Political Leanings of Members

**Sigurd** · 07-15-2008, 10:32

Country of Residence: Norway
Nationality: Norwegian
Political Compass Result: Economic Left/Right:-3,12 - Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -0,92
Where do you put yourself on the political spectrum: Moderate/Right (in Norway)
Do you identify yourself with a certain political grouping (socialist, neocon, etc): Not really.
Do you identify yourself with a certain political party: voted Right (Høyre) last.
Religion: Agnostic

Abortion: It is up to the mother, but within restrictions of first trimester. I would want the mother to consider to carry the child to birth nonetheless and if she can't keep it, give it up for adoption.
War in Iraq: USA was justified in resuming the war after Iraq broke the truce just 14 days after it was signed. If it was wise is another issue.
Marijuana: Should be illegal period.
Firearms: legal for those trained to handle them. e.g. soldiers and veterans.
Gay Marriage: I am not so sure about this one. I am leaning towards yes, but only civil marriage. Religion should have the right to not wed homosexual couples if its doctrine is against homosexuality
Gay adoption: We need a more tolerant society for this to work. If kids can respect a child with gay parents, I guess it is OK.
Religion in schools: Why not? there are billions of religious people.
Death penalty: I am leaning toward yes in extreme cases.

**PBI** · 07-15-2008, 11:45

Country of Residence: UK
Nationality: British
Political Compass Result: Economic Left/Right: -5.12
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -5.28
Where do you put yourself on the political spectrum: Wishy-washy liberal
Do you indentify yourself with a certain political grouping (socialist, neocon, etc): Liberal
Do you indentify yourself with a certain political party: No
Religion: Reluctant atheist

Abortion: The current limit of 24 weeks is about right. Beyond that only in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
War in Iraq: An utter disgrace and a stain upon my country's conscience. Bush and Blair should stand trial for waging aggressive war. Now we are there it is our duty to stay the course but it is a question of limiting the scale of the disaster, not gaining victory. It saddens me deeply that so many people couldn't see the WMD argument was obvious BS from the start and I largely suspect the only reason for the invasion was an attempt to propagate perpetual war for political ends.
War in Afghanistan: I support the commitment of my country's forces in Afghanistan, although not without reservations (not least the mounting civilian death toll). One of the saddest aspects of the misguided Iraq invasion is that it has put our victory in Afghanistan in doubt.
Marijuana: Legal, but only in licensed premises.
Firearms: Undecided. Can see the argument on both sides. If they were legal here I wouldn't buy one.
Gay Marriage: Absolutely no reason not to allow it. Churches should only be allowed to refuse if they receive no public funding or tax breaks.
Gay adoption: Can't see any problem with this.
Religion in schools: In RE classes only, where all religions are taught about from a balanced, secular viewpoint. No prayer in schools, and definitely no religion anywhere near the science classroom.
Death penalty: No in all cases. Life without parole achieves the same thing without the hypocrisy.
European Union: By and large in favour of a unified political entity rather than a simple trading bloc but not convinced it's being done very well. I certainly don't think the solution is to abolish it, I fear if that step is taken the idea of a unified Europe will be gone forever. TBH I find it hard to care much about the issue, but it's certainly nice to be able to drive from Bristol to Vienna without needing about 50 different currencies.