Politics help?

Question

i have recently realised how limited my knowledge of anything to do with politics is , because of this i sometimes find it hard to understand what other people are talking about when discussing this matter. i have just left school and i am 16 and find it very strange that we do not get taught about anything like this so i have recently set about on a mission to learn more about what is going on about the world and i figure this would be a good place to start.

so i was wondering if anyone had any sites that gave good background information . as my knowledge currrently is VERY small and i do really need to start from scratch.

or if anyone at all could help. i would be very grateful. i realise that this is not a simple topic that can be explained in a sentance but i have to start somewhere so anything would be helpful

thankyou x x

Answer 1

Ok, first thing. Local politics do not matter. Labour is a loose collective ranging from central to left, the tories are a loose collection of central to the right. Lib dems are central. BNP are fascist. Effectively, none of the main parties have any original thought as to changing the status quo, and are meaningless.

Here's a basic list from far left to far right. BTW, it's entirely possible to combine several ideaologies, for example anarcho-communism.

Anarchism: Belief that government, as a pointless ideal, should be abolished and small groups should manage themselves. For more info check anarchopedia.org or other website.

Communism: Originally an political economic ideal that all resources are shared equally throughout small communities, work being distributed down to ability and resources given out according to need. It aims to create a sateless and classless society. The wikipedia article at the moment seems pretty good, but someone will change it eventually to make it unbiased.

Socialism: This one's a little tricky as it refers to such a wide range of ideas. Basically it's the idea of increased state and public ownership. Labour used to have many socialist ideas but never lived up to the hype and went further right with Tony Blair and 'New' Labour.

Liberalism: Again very hard to pin down. It generally holds individual freedom and liberties as the cornerstone of society. It's generally thought of as central but is comptible with both left and right wing ideas.

Conservatism: A very vague term for those just right of centre. Generally accepting of the current situation and not anti-class division.

Fascism: A very nationalistic, authoritarian ideal of forcing national unity. The BNP is fascist, as were the n***s.

Never just accept one of these ideas as your own. Argue your corner with what you believe rather than what you think you should believe.

P.S:

Egaliaian: Belief that all people are equal.

Federalist (World federalist): Ideas popular after world war II that the whole world should unite into a federation, maintaining national soveriegnty but working together for a better world. Search world federalist movement or http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/COURSES/GENS... if you're up for a book.

Answer 2

A good start  would be reading a decent newspaper Times/Telegraph/Guardian or Independent for coverage of current political events.BBC's Newsnight and Channel 4 News are usually good on background.Once you've got your bearings you could perhaps try a political biography or two.Enjoy.

Answer 3

firstly i'd advise going on the most important party's websites if your from uk, the labour, conservatives and liberal democrat's website, looking at their manifestos, see what they have to offer,

also if you want another perspective, the green party , ukip and also if you want the BNPs website for a few laughs.

then just reading papers finding out whats happening

also watching prime minister's question time which you can see online, is quite amusing actually, they get all heated and have big debates.

Answer 4

Here is a start. President Bush is an idiot. worst President in our nations history. The people who tell you otherwise would vote for hittler given the chance.

Answer 5

Are you English?

If so, I'm you're lady :)

Basically, Labour is made up of a bunch of tosser's who USED to be for the working class but are now just out for themselves really.

BNP are facist's

Lib Dem's are no hopers

And the Conservative's are... well.... our only hope.

www.conservative.org.uk

www.labour.org.uk

www.libdem.org.uk

The websites of the main parties :)

Hope it helps!