To pick and mix my political views?

[borntobequiet]

I have always considered myself pretty much in the centre, but I realise that I espouse some policies from the far left and some from the right. Here are some policies I agree with. Anyone else feel like me?

Renationalise the railways and utilities.

Introduce proportional representation/reform House of Commons.

Child benefit for 1st two children only.

Benefits cap at median household income.

Living wage/minimum wage £10 p/h by 2020.

Tax personal allowance raised to £12500.

Abolish free/faith schools (where publicly funded).

Remain in the EU.

Overseas aid to be more carefully targeted and monitored, even if left at current level.

Public service unions – use present Govt proposals for strike action.

[YeOldeTrout]

I have this problem, feel your pain. My views are mostly totally different from yours, but yes, it's quite annoying. I thought I was quite Left Wing but maybe I'm quite centrist.

[RealityCheque]

Yanbu. You are completely normal!

Those who try to fit their views around the party they support are bu.

[scarlets]

I'm with you! I agree with a lot of your post but I'm wavering on the EU question, whereas you're definitely pro.

Like many, I agree with the two child tax credits/cb limit but not with the lowering of the thresholds at which wtc is cut.

I think that state pension should be means-tested like any other dwp benefit. Ridiculous that very wealthy people who happen to be 65 get an additional £100 or whatever every week from the state pot.

[bustraintram]

YANBU - in fact although I tend to vote right wing, I completely agree 100% with every point you have made there. I suppose you just have to work out which are the most important and vote accordingly.

[throckenholt]

I think that represents a large part of the population - and pretty much fits the liberal school of thought. But most people feel driven (for no particularly good or articulated reasons - but often to do with upbringing) to follow one tribe or the other which are led by people with generally more extreme views than themselves . Very ODD !

I guess to sum up your feelings - it is a fair safety net, reasonable sharing of wealth and opportunity, whilst safeguarding they important services for all (transport, education, health and utilities). Not keen on scroungers or people creaming off huge profits. Freedom of thought (hence the non-faith schools).

I bet most people would vote for that (unless they are the ones creaming off the huge profits in which case they would hate it !).

[Pileofstuffatthebottomofthesta]

YANBU. From discussions I've had with friends most of us meet somewhere in the middle and vote for what long term makes more sense overall even if it means we disagree with some policies in the short term. I agree with a lot of your points.

[OrangeVase]

Me too OP - and that is the problem I have with party politics. I would tend towards more issue-based politics.

[YeOldeTrout]

What is issue-based politics?

I am sure of my own ideological logic in what I support or oppose, but it doesn't seem to fit the usual left-right splits.

[howabout]

YANBU
I don't always vote the same way. I don't always hold the same views on certain issues as mostly there is a balance to be struck somewhere in the middle. Of your list I only agree unequivocally on free / faith schools. In this case my views are very to the left as I am in favour of everyone going to the local comp.