What was the first political thing that you remember and how did this affect your opinion on politics/ the gov

Question

Could be a big thing, or just something little that happened when you were a child with your parents and you remmber it

Answer 1

Walking into the living room in middle school when Bush vs. Clinton were debating/whatever and my mom and stepdad are divided politically, so one liked Bush (Sr.), one liked Clinton... I listened for a few minutes and said that what one of them said sounded good or was a great idea and my mom and stepdad both agreed that what they said during the debates has nothing to do with what they'll do once elected...

It was disheartening,
but it was true.

It has affected my views on politics in that I never get my hopes up that much anymore that things will really change by the election of our President.

Answer 2

I remember when Rockefeller was Gov. of NYS, at tax time, it was mentioned in the newspapers how Rockefeller did not owe any taxes, but how he went ahead and donated 25thou to the state anyway. I felt then something was wrong with the system to day I realize the whole country country is totally controlled and run by rich and powerful for the rich & powerful, it's why we do not arrest people for hiring illegals, it's why Clinton signed NAFTA, it's why were fighyting in Iraq on & on ----- Rep/Dem be dam. working people have no representation.

Answer 3

That would be a class discussion in American History about all the hippies protesting the Viet Nam war.

I've never forgotten that teacher or his words that day (and many other days in other discussions). What I learned in that class gave me a desire to know issues and the motivations behind them.

That teacher taught me to be thoroughly informed about an issue or stay out of it. I've spent the ensuing 30+ years studying people and their motivations, especially regarding politics. That's probably why I get thumbed down so much.

Answer 4

My mom crying when JFK was assassinated. I was only 2 yrs. old. The 2nd political thing was Vietnam. I thought it was like a huge football field where the armies went to fight. The army to reach the "other side" wins, right? When I realized wars are fought in cities with regular people getting killed, I was shocked. I couldn't believe humans were this barbaric and animalistic.

Answer 5

The Bay of Pigs Invasion - at the time I felt that the US government leaving the Cuban exile forces unaided was wrong.

Now, as an adult, having read a lot and talked to a lot of people from different backgrounds, my opinions are radically different. But it did get me interested in politics.

Answer 6

Had to be Reagans "tear down that wall" speech

My other memory would be Carters handling of the Iranian hostage crisis ....

The truth is I am the complete opposite of Reagans party now... so I don't know how it effected me other then I look for that confidence in a president now before I vote ... and I'm still waiting ...

Answer 7

JFK getting shot. Made me want to go outside an play instead of watching TV. Missed Captain Kangaroo.
But later it was Watergate and Nixon which ensured my inevitable distrust in all politicians.

Answer 8

When I was a child, I remember hearing about Watergate every day for about a month or more. I knew it had to do with President Nixon and lies. It taught me that politicians for better or worse are liars...

Answer 9

Reagan getting shot. We sent him a letter from my first grade class and got back a "signed" picture.

I remember how easy it is to get sucked in to idol worship.

Answer 10

Nixon's resignation speech. I loved it. My family hated him and I was encouraged to see the political process worked.