Richard Green points out that I am classified as a left-winger in this survey of Australian political blogs. The terms “left-wing” and “right-wing” are notoriously difficult to define so I am not unduly concerned about this. I hope that I am not regarded as “left-wing” simply because I support strong action on climate change – I would prefer that I be categorised as “non-deluded” at least on that account. Malcolm Turnbull a Liberal Party politician I respect also supports decisive action on climate change. Nor can I be regarded as “left-wing” because I regard those advocating fiscal contraction as a way of addressing the world’s current macroeconomic problems as both deluded and as economic illiterates.
I think my political views lie somewhere near the centre i.e at C. I support free markets most of the time but also support the role of the state in addressing inequality, in providing essential public goods and in actively addressing macroeconomic problems. These views do not make me “left-wing” but one of 20 million Australians. But the survey puts me to the left of Club Troppo which it classifies as C! Was Ted Hill a conservative?
Hi Harry,
If you had bothered to read my post, you would have seen that I was posting the list seeking advice and that I was also asking anyone to point out any errors or suggestions. You could note that from these sentences:
“This brings me to my call for help. Given I am a mere blogger, I have no doubt made a few errors – either in terms of political leaning, sex, and possibly even the title of the blog”
I’m more than happy to put you down as “Centre”.
I note Harry you have left a comment on my blog, thanks.
That’s right. I did read your blog posting and did comment. If you notice my last two sentences you will I regarded the whole thing as a bit of fun. I wasn’t concerned at all. But I do think – as many do – the left/right way of dichotomising politics while often fairly meaningless does encourage tribalism. Most commentators – and most Australians – are social democrats to some degree. Certainly both Labor and Liberal Party ideologies are social democratic.
Harry – no problems. My over reaction. I agree re the left-right wing aspect that it is simplistic, and needs a bit more shades of grey, but the list is (and will be used in my book as) a rough snapshot of the blogosphere – and I will be noting the type of caveats you mention.
I agree with Richard. I think you’re centre-right (not centre). For example you’re surely right of Fraser, and you’d probably get along quite fine with John Howard on most things. Too bad the new right has been taken over by people that live in alternative universe number 2.
Bloody Commo
I can’t quite believe that you refer to other people when you seem totally deluded with where you stand on the political spectrum.
Of course you’re left wing.
Stop deluding yourself.
You’ve said in the past that you would vote Green and most recently suggested you would vote labor, yet suggest you’re right wing. Stop deluding yourself.
“Nor can I be regarded as “left-wing” because I regard those advocating fiscal contraction as a way of addressing the world’s current macroeconomic problems as both deluded and as economic illiterates.”
Interesting. OECD’s last projections for total member countries budget deficit is to go from 7.2% to 6.1% next year.
In view of the gap, you’re actually calling that a contraction? And not only a contraction, either but “deluded”.
You seem to like applying that word to others. But lets continue.
Are you then advocating Greece borrows two year money at 150% to avoid closing the gap?
yes it was a contraction. the public sector contracted growth just as it did here.
You need to understand economics to understand a deficit can be contractionary and a surplus expansionary.
In Ireland in 2009 the deficit increased by over 50% yet the public sector took 4.5% out of the economy.
In Asutralia whilst generating surpluses the howard government averaged adding 0.8 % to GDP
I think one can be either right or wrong. Of course, most of those in the right are also in the left, and most of those in the wrong are in the right.
At least, that’s my experience.
“You need to understand economics to understand a deficit can be contractionary and a surplus expansionary.”
Are you taking those (abuse deleted, ed) as they’re certainly working.
(ed) Why not head back to Catallaxy troll? Your stupid abuse would be appreciated there.
people at Catallaxy just don’t understand economics. Marky never did understand the workings of a structural deficit.
It doesn’t matter when you produce evidence to back up your argument.
Ideology, very poor ideology at that always trumps evidence.
how else could any one explain Sinclair Davidson making the extraordinary claim that the last budget was expansionary. It is detracting from from the growth!!
Europe is heading towards recession because contractionary policy give you contraction yet most have deficits, reasonably high deficits at that. Simpletons are confused by this.
Economists are not
If you don’t stop the abuse coming from Homer, you get the same treatment back (but double) elsewhere. You know you always come out the worst.
Now delete Homer’s abuse.
ed: The Catallaxy troll is wearing himself out. GFY.
always happy for you to show the abuse.
You assert where the public sector in Europe is detracting from the economy ,according to the National Accounts, they have expansionary policies. why because they have deficits.
As I said previously learn some economics. Deficits can be contractions ( such as here or in Europe) and Surpluses can be expansionary as Costello’s mostly were at the ens where they ADDED to GDP.
Catallaxy = ignorance proud ignorance at that
Harry, you ass, Homer is the new godwin rule of the web. When he’s on your side, you automatically lose.
Editor: Who made this judgement Catallaxy moron?
JC I see you gutted out again on showing where I used abuse.
Tell us which European nations used fiscal stimulus in 2011 as alleged by Chris Berg
All competent transport economists qualify as left-wingers. Likewise anyone who opposes pro-cyclical fiscal policy. Not to mention laymen who don’t know better than scientists. Consider yourself triply damned, Harry.