The Political Test That Angers Me!

Here are my results from an online political test that judges, based on how strongly you agree or disagree with a certain issue, whether you are a liberal, conservative or moderate. Apparently, I’m a “disaffected”:

(Please note that I will make a statement after each category).

Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you most closely resemble survey respondents within the Disaffected typology group. This does not mean that you necessarily fit every group characteristic or agree with the group on all issues.

Disaffecteds represent 9 percent of the American public, and 10 percent of registered voters.

Basic Description
Disaffecteds are deeply cynical about government and unsatisfied with both their own economic situation and the overall state of the nation. Under heavy financial pressure personally, this group is deeply concerned about immigration and environmental policies, particularly to the extent that they affect jobs. Alienated from politics, Disaffecteds have little interest in keeping up with news about politics and government, and few participated in the last election.

As a Canadian, I look at the US as our best bud. You guys are our number one trading partner and we look at that as one of our greatest assets on the world stage, particularly when it comes to the global economy. But when you go in-depth, America is a mess: job loss, bailouts and tent cities. That’s practically what pops into my head when I hear about anything related to the States and the current state of the economy (oh, and Barack Obama). I am unsatisfied with their government, but not in a “cynical” way; I want the men and women of the U.S.A. to fix the economy and guarantee that we will never face the hurdle of hitting a recession like this once more.

(Side note: I say we because of how strongly the American and Canadian economy are connected, so a recession in the States translates to a recession in Canada for the most part).

Let us continue: I’m apparently “alienated” from politics? Excuse me! I am currently at the top of my class in Current Events and practically run the damn thing. I get my news from almost every major news source in the US and Canada (CTV, CBC, MSNBC, CBS, CNN, etc…). At times, I may read some articles from the BBC or Al Jazeera, and I see this as a benefit. Though, I always follow the “Three R’s” when it comes to reading from certain sources like our friends at Fox News - read, refuse, rebut: always form a contrary consensus, especially when the media source you are gathering information from plays a rather strong opinion on a certain topic like immigration or global warming.

“Alienated from politics, Disaffecteds have little interest in keeping up with news about politics and government, and few participated in the last election.”

I am probably more involved in politics than anyone else at my school, regardless of their grade (frankly, I don’t blame them for not wasting their time in it). I have met several Canadian politicians including Bob Rae, former Premier of Ontario and a candidate for the Liberal leadership, Jean Charest, current Premier of Quebec, and Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada. I met most of them at conventions that were set up by schools and that I willingly signed up for. Though, I will admit, I did not participate in the last federal election. Why? Well, I can’t vote (I’m only 15, remember?).

Lastly, I’m not under any financial pressure. If anything, my family and I are fairing a hell of a lot better than most other Canadians.

Defining Values
Despite personal financial strain – and belief that success is mostly beyond a person’s control – Disaffecteds are the only moderate supporters of government welfare and assistance to the poor. Strongly oppose immigration as well as regulatory and environmental policies on the grounds that government is ineffective and such measures cost jobs.

I watched a video on YouTube the other night about how “Fox News showed a factually false Republican talking point about the so-called ‘death tax’ and then showed no Democratic response and no correction of the Republican falsehood”. Rush Limbaugh thinks that all people start out equal when we’re born, and that those who essentially work harder and take advantage of their surrounding will do better. Wrong… people who save every penny all their lives will not do better than the heir to the multi-million dollar estate.

People who achieve great things are more likely to have inherited a large portion of their money. It’s not plain old hard work. Then again, should these people be punished for inheriting this money? Who knows. Being the heir to a fortune just proves that your family worked hard for you.

I will admit that I do oppose many things on the climate change agenda. I’ve questioned environmental leaders and have gotten pathetic answers (skip to 7:48). Their unwillingness to provide decent information to myself and millions alike who question their claims suggests that they have something to hide, and it isn’t good.

Who They Are
Less educated (70% have attended no college, compared with 49% nationwide) and predominantly male (57%). While a majority (60%) leans Republican, three-in-ten are strict independents, triple the national rate. Disaffecteds live in all parts of the country, though somewhat more are from rural and suburban areas than urban.

I am getting a $20,000 eduction per year. I go to one of the most prestigious high school in Montreal and I am receiving a more than satisfactory teachings. I will see through that I receive a college and university education as well.

I don’t lean towards the Conservatives! If anything, I am much more pro-Liberal than you think. My family votes for the Liberal every election I support their decision. And to end this portion, I live in a very urban environment.

Lifestyle Notes
Somewhat higher percentage report having a gun in the home than the national average, and 42% report someone in their house has been unemployed in the past year.

Not guns, no unemployment. 

2004 Election
Bush 42%, Kerry 21%. Nearly a quarter (23%) said they didn’t vote in the last election.

I probably would’ve voted for Kerry to keep Bush out of office (again, I couldn’t have voted).

Party ID
68% Independent/No Preference, 30% Republican, 2% Democrat (60% Rep/LeanRep)

None.

Media Use

Disaffecteds have little interest in current events and pay little attention to the news. No single medium or network stands out as a main source.

You make it seem as if we are direct descendants of cavemen! Just because we question a lot of the things that are on the news, doesn’t mean we don’t show an interest in it (we just don’t show an interest in what the network’s opinion is, we make our own based on the real facts). And yes, like I stated before, I watch a wide variety of media networks.

In conclusion to this mockery of “disaffecteds”, which from after reading the amount of criticism from this test, I believe that the correct terminology of a “disaffected” is a mainstream Libertarian (which I am).

If you want to take this great test, you can do so here.