[Politics] How have you political views changed during your life?

larus · May 4, 2018

Sorry, but yes another political thread, triggered by a comment I read on a newspaper article which said roughly "As people get older and get more experienced, their political views tend to shift to the right".

So (for those who are older than 30), have your views/voting patterns changed from left of center -> center or from center to right of center as you've got older? Have the hopes/expectations of your youth been replaced by a more pragmatic approach as your own circumstances have changed?

I realise that for many, a left-wing ideology is what they believe, and others believe that Attila the Hun was just a p*ssy really. So, no matter what the other 'side' does, you'll always slag them off. That. to me, is thicko politics.

So have you moved from say Labour -> Lib Dems or Labour/Lib-Dems to Tory over your voting life?
Alternatively, have you moved the other way?

Do you make your decisions based on the personalities/politics of the current leaders or are you a constant voter for the same party?

I don't want to get into a slagging match about the parties on here (we have enough threads for the pleasure), just a general view on how life may change us and our opinions.

Biscuit Barrel · May 4, 2018

I have always been a slightly to the right of centre sort of chap.

I have always voted Conservative. I would consider voting for other parties, but the Conservatives have always best represented my political views.

jackanada · May 4, 2018

Yes. I used to think there were areas the conservatives might be onto something. Now I know they are not.

knocky1 · May 4, 2018

I've always preferred Harvey's pre match.

martin tyler · May 4, 2018

Who cares football tonight

Megazone · May 4, 2018

I used to think politicians were wise, experienced, natural born leaders.

Turns out they're just silver spoon, public school educated, out of touch money lovers.

Stat Brother · May 4, 2018

Definitely more liberal, although I can't commit to red.

As an aside:-

Does anyone have the opposite point of view in the social media bubble?

I did try to read from the other side through Brexit and Trump, but found it so infuriating I retreated back into my safe space, despite wishing I'd stuck with it.

Brian Parsons · May 4, 2018

I started as a Labour follower back in the days of Harold Wilson. Being in the RAF, Denis Healey was perhaps one of the best Defence secretary's this country has had. Then I drifted into SDP and now as an oldie the Tories float my boat.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

Coldeanseagull · May 4, 2018

Do not understand politics, but I'm definitely tory as they play in blue as well

Weststander · May 4, 2018

Brought up a staunch Tory, in an era where Labour government’s set eye wateringly high tax rates. Not a myth, marginal tax rates for higher earners and those making gains were punitive, so inhibited entreprise and working up the professions.

Since then I weigh up policies each time and have voted across the political spectrum. Sometimes long serving governments simply need to be replaced.

Frightening to still see incredibly rigid thinking from sone on NSC from people who won’t yield from lifelong bitter and twisted folk, who hate Labour or Tory, and completely incorrectly pigeon hole others. For example, anyone who voted Brexit must be extreme right wing.

KingKev · May 4, 2018

At 51 I still couldn’t bring myself to vote Tory, ever....

junior · May 4, 2018

Theresa May has persuaded me to never vote Conservative again.

The only drama i have is who to vote for next time. The Home Secretary is effectively my boss, so i can't vote Labour as that would mean that clusterfuk Dianne Abbot getting the job.

Kalimantan Gull · May 4, 2018

At 44 I'm still left of centre, but less of a socialist than I used to be. And sometimes I at least understand what the right are getting at. I've also, for quite some time now, come to respect those with the highest tax burden - whilst a progressive tax system is the fairest, we on the left would do well to be thankful for those who pay the most, and not push it too far.

I also hate welfare cheats, illegal immigration and serial criminals - all things that for some reason tend to be associated with the right but should really be standard bearers for the left. We built the welfare state, we should defend it against cheats.

larus · May 4, 2018

Kalimantan Gull said:
At 44 I'm still left of centre, but less of a socialist than I used to be. And sometimes I at least understand what the right are getting at. I've also, for quite some time now, come to respect those with the highest tax burden - whilst a progressive tax system is the fairest, we on the left would do well to be thankful for those who pay the most, and not push it too far.

I also hate welfare cheats, illegal immigration and serial criminals - all things that for some reason tend to be associated with the right but should really be standard bearers for the left. We built the welfare state, we should defend it against cheats.

I think you’d probably find that your views are in line with those of both the centre-left and center-right.
Taxation on the rich should never be extreme (the problem is they use loopholes to avoid paying what they should). And welfare should be seen as a way to support and not a lifestyle choice (which some do choose and I accept others are unfortunate to get trapped).

I think the vast majority all aspire to the same, but maybe it’s the indoctination to a certain view which poisons a healthy debate. The views like “Tories are racist scum” or “Labour are scrounges” which in reality is wrong on both sides.

Simster · May 4, 2018

I am broadly on the same page as Kalimantan, and about the same age. Still left of centre, but really can't agree with excessive taxation. I have moved more central.

Psychobilly freakout · May 4, 2018

Unfortunately and ashamedly started ultra right, grew up and realised it’s all contrived to control, divide and rule.
Now I take everyone and everything as it comes, i can pick and choose from left,right & centre much like people if your good to me I’m good to you, if your good for humanity and the world and the best interests at heart you have me.

What I’ve learnt is there is no perfect left, or right they ultimately meet in the middle and sometimes that’s not even fair.

Bollox to politics.

albionite · May 4, 2018

Normally a Tory boy but can’t stand this current lot. Not tottally convinced by labour but for me the better option for now.

pb21 · May 4, 2018

My political views stem from a 'philosophy' of don't take the piss and treat others how you would wish to be treated.

For me, on balance, that currently means voting for parties left of centre, but that doesn't necessarily preclude parties right of centre.

I guess I have moved rightwards as I have got older, and might still more, but don't think I have fundamentally changed.

Deleted member 2719 · May 4, 2018

Always swung right of middle, even when i was young as I met Michael Foot walking past my house, I thought and this man is a Politian!! Then the biggest reason I didn't swing left Harold Wilson turned my granddad down for a OBE........Wan*er!.

Then Jeremy Vine show today confirmed why I will never be left, Karl Marx what was that man on.

Other reason not to change left Jezza Corbyn he is just another Michael Foot.

Kinnock was the only leader I sort of thought might take my vote .....................but his was ginger, so that ruled that out.

pb21 · May 4, 2018

I also think the reason people tend to become more 'right wing' as they age is less to do with more experience and more to do with an inclination to be less contrary and/or rebellious and happier to conform.

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