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Politically, I'm more-or-less a centrist, with libertarian (small "L") tendencies.

I really want "The Government" to just leave me alone and take as little of my money as possible - recognizing of course, that we need government in particular arenas (law enforcement and policing, emergency services, national defense, education to a certain extent, and so on). I believe that government should be as small as possible while still able to accomplish the tasks mandated it by voters. I believe government should take place as closely as possible to the people being governed; that is, I favor local government over state government, and state government over national government.

Having said that, it is our unfortunate nature to be less than perfect. Many of us (Americans and people from all other nations) discriminate against or just plain hate those different from ourselves. We're racists, bigots, white supremacists, anti-Semites, black supremacists, Zionists, Islamists, and on and on. We're Republicans, Democrats, socialists, communists, fascists, and whatever. White, black, yellow, red, brown. Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, ad eternum. We separate and discriminate and hate - based on whatever differences we perceive and value.

Because we do this, we need to be governed - and governed democratically. All of us, together, are wiser than any one of us, individually (or any small homogenous group of us). Some laws and government programs are necessary to, in essence, protect us from one another. Affirmative action laws are an example.

It is my fervent desire that, one day, affirmative action laws will not be needed. We've made a great deal of progress in racial equality in this country. I recognize that reasonable people disagree today about the continuing need for affirmative action laws. My belief is that while most people in this country have an opportunity to be successful, some still do not. We aren't there yet, and so some minority racial groups should continue to receive affirmative action benefits. I hope within my lifetime that they won't be necessary. It will be a continuing point of disagreement for some time about whether or not they are.

In any case, it is the constant tension between my interests as an individual (having my individual rights infringed upon as little as possible) and my interests as a member of a larger community, state and nation (my belief that my own life will be better as a result of the betterment of the community, state and nation) that makes me a centrist politically.

This test says that I'm an "Existential Thinker."

 

You are an Existential Thinker
		Existential thinkers: Like to spend time thinking about philosophical issues such as "What is the meaning of life?" Try to see beyond the 'here and now', and understand deeper meanings Consider moral and ethical implications of problems as well as practical solutions
Like existential thinkers, Leonardo questioned man's role in the universe. Many of his paintings explored the relationship between man and God.		Other Existential Thinkers include The Buddha, Gandhi, Plato, Socrates, Martin Luther King Careers which suit Existential Thinkers include Philosopher, Religious leader, Head of state, Artist, Writer

Well, I must say that I'm a little surprised by this; although, I think it's true to a certain extent. I would have guessed that I would have scored higher as a "Logical-Mathematical Thinker."

The TTOTLAPPI, rates my personality like this:

Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any man that stands between them and the mantle of power. You never met a man you couldn't eviscerate. Not that mindless violence is the only avenue open to you - but why take an avenue when you have complete freeway access? You are the definitive Man of Action. You are James Bond in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. Your swash was buckled long ago and you have never been so sure of anything in your life as in your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off their head if they show any sign of taking you on or backing down. You cannot be saddled with tedious underlings, but if one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.

Avast, ye landlubbers! Some bilge rat guzzled too much grog when 'e came up wi' this mess. Make 'im walk th' plank and send 'im t' Davy Jones' Locker!

According to this, I should be a character in Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.

This seems more accurate than the TTOTLAPPI, anyway.

According to this, I'm Palm OS. I can't argue with it too much, but I think my mom is OK with who I am. (Right, mom?).

 
Which OS are You?

Here's another test by Quizilla. This one says my life was written by Robert Heinlein. That's cool with me, 'cause many of Heinlein's main characters were fascinating, and to me, really admirable: smart, independent, tough, but also caring. I grok that!

My acronym is P.E.T.E: Person Engineered for Troubleshooting and Exploration.

That's pretty funny, because it's actually fairly accurate, given what I do for a living.
What's your acronym?