What, if any, influence do/did your parents have on your political views?

Question

Please give your age, political party, and, of course, your parent's influence on you.

Answer 1

I am 27, and a republican. Both my parents are republican so I'm sure they influenced me somewhat, but it was really while I was in college that I took a stance on certain issues. There are some differences that I have with my parents, like capital punishment. Both my parents are for it, and I'm against it. I think all kids should look into issues and make up their own minds eventually.

Answer 2

I'm 33, I usually vote for left-center or green party in the country I live. My mother is exceptionally conservative (and pushy about it) while my father is liberal, but I was brought up by my grandparents who were exceptionally liberal and they had huge influence on my political views. They taught me to always keep an open mind, respect authority but question it too. I had an opportunity to hold responsible job in the government for several years and I'm proud to say that I manage to influence certain decision which made my country better place to live. Basically, I think family and society (even more so) do significantly affect ones political views, especially in younger age, but at the end of the day, the choice is in every individuals hands.

Answer 3

I'm 17 - Republican

My dad influenced me heavily on my political views. Its hard to argue when someone shows you both points of view and ask you which one do you agree with. He is a republican but he did alter anything he said to get me to agree with him. The truth was enough. When i was young and still today he arrives home from work with little tidbits of information that are never seen on the news. And with a little Internet surfing i could find they were always true usually tearing apart the argument of any Democrat.
After a while the Democratic party was just one big joke to me.

Answer 4

We all model our behavior on our parents...even if it is to react against them!

My parents were moral and educated, who believed in the natural goodness of all people. They believed in personal accountability. They believed in mercy for those in need, and vengeance for the guilty. They were registered Republicans, but voted for whomever they thought was the better candidate.

When my father passed away at the age of 49, the Government swooped in and levied an inheritance tax on his estate. It crippled our finances. That was the exact moment that I became convinced that the Government has no business putting its hands in our pockets as freely and as often as it does.

Because I believe in a small, inexpensive government that does not interfere with people's lives, and I believe that people are capable of dealing with their own affairs, and that good people will always support those in need (*I* certainly do!) and do not need Big Brother to compel good behavior from them, I'm Republican...but, I vote for the candidate I like best.

I'm 52, and can't bear being told what I ought to do...by anyone.

Answer 5

I was watching a local newscast when I was in college. (They DID have TV back in the 60's). They showed some woman who was protesting for an increase in her welfare benefits. She said "I DEMAND an increase in my welfare benefits. It's my RIGHT."

At that moment that I realized that I had to abandon my family's Democrat roots and switch to the Republicans. While I haven't been totally happy with them, it's the best chance I've got to get the government I'm looking to get.

By the way. That sentiment holds for ANY Federal transfer payments. The federal government shouldn't take money from A to GIVE it to B, unless B did something to EARN it. The holds for giant corporations, mom-&-pop stores, farmers, people who live in flood plains, senior citizens or babies.

If you haven't earned it, don't expect Uncle Sam to give it to you.