Frustrated, confused, and misled by simplistic copy-paste “Us-Them” political labels like Left-vs.-Right, Conservative-vs.-Progressive, or even Libertarian-vs.-Liberal? Me too. After throwing up my hands for years, a thought occurred to me, yielding the 3D diagram below. I could spend many words explaining it. Instead, I’ll let you ponder it and, after careful consideration, let me know what you think in the comments section.

Summary Axes Descriptions

Wealth vs. Welfare:

1. Take wealth from some to give to others, so that some can improve their lot at the expense of others

OR

2. Grow wealth while empowering equal opportunity so all can improve their financial lot

[State] Control vs. [Individual] Freedom

1. Concentrate power in the hands of a few for the [intended/alleged] benefit & protection of the many

OR

2. Free the many to direct their own lives, with strictly necessay safeguards to protect the rights of others