Hey fellow Leftward Progressives— not surprised at all. I was a “liberal libertarian” in my youth, but have come to realize that regulations are written in blood. Capitalism is important as a baseline, but allocating resources fairly and enforcing safety regulations in companies is more important to me, and I wholeheartedly disagree with anyone who believes any regulation is anti-capitalist. I also hate being treated as a consumer and actively avoid anything that is trying to capitalize on my attention. (Which is my right to do so- the right to opt out which I will mention later.)
Sometimes one person’s view of “freedom” inhibits the personal freedoms of another, and that is the main issue in society I believe we need to face together; knowing when we need to look inward to know we are wrong in our beliefs if they are causing harm to fellow human or planet. Even though I may disagree with someone, we need ALL types of diverse viewpoints in America, so I defend their right to believe what they believe—- but so as long it does not make cause to infringe on others. Equality above all, but most importantly accountability and being able to call eachother out when there is injustice. There needs to be not only more coherent gov’t oversight, but equal opportunities to fit all beliefs. We need more eyes looking upward toward what the top is doing. AND- evolving our government with the times. 400 million population, a small government will never be efficient enough to navigate to the future, especially when our government gives so much power/leniency to corporate oligarchs instead of giving more power/leniency to the citizens. (Ie. Expand the Supreme Court, expand the House!)
I am also 2A, fully pro-choice, LGBTQ+ ally, and I carry the Constitution in my purse. One side of my family came over on the Mayflower and fought in the Revolution, the other side are 2nd/3rd generation immigrants. I would not be here without the freedom and opportunity America has given to people in the past.
But I think mostly with me being leftward Progressive, and having been raised Catholic (heavy influence on St Francis of Assisi’s teaching in my diocese growing up), I believe the state of the most vulnerable people in our society is a marker of the success or failure of our country. Having said that- religion should always be private. It can influence a leader but it should never be THE reason for leadership or any decision that impacts the People. We should take care of our sick, homebound, poor, elderly, veterans, and underage because it IS good and just, not because we want to appease Jesus/God.
Anyway, curse of a Gemini is I see all sides and empathize with all sides, so inclusivity and fairness need to always be considered with justice and rulership. That is why I am so far left now as i get older and meet more diverse people—- because anywhere further to the right means leftist values are not being honored, while leftists allow space for conservative values to be a choice to opt out without consequence (ie. they don’t like abortion? Don’t get one, simple as that.) …. In a conservative society WE don’t HAVE the choice to think different, whether it be political or personal expression/ lifestyle choices. To dissent in a more progressive society is not to be criminal, and that’s why we need space for all beliefs—- but as I said earlier the encouragement and LOVE for others to be able to introspect and change their minds if they find their beliefs harm others.
Sorry for the essay. I hope the 93% of you to the right of me understand what I am trying to convey. Politics is so complex and nuanced and that is why we are all here. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ there is no right answer except to love each other and be willing to work together toward a better future… the only “conservative” belief I have is to conserve the earth for generations to come 😅😅😅
I got loyal liberal, which is probably fine, but some of the questions didn’t have the answer I wanted to give. Like the one about regulating business - it depends on what the regulations are, it’s not all good or all bad.
I got Loyal liberal which surprised me, but as I was thinking back on my voting history I realized I cannot remember ever voting republican-although I consider myself pretty moderate! It did describe me pretty well.
I got leftward progressive which I found surprising because I gravitate towards sometimes more democratic moderate candidates. I think though it's because I might have more progressive policy ideals but I am very pragmatic in execution and making incremental steps and electability etc.
I'm the "Left Out Left" (9% of the population) which is exactly right. Anyone who has read my comments on here could have guessed that my feelings skew more democrat but I am lukewarm at best about them. Registered Independent through and through. I don't often get the chance to vote for someone I feel passionate about. The game-ification of our politics grosses me out. I see a buncha trained liars reciting "values" that immediately change after the election. But, I always vote! I am that person my democrat friends hate because I "throw away my vote" to third parties. Well, I see my vote the same way I see my dollar. Just because everyone else is waiting in line for McDonalds and Burger King doesn't mean the food is something I'm willing to eat. I'd rather support the small burger joint with great food. It's worth it to me. I'm not throwing away anything. I'm using my voice, my vote.
I also think there could have been more space for nuance because on questions like whether I think other countries treat us fairly, I am pretty neutral. I don't think I know enough about foreign policy to have an opinion. I don't think any of us do, honestly. After serving in the military with a security clearance and seeing the difference between what is on the news and what is really going on, I have to take it all with a grain of salt.
I didn’t know how to answer the one about other countries treating us fairly. I don’t really know enough, but also - which countries? They’re not all the same!
Sarah's passing comment about how Jared Golden should have been the one up against Susan Collins feels right to me as someone who lives in Maine. The fact that he was able to win a largely rural red district in our state is a huge deal, especially because he defeated an incumbent republican. This is what I've been trying to figure out for myself and my community. Letting the chronically online groups on both sides of the aisle choose our candidates doesn't serve us well. We need the people who actually represent their districts, not people who check the boxes for people on twitter.
The capitalism discussion was interesting. I am a loyal liberal, and most of my friends are progressive right. We think our views on capitalism were the biggest difference. I think capitalism was a remarkable and important step forward in improving the quality of life across the world. However, I don't think it is a magic answer for everything. A pure capitalistic model in healthcare, education, and government increases the costs, and now that we are in maximum extraction, it reduces the quality. The goal of these institutions cannot be maximum profit and efficiency to function well. It doesn't mean that capitalism is inherently evil; it's not, but it is being misapplied in a way that is extractive. Applying other frameworks like democratic socialism, public trust, and collective bargaining to public goods and necessary services to moderate the worst instincts of capitalism, I think, would help the current economic pinch we are feeling.
I took the quiz twice. The first time I got leftward progressive. I read the description and I didn't think it really matched. The second time I was thinking more "nuanced" and listened to my whole self (gut, heart, etc) and was order&opp left. Idk what is more accurate- my initial reaction vs. Intentional response. OTOH, this also reflects how I go about life- my initial reaction, then taking a step back and looking for the nuances.
I got Left-Out Left. My friends had a lively discussion on this quiz. Many of my friends commented that there wasn’t enough nuance in the quiz; I appreciated that Pew Research posted the actual research questionnaire which was extremely detailed and nuanced. It seems that the questions in the quiz are based on the most determining questions from the actual research.
I think the discussion about the nuances in the quiz helps underscore the point. Pew Research does this as well as anyone, and even they can't fit everything in to this kind of rubric...which makes the point, to me, that loosening our grip on the parties is critical
I got “leftward progressive” which surprised me because I figured I’d be in the “loyal liberals” camp. The “very online” left generally drives me bonkers and I hate purity politics so, for me, it doesn’t feel accurate. That said, I think I answered the questions as accurately as I know how.
My whole family took this quiz (I made them- haha!).
21 yo son - Leftward Progressive (no surprise)
18 yo son - Order and Opportunity Left (he was the wildcard)
Husband - Pragmatic & Polite Right (he’s a registered independent and provides good counterpoints when my oldest and I get going...)
Me - Loyal Liberal
I’ve retaken the quiz a few times and tweaked my answers to see if it changed - but no, it’s Loyal Liberal every time. I do not feel an allegiance to the Democratic Party at this point, but I do to feel allegiance to our institutions. I think I might have an aversion to being in this group because they seem like the most boring of the bunch! But perhaps I’m wrong because I’m in good company in the Spice Cabinet :)
I was excited to hear your thoughts about this. I especially appreciated that you pulled a few questions and shared your thought processes.
My result was Leftward Progressive!
I got Order and Opportunity Left as my best fit
I am a "Loyal Liberal" - and that felt like the best fitting label when I read the other descriptions.
Hey fellow Leftward Progressives— not surprised at all. I was a “liberal libertarian” in my youth, but have come to realize that regulations are written in blood. Capitalism is important as a baseline, but allocating resources fairly and enforcing safety regulations in companies is more important to me, and I wholeheartedly disagree with anyone who believes any regulation is anti-capitalist. I also hate being treated as a consumer and actively avoid anything that is trying to capitalize on my attention. (Which is my right to do so- the right to opt out which I will mention later.)
Sometimes one person’s view of “freedom” inhibits the personal freedoms of another, and that is the main issue in society I believe we need to face together; knowing when we need to look inward to know we are wrong in our beliefs if they are causing harm to fellow human or planet. Even though I may disagree with someone, we need ALL types of diverse viewpoints in America, so I defend their right to believe what they believe—- but so as long it does not make cause to infringe on others. Equality above all, but most importantly accountability and being able to call eachother out when there is injustice. There needs to be not only more coherent gov’t oversight, but equal opportunities to fit all beliefs. We need more eyes looking upward toward what the top is doing. AND- evolving our government with the times. 400 million population, a small government will never be efficient enough to navigate to the future, especially when our government gives so much power/leniency to corporate oligarchs instead of giving more power/leniency to the citizens. (Ie. Expand the Supreme Court, expand the House!)
I am also 2A, fully pro-choice, LGBTQ+ ally, and I carry the Constitution in my purse. One side of my family came over on the Mayflower and fought in the Revolution, the other side are 2nd/3rd generation immigrants. I would not be here without the freedom and opportunity America has given to people in the past.
But I think mostly with me being leftward Progressive, and having been raised Catholic (heavy influence on St Francis of Assisi’s teaching in my diocese growing up), I believe the state of the most vulnerable people in our society is a marker of the success or failure of our country. Having said that- religion should always be private. It can influence a leader but it should never be THE reason for leadership or any decision that impacts the People. We should take care of our sick, homebound, poor, elderly, veterans, and underage because it IS good and just, not because we want to appease Jesus/God.
Anyway, curse of a Gemini is I see all sides and empathize with all sides, so inclusivity and fairness need to always be considered with justice and rulership. That is why I am so far left now as i get older and meet more diverse people—- because anywhere further to the right means leftist values are not being honored, while leftists allow space for conservative values to be a choice to opt out without consequence (ie. they don’t like abortion? Don’t get one, simple as that.) …. In a conservative society WE don’t HAVE the choice to think different, whether it be political or personal expression/ lifestyle choices. To dissent in a more progressive society is not to be criminal, and that’s why we need space for all beliefs—- but as I said earlier the encouragement and LOVE for others to be able to introspect and change their minds if they find their beliefs harm others.
Sorry for the essay. I hope the 93% of you to the right of me understand what I am trying to convey. Politics is so complex and nuanced and that is why we are all here. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ there is no right answer except to love each other and be willing to work together toward a better future… the only “conservative” belief I have is to conserve the earth for generations to come 😅😅😅
I got loyal liberal, which is probably fine, but some of the questions didn’t have the answer I wanted to give. Like the one about regulating business - it depends on what the regulations are, it’s not all good or all bad.
I got Loyal liberal which surprised me, but as I was thinking back on my voting history I realized I cannot remember ever voting republican-although I consider myself pretty moderate! It did describe me pretty well.
I got leftward progressive which I found surprising because I gravitate towards sometimes more democratic moderate candidates. I think though it's because I might have more progressive policy ideals but I am very pragmatic in execution and making incremental steps and electability etc.
I got Leftward Progressives which surprises me a little.
I'm the "Left Out Left" (9% of the population) which is exactly right. Anyone who has read my comments on here could have guessed that my feelings skew more democrat but I am lukewarm at best about them. Registered Independent through and through. I don't often get the chance to vote for someone I feel passionate about. The game-ification of our politics grosses me out. I see a buncha trained liars reciting "values" that immediately change after the election. But, I always vote! I am that person my democrat friends hate because I "throw away my vote" to third parties. Well, I see my vote the same way I see my dollar. Just because everyone else is waiting in line for McDonalds and Burger King doesn't mean the food is something I'm willing to eat. I'd rather support the small burger joint with great food. It's worth it to me. I'm not throwing away anything. I'm using my voice, my vote.
I also think there could have been more space for nuance because on questions like whether I think other countries treat us fairly, I am pretty neutral. I don't think I know enough about foreign policy to have an opinion. I don't think any of us do, honestly. After serving in the military with a security clearance and seeing the difference between what is on the news and what is really going on, I have to take it all with a grain of salt.
I didn’t know how to answer the one about other countries treating us fairly. I don’t really know enough, but also - which countries? They’re not all the same!
Yes! And there are so many avenues for even one country to consider the USA and treat us fairly or unfairly. It was not a good question.
Sarah's passing comment about how Jared Golden should have been the one up against Susan Collins feels right to me as someone who lives in Maine. The fact that he was able to win a largely rural red district in our state is a huge deal, especially because he defeated an incumbent republican. This is what I've been trying to figure out for myself and my community. Letting the chronically online groups on both sides of the aisle choose our candidates doesn't serve us well. We need the people who actually represent their districts, not people who check the boxes for people on twitter.
I am Left Out Left. Not sure how I feel about that…
The capitalism discussion was interesting. I am a loyal liberal, and most of my friends are progressive right. We think our views on capitalism were the biggest difference. I think capitalism was a remarkable and important step forward in improving the quality of life across the world. However, I don't think it is a magic answer for everything. A pure capitalistic model in healthcare, education, and government increases the costs, and now that we are in maximum extraction, it reduces the quality. The goal of these institutions cannot be maximum profit and efficiency to function well. It doesn't mean that capitalism is inherently evil; it's not, but it is being misapplied in a way that is extractive. Applying other frameworks like democratic socialism, public trust, and collective bargaining to public goods and necessary services to moderate the worst instincts of capitalism, I think, would help the current economic pinch we are feeling.
I took the quiz twice. The first time I got leftward progressive. I read the description and I didn't think it really matched. The second time I was thinking more "nuanced" and listened to my whole self (gut, heart, etc) and was order&opp left. Idk what is more accurate- my initial reaction vs. Intentional response. OTOH, this also reflects how I go about life- my initial reaction, then taking a step back and looking for the nuances.
I love the way you approached this
I got Left-Out Left. My friends had a lively discussion on this quiz. Many of my friends commented that there wasn’t enough nuance in the quiz; I appreciated that Pew Research posted the actual research questionnaire which was extremely detailed and nuanced. It seems that the questions in the quiz are based on the most determining questions from the actual research.
I think the discussion about the nuances in the quiz helps underscore the point. Pew Research does this as well as anyone, and even they can't fit everything in to this kind of rubric...which makes the point, to me, that loosening our grip on the parties is critical
I got “leftward progressive” which surprised me because I figured I’d be in the “loyal liberals” camp. The “very online” left generally drives me bonkers and I hate purity politics so, for me, it doesn’t feel accurate. That said, I think I answered the questions as accurately as I know how.
My whole family took this quiz (I made them- haha!).
21 yo son - Leftward Progressive (no surprise)
18 yo son - Order and Opportunity Left (he was the wildcard)
Husband - Pragmatic & Polite Right (he’s a registered independent and provides good counterpoints when my oldest and I get going...)
Me - Loyal Liberal
I’ve retaken the quiz a few times and tweaked my answers to see if it changed - but no, it’s Loyal Liberal every time. I do not feel an allegiance to the Democratic Party at this point, but I do to feel allegiance to our institutions. I think I might have an aversion to being in this group because they seem like the most boring of the bunch! But perhaps I’m wrong because I’m in good company in the Spice Cabinet :)
I was excited to hear your thoughts about this. I especially appreciated that you pulled a few questions and shared your thought processes.
I also made my whole family take it!