I am very far left-wing. VERY far left wing. Every now and then I am asked a question that should be a silly question. I tell people that I am left of liberal, and they ask me, “What is left of liberal?”
Well, I’ll tell you. I also want to tell you about the difference between visions and goals.
Here is the politicial spectrum, from left to right. (I am simplifying a bit, to keep it legible.)
Left Anarchist – Anarcho-Syndicalist – True Communist – State Communist – Norwegian-Style Socialist – State-Socialist (France) – Left Capitalist (Liberal) – Centrist – Right Capitalist(Conservative) –
Here we have to branch. Still moving right:
Libertatian – Right Anarchist
/
Neo-con – Fascist
Notice that at the very far left and the very far right, you have “anarchist”. The difference between Left Anarchist and Right Anarchist is the way you view human nature. If you believe that human beings are naturally communal, then you might be more inclined to Left Anarchist — no government required. If you believe that human beings are more inclined to self-serving individualism, then you might be more inclined to Right Anarchist.
Now, here is the difference between visions and goals:
Visions refers to the world you imagine.
Goals refers to what you believe you can accomplish.
The one does not negate the other. The better is not the enemy of the perfect.
I, personally am an anarcho-syndicalist. That’s pretty goddamn left. But that’s a vision, not a goal. I will be THRILLED to accomplish a goal. (1) Democrats in the House in 2006. (2) A real honest-to-god Democrat in the White House in 2008.
These are different topics. At DailyKos, I talk about Goals. My visions are so nuts there’s no point in talking about them. My goals are good enough for me.
So what are your visions and goals?
I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty middle of the road Democrat, maybe a little to the left of center, but all of the online questionnaires tell me I’m closer to being a Green than anything else. Not sure where that puts me on your spectrum, maybe somewhere between France and Norway?
My vision:
My goals:
Gave up on the dems since all they are acting like now is clones of repubs.
I thank you for asking this question. The idea of vision has really made me think. Not sure I’m there yet, but my first thought is that we are thinking too small if we focus only on the political system to create our vision. While it is an immediate issue that must be addressed, it is necessary, but not sufficient.
I also feel daily assaulted by the general culture we live in. One of disconnection from each other and nature and too firmly attached to greed and heirarchical power. Changing the political system will not necessarily bring about change in these things. They also need to be addressed in order to reach my vision for us all.
Asking us to think about the difference between vision and goals is a great idea. A vision may never be achieved. But IMO if it is achieved it is only by setting some achievable milestone goals along the way.
Having as a goal the election of someone who does not share your vision may seem counterintuitive. But if you plot your path carefully, achieving this type of milestone goal is only a step toward moving closer to your vision. You just have to force yourself to stay on the path.
I’m liberal but probably not as liberal as you. So our visions may diverge. But my goals are your goals.