jaicrew

On Politics

2008-10-17T17:02:15Z

“I don’t care if people call me a radical, a rebel, a red, a revolutionary, an outsider, an outlaw, a Bolshevik, an anarchist, a nihilist, or even a left conservative, but please don’t ever call me a liberal.”

~Norman Mailer

I don’t actually mind being called liberal (very liberal, yada yada) but find it highly inaccurate. It’s not a matter of disliking the label either – I have no problems given by its recent stigmas. I am not a liberal. I am left of liberal, progressive, a radical, whatever works along those lines. I’m not even really a social democrat.

As for what I am exactly, I kind of dislike labels. If it helps at all, on the political compass I was about two blocks over from being the most left and three up from the most libertarian. When I take political quizzes that are to identify with a political party in another country, I typically end up with the Labour (but not in the UK – I’d fit well with Old Labour but not New) or democratic socialist type parties. Ideology and philosophy quizzes tend to put with a variety of labels – classic socialist, democratic socialist, ecosocialist, liberal socialist, etc. Despite being this left, I definitely do not support authoritarianism, such as the views espoused by Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Trotsky, etc. I am interested in political philosophies in general, though, so I talk about and study views I do not agree with frequently.

Economically, I’ll admit that I’m somewhat mixed about a long term solution. I find a total classless society to be impractical and, frankly, boring. I think, however, it’s a relatively worthwhile goal to have when working toward policies. In one sense I’m attracted the totally free from trade ideals of a gift economy, but I also see many, many problems with that and kind of consider it irrelevant as I can’t see it happening in my lifetime without catastrophe.

In short, practically speaking, I support a progressive tax structure, nationalized major industries, and a plethora of social and public services. I also think that we should look to the Nordic countries as examples of this, rather than the often hailed failures of Eastern Europe, Cuba, and China.

USSR =/= Maoist China =/= Democratic Socialim =/= Social Democracy.

I consider myself a feminist and would describe myself as a combination of liberal, socialist, and anarchafeminist. I support state policies to support women’s equality, which recognizing and encouraging their differences (for lack of a better way to phrase it): ERA, paid parental leave/subsidized daycare; legal mandates for the allowance of part time work for parents; support of breastfeeding; easy, free, and safe access to birth control of various varieties (including the Pill, IUDs, and Plan B/emergency contraceptive); easy, free, and safe access to first trimester abortions; regulated aspect to second trimester abortions for various reasons as determined by the doctor; third trimester abortions for serious problems that pose a risk to the life or health of the mother. I also think that capitalistic society encourages sexism, that 1960s/70s era feminism – while doing a good deal of good – ignored the needs of less affluent women, and that a less capitalistic society would help feminism. I, however, do not consider it the only solution or the solution that would solve everything.
I support equality – economically and between genders, obviously, but otherwise as well. I don’t think that homosexuality should deny you the ability to marry, I don’t think that religion should prohibit you from education, etc. Speaking of which, separation of church and state – yes, yes, yes.

Speaking of the Constitution, I don’t think that an amendment that discusses “well regulated” prohibits the government from, well, regulating the possession of arms. I personally find the possession of guns for self defense (from other human beings, I mean) upsetting, but I can understand the possession as historical artifacts and for hunting. I’m fine with hunting, as well, provided it is done for food – necessary or not – and not done in a wholly unnatural (like aerial) way. I think if you just want to shoot birds for fun, however, they made clay pigeons for a reason.

To me, both evolution and climate change are the prevailing scientific theories with compelling evidence. Does this mean that there aren’t questions still unasked? Of course not. But I find that, typically, the arguments against their existences often reveal a lack of understanding about the principles involved in them (not always, but from what I’ve heard).

On a similar note, I support policies designed to slow climate change and make the environment healthier. I support regulation to that effect as well. I am strongly in favor of genuinely renewable energy – wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, and hydroelectricity. I do not support biofuels (food vs. fuel possibilities) or nuclear power. I am also strongly in favor of public transportation. I also think that government support of both of these would be good for the economy.

I’m against capital punishment.

I consider myself a pacifist; however, I think everything’s different when crimes against humanity are involved.

Iraq. Was in the small percentage against it from the get go. Want to get out now. Now.

Yesbama. If it’s not clear why….

I’m sure I’ve forgotten many, many things, but this is a start.

jaicrew @ 2008-10-01T18:15:00

2008-10-02T01:48:34Z

Meme, from Lanna.

1. increasepeacex
2. jadedquill
3. wickintheair
4. xeyesoftheworld
5. hormonalcraze In a fabulous way. xD
6. jadedquill Socially...yeah.
7. tori_was_like
8. jadedquill
9. jadedquill And whom I've come the closest I've come to doing this with.
10. xeyesoftheworld
11. increasepeacex
12. jadedquill NO PROTESTING!
13. fadedhikari
14. hormonalcraze
15. wildealf How else can the hammer be your penis?
16. wildealf
17. hormonalcraze Baby Renthead.
18. xeyesoftheworld
19. jadedquill YESSS.
20. wildealf
21. ...Ugh. Can I use friends from my old LJ who have journals that were only used to post in one stamping comm? Because...so totally xoutxtonightx SO MUCH. SO.
22. jadedquill Obviously.
23. jadedquill Running something and all.
24. wildealf Love you!
25. jadedquill Shuddup.
26. . . .No one. Seriously. NO ONE.
27. jadedquill <33333
28. I don't even know what this is?
29. Hmmm, I guess I'll do - you guessed it! - jadedquill again. Though...is this possible when you're one person? (Note for those who have the question: this is in a very certain philospher turned adjective way.)
20. I love you guys. <3 And really had no clue on lots of these.

jaicrew @ 2008-09-08T14:03:00

2008-09-08T21:12:03Z

options.livejournal.com/25573.html

The world is ending...

Writing Filter

2008-03-25T17:23:08Z

So...I think I want to start showing people more of my writing. So I've decided that I'm going to start posting pieces from this massive, multi-arc, multi-character story that I'm working on here. And I'm going to create a filter to put those pieces in, and if you want to be included in it, please comment.

Some explanations/warnings:

-I literally created a COUNTRY for it.

-This country, while called Creland, could aptly be described as Sueland because my characters are horrible Mary Sues.

-Some of it is political (the characters are, in various ways, generally involved in politics.) And, well, not all of the politics are Standard American Acceptable. They're not Holly-Kate extreme either but...(For those whom I don't RPG with, Holly and Kate are both characters who either are or were Communists.)

-Some of the material is PG-13 to R-rated (I have a hard time "rating" writing.) So...there are some uses of profanity, references to sex, drugs, homosexuality, yada yada.

-I'm really not a good writer. Some of my work is pretty awful.

-My characters are Mary Sues and unrealistic. Have I mentioned this before?

I'm getting desperate.

2007-12-03T01:16:47Z

I seriously need book recs. Fiction, preferably. I just was at the bookstore and I got *nothing*. And the time before I only managed to find a book on philosophy. I had a book that I'd been saving in case I got desperate, but I read that on Friday (with desperation.) I've been rereading like crazy. I cracked Dead Souls, and it's fine but it's not enough - I like classics and all, but not only classics. At least, not always. I'm feeling in the mood for something more modern. Comparatively, at least - twentieth century or so? Any suggestions? Before I go crazy, preferably?

jaicrew @ 2007-09-28T13:44:00

2007-09-28T20:47:20Z

Okay, this is a short little piece from this massive ongoing fic project obsession of mine. Please, please feel free to skip it. I just managed to put something that sort of stands alone together, and thought that I'd share it.
ETA: This is my other Jason, if that's not clear.

Type your cut contents here.

Friends

“So, since I feel that as your best friend, I should be informed enough to know which of the rumors are accurate, who is that you’re dating right now?”

Jason smirked. “Well, that depends on your meaning.”

“What?” Lauren asked. She tilted her head, and studied him for a minute. “No, I don’t see it.”

“What, you thought you’d see it on my face?”

“No.” Lauren sighed, and leaned back. “Well, yes. But no!”

“You’re making little to no sense.”

“I know, I know. What I mean, is it’s not like I’d see it on your face, but I’d see it. Like maybe I could get it from your expression or something? You’re not the only one with claims to condescendingly knowing everything.”

“Actually, I think I am.”

“No, you’re not!”

“Well, in this room, yes, I am. You seem to be physically incapable of being condescending to me, whereas I am exceedingly and constantly condescending to you.” Jason shoved her lightly.

Lauren giggled, as she let herself fall over. Instead of getting up, she rolled onto her back. “Seriously, though. Does that mean you’re not dating any of the girls rumored?”

“No.”

“Does it mean you’re dating one of the girls and I’m supposed to guess.”

“No.”

Lauren thought for a moment, then pointed to a painting on the wall she was staring at. “I bet that he could out condescend you.”

Jason turned, and looked. “Yah, probably. But he’s not here. So I take the prize.”

“There’s a prize.”

“Sure.”

“What is it?”

“I don’t know yet. How about you come up with it.”

“Okay. What do you want?”

“Hmm. For a prize? Hmm. Amanda?”

“Jason!!!”

“What?” Jason sounded genuinely perplexed.

“You can’t have a girl as a prize!”

“Maybe not, but I will have her before this weekend is over.”

Lauren tried to shake her head, without lifting it up. The result was that she moved her head along the carpet for a few seconds, rather uncomfortably. And that in turn resulted in yet another smirk from Jason. Glaring, she said, “So does that mean you’re not dating anyone, after all?”

“Absolutely not.”

“That’s horrible!” Lauren sat up. “Wait – are you dating all of those girls from school?”

“We have a winner!!!” Jason exclaimed. “This time, I provide the prize. What do you want?”

“Well, I’m not really providing your prize, am I? So why are you providing mine?”

“Ah, but you’re allowing me to go after her.”

Lauren rolled her eyes. “Okay, then. My prize can be that you don’t ignore me all weekend in this pursuit.”

“Deal.” Jason extended a hand.

Lauren shook it, and then began to pull hers away. Jason held on. She giggled. “Jas!!!”

“L!!!”

Lauren managed to reclaim her hand. “God, you’re terrible.”

“Why? I gave you your hand back!”

“Noooo. Dating all those girls.”

Jason shrugged. “None of them seem to mind.”

Lauren shook her head, this time without messing her hair up. “It makes me so glad that we’re just friends. I could never take dating you. You’re just horrible to girls you date.”

“Yah, well, we don’t have to worry about that happening.” They were both quiet for a moment. It was at once awkward and comfortable. “Hey, your hair looks weird.” Jason reached over, and moved his hand behind her head and pulled out the hairband, freeing her hair. “Better.”

Lauren glared. “You know what, Jason? You’re a jerk!”

jaicrew @ 2007-07-10T09:05:00

2007-07-10T16:20:00Z

Okay, so I haven't done anything on LJ in...it must be getting close to a year. If I was being a good little girl, I would probably update in a very concise and well organized way, discussing what's been going on in my life.

Instead, I'm going to quasi-incoherently talk about random things I've been wanting to say, some updates on life, and some random ranting about Bradley Whitford and Hugh Grant.

1. Karl Marx's grave is literally RIGHT across from the grave of Herbert Spencer in Highgate Cemetary. I nearly died when I saw that! I mean...think of all the rolling in graves that must be going on! Not too mention the irony of how Marx is buried in such a wealthy area anyway....

2. Charles, the rabbi's son, a tenth grader, who has had NO real leadership role, and has taken NO initiative in it, is going to be the president of BBYO, because Julie wants him to, and whatever she wants, she gets. The only good thing, I guess, is that I don't have to deal with it now. Or with Emily.

3. Bad, bad, bad Hugh Grant! Smoking and ruining your pretty, pretty face! How can you be the pretty boy now? Music and Lyrics was fun and all, but you just weren't the same. Especially since I'd seen you on that giant sign in Madrid, which seemed to accentuate every flaw in your skin.

4. Scandinavia rocks. And makes us look like a third world country.

5. BRADLEY WHITFORD!!!!!!!!!!!! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU CAN'T BE EPISCOPILIAN!! YOU CAN'T BE!!! YOU'RE SUCH A PERFECT JEWISH BOY!!!!!!!!!!! *slams head against desk and cries*

6. I'm such a freak. If I make it to August without starting my math or physics for the year, it'll be a miracle.

7.Temple's totally messed up, in a variety of ways. Financially, religiously...Something that's been such a central part of my life since I was THREE might not be any more. It will be in the sense of friendships, at least somewhat, but what connections am I really going to have with official events? BBYO's going to be ruined - because the moment Arielle and Emily take it over, which they will if Charles is president, I won't want to have anything to do with it- Confirmation's over, and I might not be helping out at religious school anymore if it's interfering with plays. AND every other temple event has to be like hyper religious, neo-orthodox except without the things we don't like like about rabbis.

8. Anna's going to be starting ninth grade at the local high school this fall. *gulps* I really, really hope that nothing happens to her.

9. I have realized that the vast majority (not in an O'really way!) of my clothes come from about four stores. Kind of pathetic, I suppose, especially considering that those stores are all fairly similar.