Rude Awakenings
columnist: Dean Weldon

Topic: About the Chart
Objectivity and the Chart Survey

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An article on objectivity in journalism, the Nolan Chart survey, and a peek into my mind.

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by Dean Weldon
(Liberal Libertarian)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

    First I would like to thank whoever has made this forum possible. I haven't delved into this site deep enough to discover who you are.

   After taking the Nolan Chart survey, I, like many others, felt it funneled you to the Libertarian corner. It seemed like the Libertarian version of Brit Hume wrote the questions. After first discovering then reading a few of the many articles on this subject, nearly everything has been addressed. Here's my three cents.¹

   Objectivity is the key to good journalism, but objectivity itself is impossible to attain. The perspective of each individual varies. Two people 'categorized' as far left can easily be seen as left by two sitting far right and visa versa. But if the far left couple looked at each other, certain views might seem to their right or left, up or down, 30 degrees for 6 angstroms before descending in a spiral........... Well, you get the picture. Also, what would be difficult to chart in three dimensions is represented in only two dimensions. I imagine the programming just nudges the star in a given direction depending on the answer selected.

   The first time I took the test, my star registered libertarian near liberal on the outside. The second time I took the test, I answered one question differently – not to induce a change in the outcome, but because I was torn between two answers before and in just a few minutes later with a re-read, I felt compelled to answer differently. Now I register Liberal Libertarian. Maybe this is closer to my size of hat, but it's still ill-fitting. I have often described my views as somewhat socialist, but with a few wild hairs. Without going into specifics, I believe Health Care should be socialized. Yes. I said it. SOCIALIZED. There, there. That wasn't so bad. Was it? I also feel that the corporations and wealthy do not pay their fair share. On the other other hand, a strong (not immense) military is needed for protection of our country. I don't want to be in wars, but I surely wouldn't want to be caught unprepared for one. Also, take Saddam for example. My solution would've been to send in a team before the first war and take care of the source of the problem. A little different thinking for someone pigeon-holed in the goat herding hippie category.

   As for the make up of the questions, my suggestion would be to have someone or group who believes they are conservative write their synopsis for each question that would tilt you toward the right. Keep the answers comparable in length and general in nature.

   Having said this I must once again thank whoever made this possible and please do not take offense of my critiquing the survey.

¹ adjusted due to inflation.

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2008 Dean Weldon, all rights reserved.
Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Last modified: Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The views expressed in this article are those of Dean Weldon only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Dean Weldon is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.

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