySeibert]

Conservative.

 

[wynnejj]

My political persuasion is “catechism”, but I sometimes stray to the independent side.

 

[antonivs]

I selected “Other” because “Conservative” isn’t strong enough to describe my beliefs. Let’s say I’m just an Absolute Monarchist, but not with any of the Enlightenment-era connotations of disestablishment and land-grabs.

Absolute Monarchist? Are you Queen Elizabeth II’s most loyal subject, or is this a reference to Jesus as the Son of David and King of the Jews?

 

[Swiss_Guy]

I did other because I’m between conservative and centrism. Socially I’m conservative - pro-life, anit-stem cell research, anti-gay “marriage”. But not extremely conservative because of my anti-death penalty stance. Fiscally I don’t know where I stand, because I support universal health care, but I don’t know if I should support raising taxes and continued spending or cutting spending and keeping low taxes (Democrat vs. Republican). Which side should a Catholic/future Catholic take? I don’t know which is better. But I lean toward the conservative side as I’m for a smaller government.