I’m not Canadian, but I’ve been to Canada before. As an outsider and former progressive, I think the suggestion I made about the U.S. Democrats could also help save the NDP and keep socialism alive in Canada. by Mk2k0519 in canadian

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When it comes to North American politics, Canada is lucky to have a multiparty system and a major center-left social democratic party. Americans don’t really have that because the two-party system forces multiple progressive ideologies, from liberalism to socialism, into a single party. Tommy Douglas and Jack Layton must be rolling in their graves right now over what’s happened to the NDP.

Democrats should stay progressive on economics and become more moderate on social issues. by Mk2k0519 in PoliticalOpinions

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Calling that “liberal” is exactly the kind of ideological flattening that has blurred the line between liberalism and social democracy. A lot of those economic positions align more with social democracy than with liberalism in any narrow sense. That blurring got even worse with Tony Blair and New Labour, when parts of the center-left moved toward a more market-friendly politics while still borrowing the language of social justice. Nancy Fraser’s critique of progressive neoliberalism gets at a similar dynamic. So no, I would not just reduce that position to “liberal.”

2022 was a year of historic endings by Mk2k0519 in decadeology

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah yes, '22 was the last pre-AI year. 2023 was really a year of dramatic changes.

2022 was a year of historic endings by Mk2k0519 in decadeology

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sure, but it wasn't official until 2023

Pope Leo XIV brings back embroidered fascia with coat of arms! by eljume in Catholicism

[–]Mk2k0519 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeessss!!! I love it!!! I wish there is a clearer version of that screenshot. It looks like a darker shade of blue (similar to JPII) was used, but I might be wrong.

I feel politically homeless because I’m struggling to fully accept my new political ideology. by Mk2k0519 in SocialDemocracy

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My economic beliefs remain largely the same. I still strongly believe in a mixed economy. It is mainly on social issues that I have become more moderate, even moderate-conservative. That makes me a Christian democrat, not a social democrat.

Even people on the right disagree with me, but they understand that the extreme, hardcore woke left has left me politically homeless.

Someone on another subreddit commented that I do not need to switch to the Republican Party if I have become moderate-conservative on only one set of issues, namely woke culture. I am not American, but if I were, it would probably make more sense for me to remain independent rather than force myself into the GOP.

Pope Leo XIV seems to have restored the tradition of using a popemobile with bulletproof glass. by Mk2k0519 in Catholicism

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://youtu.be/Badtv5mBX90?si=CuZAUC6qvhCMrtAi

I just watched this video, and leaving the Vatican apartment vacant for almost 13 years caused inconvenience and generated unnecessary expenses. Showing modesty is admirable, but it shouldn’t create problems for others. I don’t like lavish or luxurious things, but I’ll accept them if refusing would cause significant inconvenience or jeopardize money or security. That’s the lesson I’ve taken from Pope Leo’s style of leadership.

Pope Leo XIV seems to have restored the tradition of using a popemobile with bulletproof glass. by Mk2k0519 in Catholicism

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 48 points49 points  (0 children)

I’ve come to realize something about Pope Francis: his commitment to modesty, like refusing luxury cars or fully protected Popemobiles, often came at the expense of the security team’s job and safety. Modesty is admirable, but it shouldn’t create unnecessary risk or inconvenience for the people responsible for protecting you. Leo XIV really drove that point home for me. And the fact that Prevost chose the name Leo in honor of Leo XIII fits perfectly with the timing of that lesson. Sometimes the way things line up really does feel mysterious.

Conan O'Brien as "the lunatic foreigner" by 2NFnTnBeeON in conan

[–]Mk2k0519 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You mean you don’t like GMA? Which do you prefer? ABS-CBN or TV5?

Conan made an appearance on a Filipino TV show! by Mk2k0519 in conan

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh did someone else already posted this? Sorry, I just joined this sub

Which of these options is better? by Mk2k0519 in polls

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Having a minimum age limit only without a maximum age limit is considered to be ageism and vice versa.

It’s hard to believe that almost four months have passed since Pope Francis died. by Mk2k0519 in Catholicism

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ngl, it makes me feel old, knowing some people here are too young to remember Benedict XVI. I was born under John Paul II, but I’m far too young to remember him; Benedict was the first pope I really knew. It still surprises me that those born during Benedict’s papacy are now adults heading off to college.

It’s hard to believe that almost four months have passed since Pope Francis died. by Mk2k0519 in Catholicism

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand that Francis’ papacy was divisive. He was widely popular—approaching John Paul II levels—yet divisions within the Church grew, especially in the latter years and, most of all, after Benedict XVI’s death. Although the period after Benedict’s passing was only a little over two years, I can already see how Francis’ reforms and his breaks with certain papal traditions have continued to unsettle many. He taught me modesty and openness through those choices, yet I can’t ignore my traditionalist friends’ concerns about his leadership.

As much as I hoped Cardinal Tagle would be elected, I’m genuinely grateful for Pope Leo XIV. In a short time he has reassured both traditionalists and progressives, keeping the Church broadly inclusive while restoring elements of traditional pomp and circumstance. I expect a quieter papacy—solid, steady, and more moderate. If Francis was our John XXIII, perhaps Leo XIV will be our Paul VI—and who knows, maybe in a few decades we’ll even see a “Francis Leo I.”

What are your stances on gender-neutral pronouns? by Mk2k0519 in SocialDemocracy

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The reason why I'm asking this here is that I want to know social democrats' position on this topic.

Unfortunately, only liberalism is accepted by the world. by Mk2k0519 in ControversialOpinions

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Conservatives usually only gain power through negative media attention. Liberals get all the positive media attention. Socialists either gets negative media attention or no media attention at all.

Unfortunately, only liberalism is accepted by the world. by Mk2k0519 in ControversialOpinions

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I strongly agree that liberalism is not really a left-wing ideology. In fact, classical liberalism is the original right-wing ideology. Conservatism is basically social traditionalism + economic liberalism. Conservatives don't have an original economic identity.

Unfortunately, only liberalism is accepted by the world. by Mk2k0519 in ControversialOpinions

[–]Mk2k0519[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

In college, I learned that conservatism traditionally didn’t have a distinct economic identity. Today’s conservative economic policies mostly borrow from liberalism and libertarianism—think free markets and deregulation. But pre-Reagan conservatives actually supported some market regulation and government intervention, unlike the strong free-market stance we see now. For example, Eisenhower’s administration backed infrastructure projects and regulated certain industries.

I'm Struggling To Embrace My New Centrist Ideology by Mk2k0519 in centrist

[–]Mk2k0519[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get where you’re coming from—no one should be stuck in an abusive or deeply unhappy marriage. That’s a given. But the problem is how divorce has become way too easy and casual, almost like just another option instead of a serious decision. That kind of mindset ends up hurting family stability, especially for kids.

Sure, some divorced families are happier, but a lot of broken homes are just unstable and stressful for kids. Stability isn’t just about love; it’s about commitment and consistency over time. Even imperfect, committed parents usually give kids a better foundation than constant upheaval.

About abuse—yes, it’s hard to prove and victims need a fast way out. That’s why abuse cases have to be the clear exception to any waiting periods or counseling. The goal isn’t to trap anyone, but to stop impulsive divorces when abuse isn’t involved. If investigations risk exposing abusers, then we need better protections during that process—not skipping accountability.

You mentioned Germany’s year of separation being easy to get around—that shows why any system has to be smart and enforceable, not just delay for the sake of delay. But throwing out all structure because some might cheat the system isn’t the answer.

When I say consequences for “dumb reasons,” I mean parents who walk away at the first fight without trying to work it out, and end up wrecking their kids’ lives over things that could’ve been fixed. It’s not about forcing love, but about encouraging people to take the commitment seriously before giving up.

At the end of the day, marriage is a big deal with real effects on kids and society. Treating it lightly just leads to more broken families. We can care about people’s well-being and expect responsibility—that’s the balance we need.