Why are some people really into politics?

[Mr. Clean]

Maybe I should clarify. Among all the topics one could take an interest in that are not immediately connected to ones personal life (e.g. family, occupation, health) it seems to me that politics is the one with the greatest potential impact on one's life. I concede that this is arguable. Science would probably be another good candidate.

I often consider sports an example of a subject matter that many people take a high interest in, even though there are no real connections to their living conditions.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by tagutcow

People use politics as a surrogate for the cultural and religious values absent from their lives. It provides them with a sense of identity rooted in an "us vs. them" mentality, a sense of personal purpose, the "intellectual" appearance of discussing things that are abstract and consequential, and the narcissistic promise that- if they succeed- society will be fashioned in their own likeness.

I'm not even going to pretend that conservatives and liberals are equally at fault, since liberalism is inherently more "political" than conservatism. Liberalism is predicated on the idea that politics is the required instrument for correcting economic and social issues, as well as correcting human nature itself. The belief that society requies a consortium of eggheads constantly tending to its operation naturally draws the most intellectually preening elements out of the woodwork.

A political post, how meta!

 

[lorenetengoff]

Interesting and good topics shared with useful and helpful information and nice details.

 

[francisl]

I absolutely love politics, considerably more so than all my other 20-25 year old friends. I don't really know why I love it so much, but in between work I read 2 papers every day, plus follow political blogs, and websites. Follow politicians on twitter, and blog myself occasionally.

Part of it is I see the connection between how life is and politics: politics is everything. And also I fell in love with the West Wing, and from then I just couldn't help it.

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by francisl

I absolutely love politics, considerably more so than all my other 20-25 year old friends. I don't really know why I love it so much, but in between work I read 2 papers every day, plus follow political blogs, and websites. Follow politicians on twitter, and blog myself occasionally.

Part of it is I see the connection between how life is and politics: politics is everything. And also I fell in love with the West Wing, and from then I just couldn't help it.

You need to get laid, son.

 

[francisl]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

You need to get laid, son.

Thanks for the concern but I'm quite alright

. My girlfriend likewise also loves politics, so no issue there.

 

[crazyquik]

All finance can do is devastate national economies, and occasionally, create little bumps in the global economy.

Since war is just politics at another level, politics makes it much easier to create mass devastation

Not only do you get to collapse an economy, you get to steal the loser's stuff too!

 

[crazyquik]

Originally Posted by tagutcow

People use politics as a surrogate for the cultural and religious values absent from their lives. It provides them with a sense of identity rooted in an "us vs. them" mentality, a sense of personal purpose, the "intellectual" appearance of discussing things that are abstract and consequential, and the narcissistic promise that- if they succeed- society will be fashioned in their own likeness.

I'm not even going to pretend that conservatives and liberals are equally at fault, since liberalism is inherently more "political" than conservatism. Liberalism is predicated on the idea that politics is the required instrument for correcting economic and social issues, as well as correcting human nature itself. The belief that society requies a consortium of eggheads constantly tending to its operation naturally draws the most intellectually preening elements out of the woodwork.

I like this a lot.

 

[francisl]

Originally Posted by tagutcow

I'm not even going to pretend that conservatives and liberals are equally at fault, since liberalism is inherently more "political" than conservatism. Liberalism is predicated on the idea that politics is the required instrument for correcting economic and social issues, as well as correcting human nature itself. The belief that society requies a consortium of eggheads constantly tending to its operation naturally draws the most intellectually preening elements out of the woodwork.



Whereas Conservatism believes less in politics as such. Conservatism gives individuals the power, and localised communities the power, rather than a centralised political body.

 

[beachbummer]

government matters, because poor leadership costs--One reason why I follow politics closely. Whether you choose to believe it or not, decisions made at every level of government, affect us as citizens in some form or another--even when you can't see it.

 

[francisl]

Re: my politics is everything comment.
As to reiterate what beachbummer said. Politics everything we do. Politics affects the amount of tax is taken from us. Politics affects the quality of services provided to us in day to day life. Politics affects personal freedom and liberties and the chance of social progression.

To not pay an interest just seems naive.

 

[Piobaire]

I find that if you put income onto a Bell Curve, those that are at either end tend to care the most about many political issues. The poor want to make sure as much transfer payments as possible happen, the wealthy and business owners want to stop as much taxation as possible and get some subsidies if they can.

 

[RedLantern]

^ so your staunch anti-tax position belies your self-professed mid-timer status! Gotcha!

In response to the OP - Masochism

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by RedLantern

^ so your staunch anti-tax position belies your self-professed mid-timer status! Gotcha!

In response to the OP - Masochism

I am not anti-tax in the least. I enjoy civilization and this needs to be funded. On some levels, I am happy to pay taxes. The action is in who pays for what and how.

In support of my prior post, I think it was Plato that said the poor should not be allowed to vote as they will vote for whomever promises the biggest handouts. I think there's much truth in that statement. I think he also said the wealthy should not be allowed to vote either.

 

[Monaco]

Originally Posted by bkstone

The following type of people I noticed are interested in politics:
1. People who are easily riled up (This is why politicians throw mud at each other)
2. People who enjoy arguing (You see this all over online)
3. Doomsday, the sky is falling type (Remember weapons of mass destruction?

)
4. Authoritarian personality (Think of fundamentalist christians who want to force their beliefs by using the government)

5. There are some who truly believe in the system and want to make a change for the better of society and country. I don't know what percentage they make of people are really into politics.

You find the above in every party, and I believe 1-4 makes up the majority.

#5, there aren't many #5's in the political spectrum and tho who take interest in politics, that is why nothing ever gets done. Plus the reason why there are more 1-4's is because the politicians need em there to keep them in power. REP>DEM>REP>DEM infinite.