Having always called myself a social chameleon, politically I’ve always considered myself…well…unique. Why did or do I have to be like everyone else? I’m proud to be an independent thinker who likes to pick and choose where issues measure on my personal sliding scale of importance. How can a Jewish girl from MA, raised by liberal parents who also vote based on who they like, become a registered Republican in her adult life? Seems improbable, but my first step was registering myself as an Independent for the sake of rebellion (yes I was a rebellious teen with crazy hair and piercings – so this seemed par for the course). It took me getting through seven years of college, where I really could have cared less about politics, to meeting my husband and entering the real adult world of political conversation that brought me up to speed. Marrying a military soldier, or should I say, marrying the military, was a quick wake-up call to how important politics in the world suddenly was to me. In haste, this person who only cared about athletics, now had some new interests to explore. I was like the proverbial child in the political candy store, grabbing for all the issues with zest and gobbling them up voraciously.
This past weekend on my radio show, my topic was originally about fitting into a political mold but evolved into people’s changing politics. An overwhelming bunch of e-mails and comments were gathered from the internet and most were from the changing political views of conservative people I have known through my internet life. One person said that Obama said he would bring about change and it appears he has, for good or bad. According to my non-scientific study with my internet friends, many have changed and continued to do so on the heels of them being frustrated with their party and/or being unhappy with the current administration. Most my research was done with conservatives (just who I hang with on the internet more). I wonder if those on the left are still on their honeymoon or if they are noticing changes as well?
What did I learn from my show? Well, that I am not the only American who is on a personal journey to become comfortable with my beliefs and views on various topics that make up our society. I firmly believe in less big government, fiscal responsibility and the need for a solid military. As long as I can go to the polls, it will most likely be as a registered Republican. Unlike many with strong opinions, I’m willing to admit and accept flaws within my own party and truly can respect opposing views. Who knows where that will land me in the world of talk radio, certainly not as a pure politico (blech – phooey), but maybe as an average citizen who has the ability to be open- minded and respectful of others? But let me tell you, there are some things you will never get me to budge on…you’ll have to debate me to know what those are:) But…never say never!
My entire family, as well as my husband’s, are right-wing voters. I’ve experimented with both parties, but always felt disgusted. Libertarian is really the only thing that fits me; socially liberal, fiscally conservative – live and let live people! But I still won’t join their party.
A friend of mine was ranting recently about how 1/3 of the federal budget is spent on the military. I didn’t bother arguing that point, I just said “Wow, so we can cut the other 2/3’s right off and save a bundle!” Because I really think we can do almost anything ourselves other than defend the homeland properly, and for that we need a strong military.
Heh, I like when people are firm on their views as long as they can defend why they believe it. I despise irrational beliefs based on ignorance or misinformation. Like you, I am also immovable on a few issues, and I’ve yet to find anyone who can adequately debate me out of them 😉 I do love a good spar though!
“Unlike many with strong opinions, I’m willing to admit and accept flaws within my own party….”
If only this applied to more folks. There are far too many willing to drink the kool aid and pull the wool over their eyes for the sake of party loyalty. For me, loyalty to principles is much more important.
Good blog Greta! Very good! I,like you, am a Republican. I, like you, can question certain policies of my party. I don’t know if there will ever be in my lifetime a third political party that can develop a good base and survive. I’m certainly not against one and think it would be good for this nation. Keep up the good work.
KC
There may never be a viable 3rd party in this country. In fact, if I had to pick a trajectory, I’d say we’ll see the death of effective policitcal opposition in this country for a generation before a viable 2nd party can crack the armor again. I think it’s that bad and the rifts are that fundamental in the current opposition that this is the more likely outcome. The closest we got to a viable 3rd party movement was Reform. If Perot hadn’t been so non-commital, I think Reform could potentially have thrown 1992 into the House of Representatives and entrenched itself as a viable option. That moment has come and gone. Instead, a Democratic party that nudges just ever so slightly closer to the center and sheds its furthest left elements to the Greens would likely soak up disaffected moderates from the Republican party. That would be the recipe for a dominant Democratic coalition with disjointed opposition efforts from the left and right unable to crack the armor.
Hey darling daughter !
Stop speaking for your mom & dad.! We don’t vote party. We vote for who we hope will do the best job. Unfortunately, it is a big country , & out of it you get few politicians who have the monetary means to stay in the “running” & who appear to be sincere, ethical & everything else we hope we will need. After all, most experiences with politicians leave people “somewhat sceptical” about motives of their politicians. We can only hope that this economy can turn around as soon as possible. This country is in major crisis, & right now, we need to come thru & be stronger than before. Not sure what wing that is – never did understand about wings, except that our politicians need to fly fast & in the right direction. A strong military needs to protect those wings. Perhaps you could help the military further with your knowledge of camoflage. You had every color hair except green in HS. Used to think my eyesight was really going back then.
Love you , Mom
Never budge? Debate? Let’s get ready to rummmmmmbbbbblllllllllllllllle! Bring it on sis! Bring….. it….. on!
Also… I’m pretty sure that you had green hair at least once back in the day. Though it could be that your blue hair got a little too close to a blond streak or something. Can we really be sure? The 80’s was a strange decade of fashion… I mean your hairdresser even managed to talk me into growing a rat tail. Sheeesh…