320 Years of History
Gold Member
Not to be a republican at 20 is proof of want of heart; to be one at 30 is proof of want of head.
-- François Guizot
According to Pew Research, "on an individual level, ... many people’s political views evolve over the course of their lives. But academic research indicates not only that generations have distinct political identities, but that most people’s basic outlooks and orientations are set fairly early on in life. As one famous longitudinal study of Bennington College women put it, “through late childhood and early adolescence, attitudes are relatively malleable…with the potential for dramatic change possible in late adolescence or early adulthood."
The Center further cites Pew Research Center surveys over the past two decades also have found compelling evidence that generations carry with them the imprint of early political experiences.
I became 18 at the end of the Boomer generation. I began my young adulthood as a Republican. By the the early 1990s, I had become an independent, and that is how I self-identify today. I don't know how that fits me into Pew's research, but it is what it is, and frankly, the qualities I want most to see in elected officials (candidates too) are overall intellect, leadership skill, integrity, and commitment to the principle of noblesse oblige. Accordingly, I was keen on Roosevelt, Kennedy, Carter, Bush I, and Clinton.
Interestingly, perhaps even surprisingly, I am not keen on Mr. Trump, but were he not so, without cause or need, insulting toward others, I could be. I'd have liked him even more had he stuck to his word and not agreed to forgo running as an independent if he didn't get the Republican nomination; making that agreement convinced me that he just isn't a man of high enough integrity for my taste. I could also be somewhat keen on Dr. Carson too but for his being a scientifically well educated person who denies the verity of evolution.
When I was younger, I was "all about" what a candidate thought on the issues. Now, I only care insofar as what they say is at least plausible and supportable. Far more important to me is whether I think they can effect their policies, and that matters more to me because I know darn well that upon taking office, every president discovers the folly of trying to implement a host of their campaign claims and intents exactly as they were presented before running for office.
So how have your political views changed over time? Have they? I know you don't think they will change from what they are now, but if they have before, they can and might again.
-- François Guizot
According to Pew Research, "on an individual level, ... many people’s political views evolve over the course of their lives. But academic research indicates not only that generations have distinct political identities, but that most people’s basic outlooks and orientations are set fairly early on in life. As one famous longitudinal study of Bennington College women put it, “through late childhood and early adolescence, attitudes are relatively malleable…with the potential for dramatic change possible in late adolescence or early adulthood."
The Center further cites Pew Research Center surveys over the past two decades also have found compelling evidence that generations carry with them the imprint of early political experiences.
I became 18 at the end of the Boomer generation. I began my young adulthood as a Republican. By the the early 1990s, I had become an independent, and that is how I self-identify today. I don't know how that fits me into Pew's research, but it is what it is, and frankly, the qualities I want most to see in elected officials (candidates too) are overall intellect, leadership skill, integrity, and commitment to the principle of noblesse oblige. Accordingly, I was keen on Roosevelt, Kennedy, Carter, Bush I, and Clinton.
Interestingly, perhaps even surprisingly, I am not keen on Mr. Trump, but were he not so, without cause or need, insulting toward others, I could be. I'd have liked him even more had he stuck to his word and not agreed to forgo running as an independent if he didn't get the Republican nomination; making that agreement convinced me that he just isn't a man of high enough integrity for my taste. I could also be somewhat keen on Dr. Carson too but for his being a scientifically well educated person who denies the verity of evolution.
When I was younger, I was "all about" what a candidate thought on the issues. Now, I only care insofar as what they say is at least plausible and supportable. Far more important to me is whether I think they can effect their policies, and that matters more to me because I know darn well that upon taking office, every president discovers the folly of trying to implement a host of their campaign claims and intents exactly as they were presented before running for office.
So how have your political views changed over time? Have they? I know you don't think they will change from what they are now, but if they have before, they can and might again.
Guess I really am a "freak" of my generation. I became politically aware during Clinton's first run, and like many young teens (I was only13 at the time), I was highly impressionable, and liked Clinton. Then, through and older brother, was turned on to talk radio, and changed dramaticlly to the far right. I have evolved even more. Not too long ago I would have self-identified as a Libertarian, learned more about the platform, and would not today. I guess I, too would self-identify as an independant, and am registered as such. I strongly disagree with the left on social, and many economic issues, but am no "Hawk" on foreign relations. In many ways I guess I am a Conservitive Constitutionalist, but, regretfully, know little about the Constituionalists' platform(there is only so much time in the day, and my time is precious). Do I see my political tendancies changing? No, but they may. Who knows what the future holds, experience in life changes me every day.
