Did your political views change as you got older?

[wvrevy]

In high school and college, I am ashamed to admit that I did lean slightly right of center

I got over it

Seriously, as I've gotten older and seen more of the world and been exposed to new ideas, I have taken a decidedly sharp left-hand turn on the political spectrum. Actually, until this election I have always been a registered "Independant", and I've never voted a straight party ticket in my life, either way.

 

[jimmiej]

Grew up in a conservative household. I think I've gotten more conservative as I've gotten older & began to understand issues.

 

[KarenC]

I was more conservative when I was younger, despite the fact that I grew up in a liberal household. I've become a little more liberal, but have never been as engaged politically as I am this year.

 

[wdwdvcdad]

I have always been a political junkie, even as an elementary-schooler.

Until I was about 21, I was a Reagan-style conservative.

Then, VERY BRIEFLY, I was a Clinton supporter. I loved the idea of situational ethics and having to be responsible to no one because I bever claimed to be responsible to anyone. I could do whatever I wanted, & it was ok...very typical of the modern Democrat Party.

The, about 6 months into his miserable, failed presidency, I realized what a mistake I had made in supporting this miscreant. I realized that I had forsaken everything I was taught (by 2 liberal democrat parents...ironic, eh) about morality & right & wrong. But, I quickly removed my head from my rear end.

Now, I am a staunch Libertarian. I believe in the constitution, limited government, and man's responsibility to fend for & take care of himself. My money is my money, & my life is my responsibility.

 

[palmtreegirl]

I was raised Catholic, attended Catholic school for 12 years so I was pretty conservative(and naive) growing up. By the time I got to college my views turned slowly towards the liberal side, now I fall in both categories and lean more towards the liberal side.

 

[accomp]

Happy to say that I've always been a conservative.

 

[BedKnobbery2]

I used to be a very, VERY conservative republican. Then when I had kids, I became more moderate; changed my registered standing to Independent. This administration has pushed me firmly into liberal camps (and actually really pushes some of my conservative buttons that I still have deep down in me....so either way, I don't think I'd be voting for Bush.) I'm 34.

 

[Gupsmom]

I honestly don't think my views changed. As I grew older (granted, I'm only 30), I was better able to understand my views. They became clearer to me and I was more informed (made myself more informed) as to which candidates supported my views.

I tend to walk on the left side of the line.

Jess

 

[robinb]

In grammer school I would have been a Young Republican for Nixon . I remember writing "Nixon Now!" on my notebooks in 8th grade. 30 years later I am a Liberal and proud of it.

 

[iloveblonds2000]

I am a Republican all the way, as if you couldn't tell

 

[MelessaG]

When I was younger-as in middle school and high school I was super conservative. Then I went to college and experienced some "real life" and loosened up quite a bit. I am extremely liberal in my views about women's reproductive rights and gay marriage. (In fact, I was all set to vote again for Bush Jr. until he proposed his constitutional amendment. Now there's no way I could vote for him.) I don't think the government can legislate who we love and want to spend the rest of our lives with. The Bible says what it does about homosexuality and I can't argue with that, but it also says "love thy neighbor as thyself" which to me means I'm supposed to love everyone and let God make His final judgement. (which I'm happy to do, by the way, who would want that job?) As a parent, I would much rather see a child living a happy and safe life with two same sex parents than exsisting in conditions of abuse and neglect in the home of a heterosexual couple.
On the flip side, I'm fairly conservative about financial matters. (don't like estate taxes) In my home, I'm conservative about what I let my children watch on TV-but I'm against censorship, and my religion is fairly conservative-but I'm a big believer in letting everyone choose for themselves what their beliefs and values are. I'm not really sure I fit into either mold actually, and I'm surprised I had so much to say on the subject.
Edited to add that on the Conservative side, I'm pro-military and was a proud military spouse the first 5 years of my marriage.

 

[coliebird]

Originally posted by DisneyDmbNut
Happy Birthday to US!! I will be 34!

Happy Birthday to all of us, I will be 33 on Friday.

I have always been more conservative since I grew up in a conservative household. I have stayed that way.

 

[jrydberg]

At the age of 4, my mother (lifelong Democrat) brought me into the voting booth with her in a very Republican district. I had been a quiet, very shy kid. When she flipped the switch, I said as loud as I could, "McGovern!?! Daddy says he's wrong!" So no, I guess my political views haven't changed much

 

[Gary M]

An old phrase goes like this: "If at 18 you are not a Democrat (liberal) you don't have a heart, if at 30 you are not Republican (conservative) you don't have a brain."

I don't know who said this, but thought it was an interesting observation. I'm not passing judgement on anyone, just thought it was an interesting statement.

 

[Gupsmom]

An old phrase goes like this: "If at 18 you are not a Democrat (liberal) you don't have a heart, if at 30 you are not Republican (conservative) you don't have a brain."

don't know who said this, but thought it was an interesting observation.

Dan Quayle?

Jess

 

[luvwinnie]

Oh, yes, once I started working full-time I slowly became more and more conservative.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Quote:
______________________________________________
I believe in the constitution, limited government, and man's responsibility to fend for & take care of himself. My money is my money, & my life is my responsibility.
______________________________________________

This quote kinda summed up my feelings very well !

I am from a mostly non-political and mostly non-religious (Christian, but not devout followers of religion) and, most importantly, a very liberal family... Even with this background, I have always been very conservative! So, no my beliefs have not changed. I do not think they ever could.

I do believe that there is truth... (and it does not hinge on what the definition of "is" is.... )
I believe that there IS right and wrong... (and that does not hinge on any individuals personal feelings at any given moment)
I do believe that humans require freedom.... (and that does not include the freedom to commit murder of innocent unborn children. It is not your body being destroyed.) ( also, this does not include the freedom to tell others they must agree with and affirm whatever YOU feel is right. Freedom includes the freedom disagree and to feel that certain things are not right.)
I do believe in a creator and savior, human spirituality.... (And, I am not talking about some cosmic cow.)
I do believe that there are others who wish to take away these aforementioned things... (Truth, Right and Wrong, Freedom, Spirituality....) And that is why these things sometimes come with a price.

Finally, no, I do not feel like I have to cower and apologize to those who feel otherwise!!!!

 

[helenabear]

Surprisingly no... I seem to be exactly where I was about 10 years ago. Silly I hate saying which way I lean though, because I have been judged by others for it But just know it is the same and I've never been much of an "extremist" no matter what

 

[N.Bailey]

Originally posted by Gary M
An old phrase goes like this: "If at 18 you are not a Democrat (liberal) you don't have a heart, if at 30 you are not Republican (conservative) you don't have a brain."

I've heard this said many times too. I guess I was one of the heartless, because I voted a total Republican ballot (Bush SR.) the 1st election year that I was old enough to vote. That was the 1st election, where SR. won and I've not voted any differently since.

Edit: I don't always vote a total Republican ballot, but I have only voted for the Republican candidate for president. I thought I should correct that.