So, I spent last weekend with my crazy-ass grandmother, I love the woman to death, but she's loony tunes. I'm just curious to see the whole political socialization process from one generation to the next and how everyone's views are compared to their relatives/parents. I have a general idea of how the main "contributors" are on this board, so I wonder what their relatives are like.

 

Mine:

 

Grandmother: Hyper-conservative -> Everything is the fault of the democrats, the Republicans are the shining light of the world, Zell Miller is the only Democrat that doesn't deserve to burn in Hell. She even mentioned (and I don't think she was joking) that my new baby cousin's intials are D.E.M. and she made a big deal about it and how Democrats are so evil and a different first/middle name should've been chosen.

 

Father: Interesting -> He pretty much laid the groundwork for my political beliefs back in 2000 when he summed up the two big parties pretty much perfectly saying, "The Democrats want to tax you to Hell and the Republicans want to pry into your personal life". I thought it was one of the most poignant political statements I've ever heard. I still think it's great to this day.

 

Mother: Registered Republican that seems pretty open on most things. Not sure why she's a Republican, but I think she voted for Clinton back in the day but voted for Bush this time around. She's not really politically astute, but she does bring some stuff to the table.

 

Step-dad: Hyper-conservative -> He was super conservative family values blah blah blah, bitch about the unconstitutionality of the ban on sodomy, but has come off that. He's still pretty hardcore, but now he's a fiscal conservative, but right of center on most stuff. He's pretty angry with the Republicans spending so much lately, which I think is cool, so I gotta give him some respect for that. Nice to see even super-duper party liners stray when they do things they "shouldn't" do.

 

Whew, I'm bored, huh?

Grandmother, Father, Mother

 

 

all conservative.

 

 

me = liberal.

sister = liberal.

 

funny as I have actually helped steer my parents more away from the right and more into the middle.

Whenever I talk to my aunt about my guns or something she's like "You're talking to a jewish liberal woman here!" :lol .

Father: As conservative as they come. Grew up as a poor African American in New York in the 60s, worked as soon as he was able to and paid his way through college collecting no government handouts and not 'settling' like his brothers and sisters who thought because of their race, economic resources, location, and politics that they could not succeed. Very strong views on national defense and the privatization of social security. Against affirmative action (Gasp!), pro life, anti gay rights.

 

Mother: On social issues she is a democrat. She is pro choice in certain situations. Indifferent on gay rights however has strongly advocated the allowance of religion in schools. She is a registered Democrat but voted for Bush in '04 and Reagan in '88. She is all over the map on certain issues and 'calls 'em like she sees 'em'.

 

Older Brother: Was a republican until the age of 20 while attending Brown University. His politics, religious views, and lifestyle changed completely. Pro choice, pro gay rights, anti prayer in school, supports the government to be hands off the economic system (trade, etc), strong advocate for civil librities, against the Iraq war.

 

Younger Brother: Not politcally active. Supports Iraq war.

 

Myself: Advocate a strong national defense, intense border control, deportation of illegal immigrants. Pro life (exceptions for rape victims, health reasons, etc), indifferent to gay rights.

Dad: Democrat, who has the biggest protectionist streak(which is cause for big arguements with me and him. I'd consider myself a more free market democrat, in likes of Clinton), you'll ever see. Basically Pat Buchanan in every regard, except huge on Unions, and for a little more government intervention in regards to the middle class.

 

Mom: Democrat, who seems to be influenced by my dad's firebrand beliefs. I'm not trying to badmouth my mom, I love her beyond words, but when it comes to news, her version is the today show, and even then she only barely listens. She's always had Democratic beliefs, but when it comes to certain issues, she'll usually side with my dad.

 

Brother: Not trying to bash my brother or anything, I love him, but on economic issues, he's got Socialist views, who really only differs(as far as I see, but it's not like we discuss every issue), on law, in which he sides with a conservative alignment.

 

I'm close with these people, so I figured I'd mention them. My one Aunt, is as big a liberal as you'll ever find. Another is your typical housewife, who has left tendencies but on certain Social Issues, and on Defense, can be swayed to the right. And then we have a hardcore conservative, who my dad loathes for the fact that she, and the rest of the family, lived in the poorhouses of the coalfields.

 

Uncles, are split along the lines. One's a big Democrat, who only differs on Abortion, the other a hardcore conservative.

Mom: I'm not trying to badmouth my mom, I love her beyond words, but when it comes to news, her version is the today show, and even then she only barely listens.

 

The "Today Show" is as bad as journalism gets, this side of FOX News. It's mostly just garbage. It's also perfect for housewives, because the show is clearly focused on them. If anyone else is watching it, too bad for them.

 

The interviews on that show are also a joke. They ask the most basic questions and get the basic answers. Nothing controversial about it (or interesting).

 

Unfortunately my mom likes to watch that show as well. I prefer Sportscenter in the morning. :thumbup

Mother, father democrats. Uncle democrat. Me democrat.

 

Everyone else Republican.

 

Divine intervention definitely played a part for me. When I was 18 and helping my (repulican) aunt run her state house representative campaign, they all convinced me to become a Repulican.

 

However, the mail card that I sent in was lost in the mail. Given the second chance, I changed my mind and registered Democrat.

 

It makes sense now...because I definitely would have been the most liberal Repulican in the world!

Father: Conservative. He couldn't decide who to vote for for governor even on his way to the polls. He ended up voting for the Republican candidate. He supports nearly everything Bush does and talks about things with me often. I have been successful in opening his eyes to the semi-corruption of the sitting administration in terms of economics - he is looking a bit beyond the highly-publicized tax cuts and can see different ways the administration is stabbing the working man in the back. Unfortunately, still feels like voting Democratic every once in a while jeopardizes his faith. Big-business Jesus wins out over humanitarian Jesus.

 

Step-Mother: Wildy conservative. She, like my father, understands my views, however, she also feels like it's a Christian responsibility to vote straight-ticket Republican. If only I could get them to read Jim Wallis.

 

Step-Father: Conservative and an active member of the local Republican party. Ran for Sheriff but lost to the incumbent, and is planning another campaign. I don't support most of his politics, however, like the rest of my family, most of his arguing points are things that are decided by judges rather than legislative bodies, but feels compelled to vote Republican, mainly because of hot button issues.

 

Mother: Conservative - often works the polls for local Republican candidates in her jurisdiction. She remains a supporter of the sitting President and religiously tunes into FOX News to stay informed.

 

Sister: Wildly conservative, knows next-to-nothing about politics, government, civics, and national/global affairs.

 

Myself: Centrist. I am frustrated every day that for every great thing about the two main parties, there is another despicable thing to counter it. In terms of political theory I am more of a libertarian. My politics on social issues is dead center; my politics on economic issues is liberal.

 

My family labels me "liberal" because I don't label myself as a Republican - and that is the measure of their ability to see more than black and white.

my mom is a registered democrat who rarely votes democrat but her views are rather moderate

my grandparents are registered democrats who havent voted for a democrat since JFK (seriously they are very conservative)

my older sister is about as far left as you can go mention president bush and watch her face turn red with anger

my younger sister is centrist with a slight tip to the left

my younger brother is ultra conservative

Myself i fall in the center , not happy with both parties but i must confess out of the two most annoying groups in politics rich white liberal elite and religious fundamentalist , rich white liberal elites annoy me more might be because i have been surrounded by them at grad school. They are the least tolerant group of people i have ever met

mother- registered republican, believes in personal responsibility, especially fiscally. Liberal on all social issues except abortion which is perhaps the issue that most strays from any true ideology

 

Father- Democrat. Voted for bush in last election, but also voted for clinton. Believes that democrats are better for hispanics. Against war in iraq. But is against the abuses in govt spending and social programs

 

Brother- Conservative. On all issues. almsot straight down republican party line, but believes this wya after educated research on most topics, not simply bc the repbulicans believe it.

 

Grandfather- Dislikes Bush, but disliked kerry more. Thinks the republicans are doing a horrible job these last few years, but thinks a democrat wont do better b/c a dem will put too much emphasis on keepign social security as is, and maintaining the status quo on most social programs. Would like a clinton type dem president that can work with a republican congress

 

Grandmother- very religious and as such is a social conservative. Knows little else about economic policy and the such.

All the college educated in my family are liberal (that's me, my two cousins and an uncle); which I imagine is par for the course. The rest, forget about it, they're all republican. But, during Thanksgiving we always find useful ways to subvert them to liberal ideals (one of my uncles has been particularly receptive to some of our ideas, which makes me wonder).

All the college educated in my family are liberal (that's me, my two cousins and an uncle); which I imagine is par for the course. The rest, forget about it, they're all republican. But, during Thanksgiving we always find useful ways to subvert them to liberal ideals (one of my uncles has been particularly receptive to some of our ideas, which makes me wonder).

 

 

 

I know you dont like bush, but from some of the discussion we've had I didnt see you as a liberal

All the college educated in my family are liberal (that's me, my two cousins and an uncle); which I imagine is par for the course. The rest, forget about it, they're all republican. But, during Thanksgiving we always find useful ways to subvert them to liberal ideals (one of my uncles has been particularly receptive to some of our ideas, which makes me wonder).

 

 

 

I know you dont like bush, but from some of the discussion we've had I didnt see you as a liberal

 

I have liberal views and ideals, but I also don't vote like an idiot for one single party. I try and vote for the best candidate and lately have found both republican and democrat parties lacking. Choosing between Bush and Kerry was like choosing between the lesser of two evils. I generally fall into the left-leaning libertarian view, idealogically.

 

Less government, more freedoms.

My mother, her sister, and her parents are all Rooseveltesque democrats with some Clinton. Though, my mom is a little more conservative nowadays.

 

My dad used to be a Nixon republican but he is now independant. Pretty much a little right leaning of center.

 

My dad's parents are republicans I think. But they also seem to be rather liberal on some issues. And my dad's brothers and sister are pretty much centrist, except for his eldest brother who tends to vote right more often than not.

 

 

And I am pretty socially liberally. I also tend towards being a centrist fiscally and on some issues, conservative.

Father: Huge Liberal

Mother: Huge liberal, aka teacher

Sister: Liberal

Myself: middle road.

 

I am considered the most conservative by far

Dad-Independant who sees it as it comes. Isnt staunch either way and is more interested in politics than he is anything else. Loves George HW Bush and was ok with Clinton. Not a big fan of the Iraq war but thinks it resulted in a terrible person being removed.

 

Mom-Liberal but more on heart than on knowledge. Pretty compassionate person who has a help the fellow man viewpoint to her. Never really likes to see innocent people die. Didnt shape my views because she never knew much and never really talks about it unless asked. Votes democrat consistently though.

 

Both parents are hyper religious to a very annoying degree. But they both see it as a private matter and dont like infusion of religion in politics. In fact my sister's graduation had a controversy because they had it in a church and my mom was annoyed.

 

Older brother-hyper conservative on fiscal issues and will tolerate and play devil's advocate on social issues. Think Tucker Carlson almost to a tee. Works on Wall Street and went to UChicago. We get into heated arguments all the time. Ripped my arguments into shreds when I was younger and has a lot to do with why I argue the way I do.

 

Close cousin-Pragmatic like my dad. Sees the world in its details rather than the arguments of politicians. Pretty middle of the road.

 

Girlfriend-just as liberal as I am but hates government after working on a consulting project with a government client. Still pretty liberal though.

Mom's always been left of center, though not far left. She's very tolerant though.

 

Dad used to be pretty middle of the road... but as he's aged he's gone all churchy and right-wing and intolerant. He's totally against any kind of government social programs.

 

They divorced & both married people exactly like themselves.

 

My younger sister's pretty independent, leans one way or the other depending on the issue. I feel like I had a lot to do with that.

 

I get the feeling that the vast majority of my other relatives are republican but we tend not to talk politics too much. The old rule about religion & politics being the two things not to discuss around relatives... I wish that weren't the case because I like to debate them, but it's hard to do with family sometimes because people take it so personally.

Dad- Republican. Grew up poor imigrant from Cuba and built a successful business from nothing. He thinks hard work is key and that nothing should just be "given". On social issues he is middle of the road.

 

Mom- Republican. She is a republican and pretty much votes with my dad except she voted for Clinton the second time and that caused a lot of problems with my old man. She isnt really knowledgable on political issues. She does not respect Hilary Clinton at all after the Lewinski-gate, and would not vote for her if she ran for president.

 

Older Brother- Republican. He doesnt really have an opinion on politics though. He only thinks about making money.

 

Me- Registered Democrat. Ideologically I am a republican. I registered as a Democrat when I was a senior in high school, which then I was definately a crazy libbie until I saw the light. Plus as a republican at heart I enjoy voting in the democratic primaries.

mother- registered republican, believes in personal responsibility, especially fiscally. Liberal on all social issues except abortion which is perhaps the issue that most strays from any true ideology

 

Father- Democrat. Voted for bush in last election, but also voted for clinton. Believes that democrats are better for hispanics. Against war in iraq. But is against the abuses in govt spending and social programs

 

Brother- Conservative. On all issues. almsot straight down republican party line, but believes this wya after educated research on most topics, not simply bc the repbulicans believe it.

 

Grandfather- Dislikes Bush, but disliked kerry more. Thinks the republicans are doing a horrible job these last few years, but thinks a democrat wont do better b/c a dem will put too much emphasis on keepign social security as is, and maintaining the status quo on most social programs. Would like a clinton type dem president that can work with a republican congress

 

Grandmother- very religious and as such is a social conservative. Knows little else about economic policy and the such.

 

 

 

Ditto.

although I'd say that although I am conservative, I'm somewhat in disagreement with Republicans right now on some issues such as privacy and gays. I also believe they are not doing enough in securing the border and handling of illegal immigrants already here.

Mom was a Democrat through and through.

Dad (the psuedo nut-case) is a Republican and he became one because he believed that each time my mom voted, he could cancel hers out by voting Republican.

 

Brother- who knows- he's a putz.

 

Me, my Hispanic husband (yes, a Hispanic Democrat!) and daughter are all Dems- and we all vote and discuss politics.

 

My son- who knows? He's 17.

 

Grandparents- who knows, but I've got an 83 year old Aunt who is a Democrat who is scared shitless because she's seen like 8 wars in her lifetime and has a 27 year old grandson. She's already buried a brother in France during WW2. She doesn't want another flag.

Father: Currently a Republican, pro-Bush, somewhat-pro Iraq War, anti-abortion, former Union leader. Former Democrat obviously since he was Union leader in the past, but got tired of Democrats not making sense to him and switched. Loves Reagan, is ok with Clinton. Severely disliked Lawton Chiles, loves Jeb.

 

Mother: Graham Cracker who got tired of the Democrats and switched to the Republican Party in 2000. Voted for every Republican, every single election since Nixon except 1992 when she voted for Ross Perot. Very strongly anti-abortion, pro-Iraq War, hates the Clintons. Severely disliked Lawton Chiles, loves Jeb.

 

Me: Graham Cracker Republican. Anti-abortion, Pro-Iraq War, Pro-Bush. Dislike Clintons; Love Jeb, Father, & G.W.

 

Dog: We think she voted for Ralph Nader in 2000. Who knows how she stands on the issues. :-P (j/k)

All the college educated in my family are liberal (that's me, my two cousins and an uncle); which I imagine is par for the course. The rest, forget about it, they're all republican. But, during Thanksgiving we always find useful ways to subvert them to liberal ideals (one of my uncles has been particularly receptive to some of our ideas, which makes me wonder).

 

 

 

I know you dont like bush, but from some of the discussion we've had I didnt see you as a liberal

 

I have liberal views and ideals, but I also don't vote like an idiot for one single party. I try and vote for the best candidate and lately have found both republican and democrat parties lacking. Choosing between Bush and Kerry was like choosing between the lesser of two evils. I generally fall into the left-leaning libertarian view, idealogically.

 

Less government, more freedoms.

 

 

Funny you say that b/c im a libertarian and i consider that belief system to be right-leaning. Economically it is as rightist as it gets, just socially its not. But in terms of left and right, a leftist believes in some redistribution of wealth, an idea libertarians abhor

Libertarians are generally on the right side of the American scale, for sure.

Everyone in my family except for one extremely liberal aunt is more conservative than me. I'm a registered Republican but many people in my family make me cringe. The most annoying part is that I have anti-semitist in my family.

Maternal Grandfather: Democrat until about 1968 or so, when the crazy left-wing segment took over the party. Reaganite until his death.

 

Maternal Grandmother: Conservative through and through.

 

Paternal Grandfather: Communist until the 50s when basically his counterparts "turned traitor" (his words). Then he became a very liberal democrat. Said that McCarthy had it right, but HUAC (the House version of his Senate comittee) was terrible.

 

Paternal Grandmother: As apolitcal as one could get

 

Mother: Right-center Republican, more socially liberal than fiscally.

 

Father: Pro-defense, anti-communist liberal.

 

 

I have liberal views and ideals, but I also don't vote like an idiot for one single party. I try and vote for the best candidate and lately have found both republican and democrat parties lacking. Choosing between Bush and Kerry was like choosing between the lesser of two evils. I generally fall into the left-leaning libertarian view, idealogically.

 

Less government, more freedoms.

 

 

Libertarians are right-wing, Republicans aren't.