My Election Research: Part 1 From where I start
So I promised myself I'd sit down and do some serious election research prior to Thursday in order to make as informed an opinion as possible. I have a collection of biases formed from familial influences, discussions with friends and opinions of character formed from listening to politicians. However I don't feel that those opinions have any sound basis, and considering how close and important this election is I feel it's worthwhile to try and change that for the better.
The thing with me is I have an awful tendency to take the word of people who are more educated/informed than me about a subject as the truth*; rather than using it what I've been told as a starting point from which to research and form my opinion from. Then when discussing things as I have limited confidence in my own opinions (or no actual opinion of my own) I tend to present one of the things I have been told and test it against others. Partly I'm doing this to check the validity of the opinion when presented to others, but mostly because I'm just curious about how people think, and it's an excellent way to explore someone else's thought processes.
*My Maths degree doesn't help with that considering how it was taught.
For the sake of interest my plan is as follows: In this post firstly a few general points, then I'll note my current largely uninformed opinions of the current parties, and the member of the cabinet and shadow cabinets. Then discuss my current opinions on the major issues using![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
elmyra's list to ensure I don't miss anything. From there it'll go up in a second post where I'll go and do the research; looking at ministers voting records, working through each of the manifestos and discussing points I agree and disagree with (though sadly I won't be able to do it with the wit of the "Yes Minister" actor and writers interpretation of the manifestos as broadcast on News Night in the last couple of weeks). Finally I'll present based on the above who I think I should vote for.
Right the rest will be behind cut tags for sake of all your friends pages.
( Before I begin )
( Initial Bias )
( Initial views on the major issues as described by Elmyra + a couple of additions )
So yes that block above is my starting point, now to see where my research takes me. Clearly I have strong biases and need to do lots and lots of research. Here's hoping I'll have time.
Seeing as this is part 1, if you desire to share your political view point on anything, correct any factual inaccuracies or have any sources of information you really want me to look at please comment. The more I know the better. Assuming you managed to read the above of course.
The thing with me is I have an awful tendency to take the word of people who are more educated/informed than me about a subject as the truth*; rather than using it what I've been told as a starting point from which to research and form my opinion from. Then when discussing things as I have limited confidence in my own opinions (or no actual opinion of my own) I tend to present one of the things I have been told and test it against others. Partly I'm doing this to check the validity of the opinion when presented to others, but mostly because I'm just curious about how people think, and it's an excellent way to explore someone else's thought processes.
*My Maths degree doesn't help with that considering how it was taught.
For the sake of interest my plan is as follows: In this post firstly a few general points, then I'll note my current largely uninformed opinions of the current parties, and the member of the cabinet and shadow cabinets. Then discuss my current opinions on the major issues using
elmyra's list to ensure I don't miss anything. From there it'll go up in a second post where I'll go and do the research; looking at ministers voting records, working through each of the manifestos and discussing points I agree and disagree with (though sadly I won't be able to do it with the wit of the "Yes Minister" actor and writers interpretation of the manifestos as broadcast on News Night in the last couple of weeks). Finally I'll present based on the above who I think I should vote for.Right the rest will be behind cut tags for sake of all your friends pages.
( Before I begin )
( Initial Bias )
( Initial views on the major issues as described by Elmyra + a couple of additions )
So yes that block above is my starting point, now to see where my research takes me. Clearly I have strong biases and need to do lots and lots of research. Here's hoping I'll have time.
Seeing as this is part 1, if you desire to share your political view point on anything, correct any factual inaccuracies or have any sources of information you really want me to look at please comment. The more I know the better. Assuming you managed to read the above of course.