A Thread About US Politics

[Eddie Teach]

Nationalism is typically associated with the right.

which shows that those typically doing the associating don't really know what they're talking about given that nationalism is just as strong on the left

There are many nationalistic lefties, true. This is one of many ways the imperfections are revealed in a scale that tries to grade people's politics using two (or four or six or n) directions on a graph. However, look at globalist movements or ideas. These are nearly all found on the Left, in the Western sense.

[crazy canuck]

Nationalism is typically associated with the right.

which shows that those typically doing the associating don't really know what they're talking about given that nationalism is just as strong on the left

That is something I have not noticed.  Could you give an example of what you have in mind?

[Sheilbh]

There are many nationalistic lefties, true. This is one of many ways the imperfections are revealed in a scale that tries to grade people's politics using two (or four or six or n) directions on a graph. However, look at globalist movements or ideas. These are nearly all found on the Left, in the Western sense.

Not necessarily. There's a very strong centre-righ European federalist movement (historically in the UK being pro-EU was a right-wing thing) and there's definitely a trend of liberal internationalists like George Osborne, Mike Bloomberg who are very internationalist almost purely for the economic/pro-business case.

That is something I have not noticed.  Could you give an example of what you have in mind?

The SNP spring to mind. I think as a theory that maybe because nationalism is normally a populist movement, it's an expression of identity so I think it's as often as not going to define itself against the dominant, establishment politics of the time. Whether that leads to liberal nationalism, right-wing nationalism or socialist nationalism depends on where the nationalism is.

[crazy canuck]

The SNP spring to mind. I think as a theory that maybe because nationalism is normally a populist movement, it's an expression of identity so I think it's as often as not going to define itself against the dominant, establishment politics of the time. Whether that leads to liberal nationalism, right-wing nationalism or socialist nationalism depends on where the nationalism is.

I see.  It is in the same vein as the left here often using the battle cry that we are not Americans (when there is a Republican sitting as President).   Its funny how we dont hear that as much when there is a Dem in the White house.

[grumbler]

So, one example of a left wing nationalist party means that "nationalism is just as strong on the left?"  Wow.  This is a forum of great logic... or else a forum where people cannot think of more than one nationalist party on the right.

[Gups]

So, one example of a left wing nationalist party means that "nationalism is just as strong on the left?"  Wow.  This is a forum of great logic... or else a forum where people cannot think of more than one nationalist party on the right.

He was asked to give "an" example and he did. Plaid Cmyru, Sinn Fein, Republic Left of Catalonia, numerous Basque parties including ETA. There are lots more no doubt although I'm not sure if I agree with the premises that "nationalism is just as strong on the left".

[jimmy olsen]

They are terrified of doing that again.

Some are. I think there's actually more appetite for it among others than last time.

They were lucky last time. The Obamacare roll out was a disaster that first month and saved their bacon by replacing the shut down in people's political consciousness.