April 02, 2005

• I'll begin: 1. I do not presume to know what political situation should exist. I do not believe in human, civil or natural rights. 2. No need for religion, too young etc. 3. Student - jobless, broke.
• Godless jobless bleeding heart
• You bring up three sensitive questions... and then sidestep them all. But, in the ridiculously shortened version: 1. Liberal with some laissez-faire and a bit of irritation at unreasonable radicals 2. Was religious til 12, militant atheist til 16, and now I'm just kinda sick of the subject. 3. Ditto.
• 1. Fight for issues, not the party line; do the right thing, whatever that means to you. To be contradictory is to be alive and awake; black and white thinking means you are a danger to yourself and others, and most likely proud of it. Be useful, and when the shit starts to fly, stand your ground and be prepared to get bloody. 2. God is broke, the well ran dry. 3. I can make anything from $1000 to $4800 in a month, depending on the exchange rate for the American dollar, my health, and the Client Sketchiness Index for that particular month. I'm verrrry alert to potential problems, and turn down any client regardless of $$$ potential if I detect even the slightest whiff of Eau De Hinky. For instance, I just got an email from somebody interested in "at least 24 hours", which means $2000 minimum. However, many of these emails are from pikers fishing for freebies (this guy also wants me to email additional pictures), so I'll tell him I don't have any other than those on my site, and see if he folds.
• 1. To self absorbed to think about politics 2. So, this Pope thing... it works for you? 3. not enough
• 1. Anarchist while on the lower rungs. Fascist while in power. 2. Nihilist. 3. Corporate cog earning decently (for my region) saving money to enroll in graduate studies and become a poor student again.
• Kakistocrat, kakistotheist, kakisto-waged :(
• Political views: 1. out with the rascals! 2. out with the next set, too! Religious beliefs: 1. things change 2. with our thoughts we shape the world About money: hunh? it was right here but now it's gone is the burden of my song
• 1) Keep voting for the losing ones. Seen enough inside shit to know politics is what one does with neighbours; everyhting else is graft and corruption. 2) There is a god. But he's not omniscient. We're basically entertainment to him. 3) Freelancing: 5 times what my day job pays. But it just keeps me paying bills.
• I`ll fall for it. Politics of personal freedoms, not anarchy,but defined accountability of all public offices and decisions. No religious attributes only a personal constitution which changes and adapts throughout my life. I exist at a poverty level of $900 a month on US social security disability. There you have it, life of a hermit.
• militantly anti-militant religious? yes. Believe in god? no. usta be pretty wealthy, only a memory now.
• Social justice and human rights are as important as individual liberty and keeping government as restrained as possible. Secular humanist with strong Subgenius undertones. What orococo said. Stuff and money is transitory, these things come and go throughout life. Don't get too attached to either. [this is good]
• Politics: Idon't really fall well into either party, but I vote democrat. I'm generally a liberal who thinks people should take more self responsibility. Religion: I'm an athiest, but also what I call an ethnic catholic. My mother passed away when I was eleven, and one of the only things that makes me feel close to her memory is going to church. Money: I'm a grad student making about $17.000 a year
• alrighty! *cracks knuckles, rubs hands together....* 1) left of left anarchist...blow up whatever you want...but also enjoy the Big Budjet projects that Big Government throws together sometimes....otherwise agree with beeswacky... 2) pantheist...believe that when they say 'God is Everything,' they aren't kidding...as near as i can tell (coming from a physics/astronomy perspective), the only real difference between God's power and our own (or anything else for that matter...) is that God is self-creating...every other subdivision (such as us) of Him having to be made of fundamental particles created in the Big Bang...and that His(Her/Its, whatever...raised epischopalian...cant shake the 'Him') ultimate goal is the creation of a truly STAGGERING volume of perfectly empty, slowly cooling and expanding space...begs the question, 'Why?" doesn't it? that, and that space kitty is some kind of land sprite. 3) around 20k of working a Job, a few gigs, unemployment checks, and running a small business; last year, anyway... plus, i think i fell in love tonight...
• fuck cunt shit wank.
• Wow! korzy said rude words! You're coool! Wanna hang (somewhere else)? 1. wishy washy liberal with some 'nail 'em to the door' tendencies. 2. There is, in my opinion, no god (very short answer) 3. Never enough.
• 1. Small 'l' libertarian is perhaps the closest fit. No love for either long-nosed libs or long-armed cons. Amalgamation of some aspects of classical liberalism (individual freedoms), neoliberalism (social support structure for human essentials like education and health-care), and classical conservatism (resistance to unexamined changes). Would be first in line to club any mainstream politician senseless, be they Democratic or Republican. 2. Like some western religions for their associated cultural desiderata but find the concept of 'god' a silly human invention. Like some eastern religions for their lack of gods, but find some of the philosophy highly suspicious. Think the ancient Greeks and the Hindus have the right idea -- why have just one god when you can have a zillion? BTW, who would win in a cage-match between Shiva and Poseidon? 3. Enough to get by.
• 1. I switch between libertarian and authoritarian pretty regularly, depending on how many idiots I run into in a day. Lately, I've been leaning more towards authoritarianism. 2. I don't believe in god and put my faith in science. 3. 600 US$ a month. 450 of that goes towards rent and utilities, another 100 of that goes towards other bills. The last 50 is for food and gas.
• 1. Anarchist communist but with an interest in the practical and possible. This because I believe it to be the best ideal for the organisation of human affairs for the maximisation of happiness and well-being. Ultimately happy to engage with people of any professed political opinion if they're of good will. 2. Atheist and Buddhist. Who really knows the mysteries of this beautiful universe and the wonder that is to be alive? Not me, but a deep feeling in the core of my being that there is no transcendent higher power. Buddhist because the Dharma directly addresses the issues and dilemmas I face in my daily life and challenges me to be the best I can be. A medicine for my diseases. 3. Not a lot, but the cost of living is relatively low for me here. I work freelance doing what I think is worthwhile where I can and as little as possible in other events. charge good people a pittance and make my cash from jobs for the bigger international agencies. Work to live and the moral economy! Fully expecting to die homeless and penniless, but strategy is to have accumulated enough philosophical and spiritual resources that I won't mind too much.
• Funny how many of the responding monkeys are totally out there with political and religious beliefs, but still don't want to share how much money they have, unless they have none at all. Maybe it's the final taboo? 1. Civil liberties above all else. Oh, and anti-war. (Any war) 2. Used to be catholic, now I don't really think about it. Still Christian, just not observant. 3. I make enough money, I think. ~3k/month after 401(k), taxes, etc.
• I"ll slap me wad on the table cabingirl - it's just not enough that I thought to worth mentioning: I've got just over GBP 1,000 in the bank and make between CNY 4,000 (USD 500) and anything up to USD 10,000 a month depending on who I work for. If i get a jod at ahigher rate I immediately skive off or do voluntary stuff for the rest of the year, hence no savings.
• Politics -- a) What works for me may not work for you... so let's find a common ground. b) I will support myself with all of the resources available. c) Don't cause any harm Religion -- a) There will always be details that cannot be known b) Taoism, Zen, and Physics have made some strides toward explaining the bigger picture (most of my experience is with Zen -- but I'm drawn to Taoism more and more) c) Don't cause any harm Money -- a) I'm a grad student and recieve about $3,500 every 3 months from student loans. b) My wife works for $13/hr shlepping cheese to the rich c) We pay $1000/mo in rent d) We have a one year old boy so we are not afraid to ask for the occasional bail out from our parents when it gets too tight e) Don't cause any harm.
• Religious Beliefs - I was raised a Christian and bought into most of it, was even a Sunday School teacher for about 8 years, then I finally had a REVELATION that it was total fabrication, invented and perpetuated for money, control, and power. And guess what? I still find that I'm a nice guy and want to help people, not due to any divine spirit but just because. Money - My current salary is around $65,000.00, and I'm good at what I do (Corporate Procurement) but feel that I'm grossly overpaid mostly because I'm not materialistic and choose to live a simple lifestyle. Needless to say Uncle Sam enjoys taxing the bejeesus out of me.
• 1. Social Democrat / Fiscal Libertarian. Sort of. I believe very strongly in personal freedom and equal treatment under the law. The purpose of the government is to help those who cannot help themselves, and to protect the rights of the individual. That said, the economy is the backbone of the nation, and should be the main focus of the government. Basically, I'm in favor of extensive education and welfare-to-work programs, because everyone should have a good job, and subsidies for companies that are involved in new technology or essential industry. 2. Religion is a journey. Organized religion is often a sham, but if you find happiness and spirituality there, go for it. God is not something we, as humans, can ever truly understand. The search for God, and what he/she/it means to you, is what religion should be about. Morality is what you truly believe is right - not what a man in a funny costume reading from an old book tells you it is. 3. I do OK. If I didn't live in NYC, I'd be fairly well off, except I probably wouldn't find a job in my industry outside NYC. If I get a great bonus this year I might crack 6 figures. If I get a lousy bonus, I'll still make more than the national average.
• 1. nothing has changed throughout history, politics is politics in varying forms of hypocritical manifestation 2. religion is inside myself; I refuse to spread my beliefs to others, or to be swayed by other's proclamations. I am here = "something" of "higher" "being" "exists" 3. $4.5k/month courtesy of the UN Iraqi Oil for Food Programme 2.2% account
• Politics- Social Democrat, Civil Libertarian Religion- Whatever gets you through the night, as long as you don't get any on me. Raised a Unitarian, but they are a bit too touchy feely for me. Salary- Step 7 with master's degree on the BPS salary grid.
• I am a raving moderate. . .a Dean democrat who also has some views that might fit more into a moderate republican worldview. I am certain, for myself, that there is something beyond this world. But at 54 I do not have that figured out just yet. I am working on it. 38K ann I view that as below-the-median middle class.
• Moderate Conservative with l(small l)ibertarian leanings, pro small government (which puts me at odds in many cases with the current incarnation of Big Government Conservativism. Opposed to altruistic liberalism because there is NO WAY government can be altruistic and successful at the same time. Raised Christian, non-denominational (but lots of John Calvin and his Presber breed), journeyed to find benefits in *some* eastern thinking, but still very monotheistic, and have total faith in Him (yes, He's a He, not She, It, They, or Cthulu). It's Humanity I doubt. Hard to judge, because I'm self-employed and not very good with keeping track of monthly earnings. Hmmm. Let's just say I'm around 13,000/year. But that doesn't factor in the other benefits: serial independence, work from home, freelance whenever I want, and I can wear my Guinness shirt to work without getting cited by the PC police for offending someone's delicate sensibilities. It affords me a good life, and I wouldn't trade it for any other "job".
• 1) Liberal. It's not a dirty word. 2) I believe in God, but reject episteme with regard to faith. 3) I'm a student and made $6,000 last year as a freelance writer.
• 1) Somewhere to the left of Che Guevara. My political heroes are Gandhi and King. 2) I'm something of a humanist, but I have a pretty active spiritual life. I was raised Episcopalian and have worked as a musician or choral director in churches of a few different denominations, but I also spent some time going to Quaker meeting, and I think of all the groups under the umbrella of Christianity they best embody what I look for in a community of faith. I'm very interested in Taoism as well, and am trying to cultivate a more Taoist perspective in the face of ongoing sweeping changes in my life. 3. Over $40K last year from teaching and performing. I'm moving back to California in June and don't exactly have a job yet, so that figure might be significantly lower if you ask again next year.
• Politics Peace at almost any cost, self defense only, and that's only when directly attacked. Then I'll hit you in the face with a shovel and kick your dog to death and beat your kitten to a pulp with the body of your dog if you brought them with you. I believe in noblesse oblige. Stand for fairness above all. Violent criminals imprisoned. Varying levels of community service for all others. Religion Guilt from a religious upbringing forces a belief in the Christian god, not fundamentalist - simply selfish. I know, if God is there, s/he knows and understands. But I'm far too clever to buy into any religion. Frequently, people assume I'm an atheist based on my sense of humor. Personal spirituality threatens no one. Finance I've been at the top legitimately and illegimately. I've been homeless and hungry. Currently I'm gainfully employed at >50K - but it could be gone tomorrow by my choice or someone else's. I'm invincible, as long as I feel like it. I could rule the world, but I prefer to try and understand my cats and figure out what channel whoever is out there in the beyond is watching me on, and am I in the comedy, horror, drama, action, or public service channel lineup, and am I prime-time? Who are my cosmics advertisers? Do I sell soap, bmw's, or ronco food dehydrators? Has anyone ever tivo'd me? Whoa!! Too much coffee, too early.
• 1) Liberal. (which, in this day and age, seems to argue for smaller gov't than we have) I'm also not afraid to call myself a (pro-sex, third wave-y) feminist. 2) I was raised Southern Baptist. While I still believe in God, I reject the Christian Right. I'm still waiting for the Christian Left to rise up and take back our religion (but I'm not holding my breath). 3) I'm a grad student, so I'm poor. I made about 10K last year. I took out more student loans than that. My debt to income ratio is very, very sad.
• This may prove fruitful: *rubs hands 1. Oods bodkins, I pure damned double-D hate politics and politicians! I guess I'm a confused conservative radical liberal socialist libertarian. I'm for education and taking care of people. I'm against war, monopolies, and horseshit. Implant birth control for all at age 11. Tax the hell out of the really really rich. I follow most laws except the speed limits. Leave me alone. 2. Not a Christian. (This elevator either goes to hell or the bargain basement for some really good deals) Science is not my god, but moral science may be the only thing that saves our bacon. Not an Atheist, either, but I don't want to limit god (or GOD) or whatever by attempting to define it/her/him/them. Might be an Agnostic. Could be a Buddhist, if I had more exposure. Really sick of the Xtian right imposing their crap on the rest of us. My words to live by: Do what's right. Keep muddling along. 3. I made a whole $887/mo when I was watching the grandkids. Now I've been "fired," and they're in structured daycare--which they seem to love and be blossoming in. Free at last! Unemployed again! Waiting for call on job, got to keep looking while I wait. Would like to suck on the government tit--the pay's not great, but the benefits are worth it. My motto: I'm not looking for a career, I just want a job. Mr. B and I don't have much collective income, but this is Idaho, so there's always a spud for dinner. (Any Monkey's out there need transcription done? Or knitting?)
• 1. I believe in Hitler and Mao 2. I believe in astrology and witches 3. I am richer than all of you put together and multiplied by seven
• 1. I'm reluctant to affiliate myself with any particular political system because I don't feel I really understand the philosophy behind any of them, but political quizzes usually place me way off to the left somewhere. Ultra-liberal on social issues, fervently wish that socialism worked better than it seems to in practice. Think that the idea of some form of government is probably a good one, but am pretty sure we haven't figured out how to do it right yet. 2. Atheist, but I adhere to the Swedish saying "Var och en blir salig på sin tro" which roughly translates as "Everyone reaches enlightenment through their own faith": I believe that I do not have a god, but that other people may well do, and that these two statements are in no way contradictory. 3. Don't really think about money much as long as the bills are paid and I have enough for dogfood and cigarettes. Monthly income follows the usual freelancer's 'how long is a piece of string' economic model, but am fortunate enough to own my apartment, which goes some way to making up for the fact that I've never managed to save a cent in my life.
• Politics: A blend of libertarian, conservative, and a small smattering of liberalism. Civil liberties are paramount; rule of law is supreme; military must be strong. Religion: As if. Lifelong atheist, can not believe that anyone believes in ghosts, fairies, spirits, or gods. Money: in the military, income is not taboo -- it is public knowledge and available to everyone. In my case: approx $60K/yr (Captain, 17+ years, prior enlisted).
• I am very much like sexyrobot and the_bone. Hmm. Anyway. 1. My political compass puts me way way way to the left. I was a registered Socialist when I lived in NY; I think the only point of government is to take care of people and I hate the military, hate war and wish we would spend all the money on NASA so I could go to Mars. 2. I am a pantheist/buddhist/quaker/pagan/agnostic/starwars taoist, depending on the weather and the time of the month. I believe there is something out there (more things in heaven and earth horatio) but I seriously doubt it has any vested interest in us. Am also a cultural Irish Catholic, nothing to do with religion, a lot to do with sociology. 3. I call myself high socio, low economic, but I'm actually beginning to make money: $34,000 a year now, baby! More than ever before! Unfortunately my rent swallows half of that.
• 1. Social democrat, civil libertarian (and happy to see I'm not the only one who sees that as a valid and worthwhile combination) 2. Spiritual but not religious -- I like seeing common threads in the beliefs of many religions, but I feel like the presumption that you are right and everyone else is wrong (which is probably necessary in the formation of an organized religion) spoils most of them for me. 3. Grad student; $2500 a month from a fellowship
• 1) Very liberal with perspective (Bush is not worse than Hitler, America is not the worst country in the history of the world) Very big on 1st and 4th amendment rights. Against affirmative action as it exists and in favor of some )non-automatic) gun ownership. 2) Atheist. Always have been, always will be. No "gee I cant say for sure..." Of course I cant say for "sure," in the same way I cant say for sure God isnt the taco bell burrito I ate last night. That seems just about as likely to me as there being a man in the sky with a beard... and YES, "God" means you believe in a man in the sky who controls things! No, "oh God isnt really like that, he's everywhere, he's in the trees, blibbety blah blah" When you say that, you've defined God out of existence. of course I believe in trees, etc., so you're making God a concept of everything and therefore I might as well call him "mr. Blippety-bloo" or not call him anything and it makes no difference. If you're gonna be religious, have the balls to believe in a big man in the sky with lightning bolts. That's what religon is. The word "spritual" is totally meaningless to me- I just believe what I believe about the world and dont divide it into weird categories. "If God is everywhere, is he in the toilet?" - Matt Groening cartoon "God is a homo." "Jesse Ventura" on Conan O'brien 3) Struggling screenwriter/computer programmer. Last year made about $22k or something pathetic, barely held a job and still not sure how I made rent. Highest salary ever was $76k, but laid off after less than a year so never actually received $76k. Entire economic plan is based on selling a screenplay for six figures; just running up debts until then. Yes, I'm serious: that is my plan. I refuse to make a "rational" one.
• 1. None of your business. 2. None of your goddamn business. 3. None of your damn business. The only appropriate answers to the the questions.
• Politics: Like fuyugare, small "l" libertarian, bitterly disappointed member of the Republican party (that may not last a lot longer the way the leadership has betrayed the ideals of the party). Big supporter of well-regulated capitalism (i.e. the corporate profit motive should be regulated out of vital services such as health services, utilities, and the like), but centrist enough to not want to tinker with Social Security. Religion: Formerly Christian of faith, now Christian of philosophy. Beatitudes trump Commandments in a first-round KO. Money: reasonable income (nowhere near six figures, but well into the five figures). But with Mrs. Chimaera in school and us living in the LA area, we are in a net negative cash flow on balance until she can graduate and get employed. I anticipate that by the time Mrs. Chimaera graduates, our unsecured debt will be somewhere around my current annual income.
• Politics: Don't really care unless they directly influence my way of life. Religion: Non-religious, a little spiritual... Money: If I told you I live paycheck to paycheck but worth 6 million on paper, would that make sense?
• Politics: Liberal leaning toward socialist (Beleif that we as citizens have a social contract and resposibility to the others in our nation, beyond just making them rich or powerful) Capitalism is fine if it controlled to lessen the damage it can do to others. an unregulated market leads to preditory practices and monolithic monopolies, niether is good for capitalism as a whole. I am against and unregulated stock market, as the stock owners care not about the product or company, but only abpout their bottum line. Right now in the US we have reaped what we sowed with the arrogance of the GREED IS GOOD" phase of American economic theory, KRB, Halliburton, Enron World com Microsoft, etc etc etc.. Just like US STEEL, and the oil barons of 1000 years ago.. I firmly beleave if you become a big company then you most likely did something evil to get that way, hurt someone, cheated someone, lied or obviscated, history so far has backed me on this one. Religeon: Diest... Thanking for what I have, asking nothing, question those who say, "GOD WANTS YOU TO...." they do not have your interest in mind, but thiers. Use reason to answer why something happened, not the easy way out "GODS WILL" if it goes your way and "SATANS WILL" if it doesn't. Unlike the revealed religions, Deism makes no unreasonable claims. Money: Good job old car, Bike, enough to survive, enough to share some and save some, not enough to conspiqiously consume. (live with in means, borrow nothing, learn what you NEED is not what you WANT) Well, that being said, live well, and hurt no one...
• Politics: Fiscally conservative, socially liberal. I guess that means keep a social safety net for those who need it, but do it as efficiently as possible. I like leaders who keep their religious views to themselves. Some political issues have no easy answers...at least none that I'm comfortable with. Many present the choice of two undesirable outcomes. I'm learning to live with that realization. Religion: I understand that many people need an answer to the really big questions in life. For some, religion provides that answer and makes their life more bearable. For others, science provides the answer. I respect and admire both groups. I'm comfortable with the unanswered questions. Is that Atheism? Most people who identify themselves as Atheists are too intolerant of "believers" for my liking, so I don't want to be part of their club. Money: Some things are personal.
• Politics -- Go to liberal. Take a left. There you will find me. Religion -- Grew up Catholic. I want desperately to believe in God. Always looking for some sort of proof of the supernatural. Money -- Comes and goes, as I am self-employed. I make more than I believed I ever would, but less than many law school grads make in their first year out (I am in my eighth year). Money is very relative. If I did not have student loans (I pay a thousand or so a month), then I would consider myself well off. If I lived in a city like New York, I would struggle to pay rent. As it is, I am fine.
• Politics - Small "l" liberal with a libertarian streak. Despise most politicians and skeptical about the rest. Look after your neighbors and fight for peace. Keep god out of it. Religion - Secular humanist comes close. Interested in some of the precepts of eastern religions. God is in everything / there is no god. Hope and charity without the faith. Things change. Money - Getting by in Western terms, obscenely rich in global terms.
• Politics: Kantian liberal. Which, for me, means people ought to be treated as they deserve, and their choices ought to be respected. That seems to translate into fiscal conservatism and social liberalism. Strongly for equality of opportunity. I despise party politics and try to stay far, far away from attaching myself to any single group. Religion: Not so much. Honestly, I have a tough time with the idea that so many people believe in gods, demons, and the like, with absolutely no evidence for their particular view, and in many cases, with so much evidence against it. I have no problem with the god-as-the-trees-and-toilet deal, although I'd hardly call that religious. Ditto deism. Money: Ha! Penniless university student.
• Politics: Totalitarian - with me as ruler, of course. Or...bleeding-heart liberal. Religion: I believe in the Hebrew G-D and that I'm His favorite. Money: Poverty-stricken student with wealthy parents who have some twisted idea that work is a good character builder. Monsters. just kidding, Mom and Dad. *grumble*
• 1) I guess I'm pretty much Lefty McLefterson. I have a few particular pet issues, such as the environment and our woefully inadequate education system. Putting my money where my mouth is - going to teach next year. 2) My views are somewhere along the lines of Buddhism meets Nietzsche. I don't really think of it as an issue of god/not-god - such things are unknowable and therefore irrelevant (I have the same feeling about the whole free will debate). I believe total Truth (with a capital T) is unknowable - but that we keep getting closer and closer (usually by ruling our wrong answers, rather than getting right ones). This is true of all forms knowledge - be it science, spirituality, art, morality, or anything else. To limit yourself solely to one perspective isn't to find the right answer, it's to deny you although the other mostly-wrong ones. Just cause we'll never get all the way there is no reason not to keep searching/acquiring. But hey, all of this is probably mostly wrong, too. Also, I don't believe in agnostics. 3) Still a college student, so not only do i not have an income, I'm still subsidized by my parents. Will be a poor Not-for-Profit employed teacher next year, though. Plan on being an even poorer artist after that.
• Social liberal, Fiscal conservative, Fuck 9/10ths of our government. Goddess worshiping Wiccan. I grossed sixteen thou last year and looks like I'll gross under ten thou this year... unless I actually find a full time job.
• Short version: Politics: Civil liberties and the food-air-water-healthcare-education deal for everyone (as in enough for everyone). Also US guns/bombs out of everywhere, US food to where the hungry ones are. People should have more rights than corporations and lawyers should not be allowed to hold elected offices (nothing personal monkey lawyers). Religion: God? No one's driving the bus; just look around at all the suffering. That must make me a Techno/Pagan/Buddhist raised by Unitarian Universalists. And can someone please remove the cross from the cop’s badges in my town (the aclu is taking too long). Money: I make more than my age in US k$. Thanks to solar energy and good Canadian woodstoves.
• I am surprised at how many monkeys are students (grad or otherwise). Dang...wish that the intarweb had been around in my school days so long ago...
• If I told you I live paycheck to paycheck but worth 6 million on paper Jesus Christ in a microwave! Debaser's bionic!
• hey, so am I!....let's get it ON!
• oh, and hi moneyjane....you must come to L.A. in june! for the hi-jinks.
• 1. I'm a libertarian. I believe that governments are a necessary evil. When it comes to controversial issues, I am almost always pro-choice. 2. I believe that whatever God might be, it is on a totally higher level from us that we cannot possibly hope to ever acknowledge, comprehend, and please. In short, I am an agnostic. 3. I'm a student and my part time job earns $400 a month.
• Politics: Conservative, in a way that most self-identifying conservatives have forgotten. The 'small government, don't waste money doing stupid things' kind of conservative. Since so many have tagged their response with their social views, I will as well: Social progressive, enjoying, nay thriving on change and new experiences, and believer that diversity is vital. Religion: Atheist still waiting for a shred of evidence from the true believers to be produced. Money: Retired, and working at volunteer and a couple of consulting jobs. I think I'll be clearing about $55K this year, and my wife will be the primary breadwinner now. When I last worked full time, I made about $120K per year. We own our homes outright and don't have a lot of need for money, so I can't see going back into the workforce in a major way ever again. We'll be just as comfortable in a couple of years when my wife retires fully, too.
• 1) Confrontational lefty liberal. Which leads to some interesting discussions with my spouse's military co-workers. 2) Another secular humanist. Also raised Catholic, so I go to Church for the comfort of ritual. Probably why I was drawn to Wicca when I was younger. 3) I do alright. On paper we made 70K last year, but a large part of that is "allowances" that we never really see.
• Politics: Whatever works. Actually, I'm a bleeding-heart conservative. Religion: Whatever works. Actually, I'm an orthodox agnostic. Really. I just DON'T know the truth, and I bask in my unwavering ignorance. Money: I am an indentured public servant, destined to make about 50K per annum for the rest of my productive years. (Then I shall retire to my AirStream trailer to live with my ferrets until I am found buried under scratch tickets.)
• Liberal hippy. Mm, socialism. Religion-- hell if I know. I'll take discordianism/Unitarian Univeralism for 1000. Used to be militant atheist, now... eh. Student and jobless. Yay! -Kimothy
• Politics: I hate politics. I don't trust the government. Pro-choice in all matters that are of a personal nature. If what you choose to do doesn't affect me I don't care what choices you make. Religion: I don't buy organized religion. I am a spiritual being. My relationship with what ever higher power there is is my own business, no one else's. Money: I make around 42.000 a year, if I work full time, and around 20,000 a year if I work part time. Last year I worked part time. This year I will work full time. (Hubby just got laid off.)
• Frankly I never quite understood the taboo attached to these questions. As far as politics goes, why can't we discuss it like adults and hey, we might discover something useful in the other's viewpoint? With Religion: since none of it is the least bit provable why can't we just mutually respect each other's relevant witch doctors? On the subject of money, some people are apparently embarassed if they make too little or too much. They are buying into some sort of bogus value system where there is a ridiculous corollary between one's worth as a human being and how much money they have- total BS! I've been poor and I've been affluent and I was the same human being who lived through both conditions. That said: 1.Socialist (I guess) I believe that we should take care of those that can't take care of themselves- I believe in free cradle to grave health care and free education for all. I aknowledge the problems and abuses inherent in a welfare state, but would rather err on the side of making sure everyone is taken care of even though some may be along for a "free ride". 2. I believe in God primarily as a result of a very strong acid trip I took in 1974. I do not, however, believe in religion. 3. I'm musician so there is a lot of fluctuation. A good year -$200K on a normal year $120k on bad year $85k Doesn't really matter after you make enough to pay your bills. I'm grateful I can pay my bills.
• I'm liberal in a socialist, secular government, anti-war, Bush-makes-me-want-to-poke-my-eyes-out kind of way. But I end up being not quite as liberal as people expect. It's hard to sum up what I believe as far as spirituality goes. I call it the Church of Kimberly. I believe in manifestation and visualization and karma and spiritual guides and peace and tolerence and a higher plane of existence. I haven't found an organized religion that I can relate to although I often wish I could. I quit my job to go to grad school and now I'm living off of work study, financial aid, and my fiance--I'm not sure how much I make, but I'm not really counting until after I graduate.
• Funny how many of the responding monkeys are totally out there with political and religious beliefs, but still don't want to share how much money they have, unless they have none at all. Maybe it's the final taboo? I didn't say how much because living in a different country means that what I earn buys a different kind of life. I just earn aprox. $13,000 a year. That's pretty decent here. In most big US cities I would be starving to death with that.
• I did the political compass thing because I'm not savvy enough to define myself, and came out as socially libertarian (-5) and economically leftist-but-barely (-3.75). That seems to make sense as I believe in personal choice in most situations, but I want firm government/publicly funded intervention in terms of providing social services such as healthcare, welfare and education. In terms of religion, I have no clue. I like the idea of karma, I just want everyone to be nice to each other, and I don't really believe in an afterlife or a higher being. So, uh, yeah. I've always loved the ritual and associated art/architecture of the Catholic church, though. Income = zilch. My reward is MoFi and dirty nappies, and my son's slobbery kisses.
• Politics: Governments exist to enhance the quality of life of those inside it's communities, not to rule or control it's citizens. It's role is to provide services and opportunities, not to hinder actions. Any government with a leadership position will eventually have that position filled by a someone who is interested in abusing the position for his/her own gain, therefore the ideal government would not have leaders. Religion: Organized religion and spirituality are polar opposites and cancel each other out when combined. Children shouldn't indoctrinated with any religion. When they reach adulthood and are capable of making decision for themselves, only then should they appoint to themselves the task of determining which religion is best for them. Raising a child within a religion shows a lack in faith in the ability of the religion to stand on its own merit. Income: I'm a student. I tutor a little on the side, and do odd jobs sometimes.
• Liberal Democrat Lapsed adult-confirmation Episcopalian with a strong bent toward atheism or Universal Unitarianism, depending on the time of day. Perfectly willing to take communion if I happen to be there when they're handing it out. Would probably be a full-time Christian if Christianity had much to do with the words and actions of Christ and I could bring myself to believe firmly in the all-too-convenient androcentric idea of God. $70K, mirabile dictu. With excellent benefits and job security.
• Voted Labour up to and including 97. Won't do it again while that git Tony Blair is in charge. Voted Liberal Democrat last time, may well do it again this time, might vote Green. Brought up as a Catholic, taken to Church every Sunday and was about 18 when I finally realised that not only had I never believed a word of it, but the church's stance on contraception, celibacy, feminism, having a good time etc were views that I found abhorrent. £40,000. But I've just asked for a very large pay-rise and there's a good chance I'll get it ... which is nice since a lot of people I work with are being made redundant at the moment ... ahem.
• Most of this question is pretty much summed up in my profile. As for the money, depends. I work on a tv show every other week which just sort of barely pays for my rent, food, gas & electric, but I also take jobs ranging from being a creative director on theme park projects (good pay) to shooting/directing/editing documentaries or editing low budget movies (not so good pay, but I enjoy it). I've had years of 100 grand plus to years of $18,000. I just had my taxes done and I made $30,000 on the books and I'm guessing I made another $15,000 off the books.
• Trac: Slobbery kisses are yummy good anytime. It's sharing the floaters in the bottom of the cup that gag me.
• Ugh, not gonna happen, BlueHorse. Squid, are your comments back in order?
• Politics: Liberal Libertarian Religion: Born-again atheist Income: $120k-150k/year, depending on how hard I work (freelance computer guy)
• Squid, are your comments back in order? Makes me think someone wildly affronted had leapt up at some point to say; "Squid, Sirrah! That comment was out of order! *bang* *bang* Order! Verily I shall have you escorted from the courtroom should another such outburst occur! Order I say!"
• 1. Scorched Earth Party, Rebar Faction (of which I am a co-founder) 2. Church of Euthanasia 3. Once I start my cult and embezzle all the money from my followers and scoot on down to Bolivia I believe the term "despotically wealthy" might best apply...
• I think it's taboo because not enough people can discuss it like adults, kamus. (that was way back there, but I was thinking about it myself as I read.) Political - social liberal (very, very), but I'm not entirely sure on the rest. I want as small and efficient a government as possible and I don't want them dictating much apart from "don't kill people", "hey, that's not yours" and "the road will be fixed on Monday." That might well add up to libertarian. Above all I am against people telling me, or anyone else, what to do with their lives apart from stopping crime and organizing mutually used resources. Of course, if people weren't generally idiots this would get us a lot further, but one can dream. Religious - I almost want to say that I don't care. Life amazes me. People amaze me. I don't care where it started; the fact that it is is enough for me, and there's enough in life for me to learn about. I'm not all that interested in the existence or nonexistence of the Big Bearded Man in the Sky; I'm all about down here. There's probably a religion that fits that, but it seems like such a loaded question to most people that I avoid it anyway. Money - About 20K, I think. My job is nothing to write home about. But I have very little overhead (no kids, no car/house payment), so it's enough for me. I don't expect a whole lot, and I enjoy being efficient with what I have even when there is enough.
• Politics: Long boring story. Grew up working class and at times poor, so could never vote Liberal. Know too much about Labour politics through personal exposure and knowledge of history to ever vote for them. Dislike of arbitrary authority and personal inclination to taking the piss and poetic impulses inform my inclination towards the ideal of anarchist communism (if we're using labels), although other forms of libertarian socialism or radical democracy would be fine. Not an individualist in the way most people think of it, strongly believe in being involved in any community organisations that you benefit from, much to my own cost. Heavily involved in committees of sporting organizations since my youth. Strong belief in the need to respect the ecological limits of the planet and respect other forms of life because of self-interest and ethical reasons. Firm belief that most people are under-valued and under-utilisd in our society. Religion: None. Went to Sunday School as a child, but never really believed and lack of parental belief meant I never attended church once we came to Australia. Very disappointed that a priest (through no fault of his own) who barely knew my grandfather was the only person to speak at his funeral. This still makes me angry/sad; he deserved to be remembered in a much better and more personal way. Money - Salary around $AUD 32k a year, plus Super Annuation. Should be more, but our prestigious institution loves to under-classify and under-pay us. Looking to earn more, not neccessarily for the money, but to have a more interesting job. Hilarious when they send me begging letters every year as a graduate. Not sure what other income comes to, probably up to a couple of k more. Even though I don't own a house and I am in the lower realms for annual salary, my financial position is luxurious in comparison to the majority of the world's population.
• 1. Far left on economic, vaguely-Christian/moral utopian socialist (really, can you be Christian and not believe in wealth redistribution?) and supporter of the NDP (when they aren't waving placards - that annoys me); other than that, very moderate. 2. Lapsed Methodist who thinks she might really like to be a pre-Reformation Catholic, if it weren't for all that besky believing specific stuff. Very happy with vague faith in a godhead of some sort or other who makes beautiful sunrises appear. 3. A graduate student very happy to be getting $17,000 + maybe $3500 in summer funding; next year we are up to $18 000. It does seem like a fair number are shy or coy about income, especially, whereas I've never thought of it as private. Maybe it's a function of how much you make; I'm more shy about how lucky I am around people will less money, quite bold around people with more. It seems only fitting modesty and not rubbing it in.
• trac: Just you wait. As the mom of four, gramma of four, I guarantee. You WILL drink out of the goober cup. And you will LIKE it. In revenge, you get to give spit-baths with a wadded up hankie out of your purse. But there's nothing like having to admire boogers.
• Well, if anyone knows where I work, they can easily find out how much I earn - it's that easy.
• Heh, I totally do the thumb-licking, sans hanky. My kids are going to loathe me.
• Politics: Dont really know...lefty with socialist leanings i guess Religion: Agnostic Salary: $50k-$60k US
• 1 - Embarrassed Republican. 2 - None. You can do what you want as long as you leave me and mine alone. 3 - I make more than my age in US $. Hope to continue to do so.
• Late to the party, but here goes: 1) Decidedly left of center. Firm believer in secular society & that the primary function of government is to protect the weak against the powerful. Following that line, firm believer in regulation of business to protect the masses from the governments and Wal-Marts of the world. Pro-choice. Pro-euthanasia. Back and forth on the death penalty. 2) Theist. Methodist, actually, and practicing, but I have severe doubts about organized religion. Strong belief in God, little belief in institutions. 3) Mrs. Tool and I have a fairly comfy middle-class existence, though while I'm back at school and have scaled back my work hours to accommodate, we've been forced to tighten our belts. When we're both full time, about $55-60k US gross.
• Hey, guess what?- no-one flamed anyone else over all these supposedly hot button issues (well, except for a coupla wtfs?). Monkeys do do less flinging after all!
• Well, there's been no flaming because there hasn't been any discussion of these isssues. We've listed our beliefs, not discussed them. Look at some other threads where discussion is going on, you'll find monkeys flaming other monkeys, with the intent to upset them (also to force their beliefs on others, but mainly they're just trying to be shitheads).
• You're wrong, Kamus, and what's more, you're stupid and smell like butt. Heh. Butt.
• ...yeah i don't know about this experiment. seems like more of a half-baked e-dick measuring contest than a challenging/cathartic/whatever dialog. what exactly were you hoping to accomplish again, actuallysettle?
• He wants to know how much everyone makes. Probably lookin' for a Sugar Momma. :)
• ...yeah i don't know about this experiment. seems like more of a half-baked e-dick measuring contest than a challenging/cathartic/whatever dialog. Well, I was going actually going to post some really incendiary shit. But then I remembered that was the point of the thread. So I'll reserve my incendiary thoughts for where they are desired the least. Yeah, I know my confrontational arguments have been pretty weak most of the time. But, to be honest, my e-dick is pretty small.
• How many pixels Zemat? *continues packing the homemade willy peter surprises*