I used to be as "blue" as it comes but now I am older...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What you're describing is pretty common. Unfortunately, it often comes from an "I got mine" mentality that prioritizes the aging population to the detriment of the whole (think, for Social Security spending but against early education spending). I don't know you or your beliefs, but I'd urge anybody in your situation to make sure changing views are not purely self-interested or short-sighted.

- grew up in a town without a high school because the graying population bulldozed it rather than pay property taxes to fund it

I don't see it as "I got mine" mentality. It's more of an "I worked for mine, why don't you work for yours" mentality.

Well said!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you're more ideological when you're younger. My DH and I both used to be Republicans and saw the world in absolute terms - no work = no welfare, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, etc. Not overly concerned about social issues like gay rights or abortion. Now that we're in our 50s and we realize just how life can bite anyone in the a$$ and look around at the financial mess our country is in and the hate spewing from the right, we now call ourselves socialists. But part of it is that we consider ourselves the Christian Left. Not only has our party been cooped by big business and hatred, so, does it seem, has much of our religion.

[phone]
Another Christian appalled at what are saying and doing in the name of my faith

You may want to turn off MSNBC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am getting more liberal as I get older. I was raised by people who, while lovely, we're not smart enough to know how lucky they were (inherited money, business, and home, and no real tests in life in terms of health, money, or other necessities). I'm embarrassed by how judgmental I was when I was younger and identified as conservative. As I've gotten older, I've realized we're all vulnerable and I have more understanding for people in less fortunate circumstances, whether by their own faults or not. Liberal solutions might not be perfect (or even good) but I refuse to go back to being mean and angry all the time.

+1. the older I get the more empathetic I am for others' circumstances.

[Anonymous]

I have to say, I have always had a problem with medical costs in the US: in 1992, at 28, I almost ended up in bankruptcy because of a really bad case of Mono coupled with sucky grad student insurance.

Now, in my 50's, I have serious medical issues (cancer, heart issues, diabetes, etc). I have very good insurance -- medical crap costs me only 6K out of pocket each year, but I wonder how people without my resources manage the high deductible plans. (I did not have a choice in going to one)

I am increasing convinced that medical care is a basic human right. America is too rich to have people struggleling. And it should not really cost much -- rather it changes how it is paid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am getting more liberal as I get older. I was raised by people who, while lovely, we're not smart enough to know how lucky they were (inherited money, business, and home, and no real tests in life in terms of health, money, or other necessities). I'm embarrassed by how judgmental I was when I was younger and identified as conservative. As I've gotten older, I've realized we're all vulnerable and I have more understanding for people in less fortunate circumstances, whether by their own faults or not. Liberal solutions might not be perfect (or even good) but I refuse to go back to being mean and angry all the time.

Interesting that you equate your personal flaws to a political party. I think you need to dig a little deeper into self-reflection.

Conservatism, liberalism, socialism et al are political ideologies, not parties. YWIA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've never registered with either party. Voting for Obama in 2012 was the first time I voted Democrat. Like a lot of America I suspect I am fiscally conservative and socially open minded (for a New Englander). I suspect that's why the independents make up a large swath of the voters. I will admit that since the crash, Obama's presidency, the lunacy in the Republican party, I can say that I am heavily leaning democratic.

I really don't like the fallout from Citizens United nor the repeal of Glass Steagall and would like to see that changed. And while a believer in free markets, I don't believe we have free markets. We need to be cognizant of the impact of the globalization of labor and its impact in light of the fact that we don't have free markets.

+1