New group, pre-proposal pre-discussion

[Ignoramus]

I would like to read messages in a group about political theory, by which I mean ideas about politics that are not just about current events. For example, is there an alternative to the method used by congress to debate issues and vote on them?

Such a group would of course attract all kinds of people who want to talk about communism and anarchism. So.. that could be good or bad. It would be bad if it was not informative. Also, DU might not want to be identified with ideas that would be labeled as anti-american by onlookers.

Do you like this idea? Can you modify it to make it more acceptable?

[salvorhardin]

1. Interesting idea

How about something along the lines of...

"The Political Theory group is for the purpose of discussing the principles, relative merits and drawbacks to a wide range of political philosphies. We believe that rational examination of all political theories can inform, instruct and provide insight into the dominant ideologies in the current day United States. All posters seeking such a discussion are welcome, as is respectful criticism. However, those with strongly held beliefs should be advised that ideas counter to their beliefs may be discussed, although not necessarily advocated."

[mongo]

2. I'm not a scholar

but I like to debate and discuss.

I have to warn you that I am a capitalist - although I do have many (democratic) socialist leanings.

I think it's a great idea. I'd be happy to participate - although I think I would end up playing the devil's advocate role on a lot of topics.

[Ignoramus]

3. Congratulations

I'm a scholar of no academy.

I'm a supporter of small scale capitalism. But, I'm also a pragmatist.

Mainly I want to read discussions that aren't simply some "ism". So, how can we propose such a group, that makes it clear that it's not the communists and anarchists meeting place? I have a lot in common with both, as well as with Democrats. I voted for John Kerry.

The point, again, is to avoid dicussions that are tied to some "ism", and that are not focused on the news about current events.

[mongo]

4. I hope we all voted for John Kerry

but I'm kind of hard to peg too.

Back when I worked in the cube farms -

In Charlotte, NC I was a bleeding heart liberal for my stand against gulf war #1.

When I moved to Boston, MA I was suddenly seen as some redneck conservative, because I support the rights of hunters and the 2nd amendment.

Then I went to Columbus, OH which was way more red than Charlotte ever was. To my peers I was a communist agitator.

Now I work for myself, selling products for adults to enjoy in the privacy of their own homes.

I have a lot in common with the libertarians - except that I don't want to sell the country to the highest bidder.

I have a lot in common with the socialists, except that I'm as afraid of the authoritarian left as I am the religious right.

I think that capitalism is not the same thing as free enterprise, and that a large portion of laws regulating business that actually get passed in this country have a primary purpose of favoring the largest companies, regardless of whatever altruistic purpose they are supposed to have.

As far as the mission statement goes, I think that salvorhardin pretty much has it worked out.