Has your military experience made you liberal, conservative or independent?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:59:51 -0500

Liberal def: : believing that government should be active in supporting social and political change

Conservative def: : believing in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society

Independent def: One that is independent, is not committed to a political party. Often referred to as Constitutionalist.

You might be a Constitutionalist if you believe that elected leaders should really obey the U.S. Constitution; if you believe that before the U.S. invades and occupies another country, Congress must first declare war; you believe the federal government should live within its means, like everyone else is forced to do; you think that taking away people's liberties in the name of security is neither patriotic nor does it make the country more secure.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 5:58 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:58:22 -0500

Military and life experience (and age) have made me much more conservative, SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member. Great poll question!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 22 at 2014 6:28 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:28:43 -0500

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member Yes, I too lean to conservative views. As CW5 Private RallyPoint Member stated this is a great poll question.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 6:28 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:28:43 -0500

I was a Constitutionalist Conservative prior to the military, I am one now, and I figure I'll be one when I get out.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 22 at 2014 7:10 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:10:06 -0500

Hasn't really changed my approach. I tend to be very independent and not prone to give up my God given right to make a decision based on an objective review of the facts as opposed to having my opinion dictated to me from the lunitic fringe of the two extreme ends of the spectrum.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 7:11 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:11:58 -0500

I vote for whoever I feel represents the best interest of the country and me the best.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 22 at 2014 7:14 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:14:04 -0500

I guess by definition I'm an independent now. I'm so sick of politics. They seem to all be crooks and liars. I just want someone who respects those who voted him/her in and respects respects the constitution

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 1:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:20:14 -0500

Regardless of party, I am generally conservative but based on the posted definition, I am also a Constitutionalist. I believe as a country, we should always use the Constitution as our "center" when we as a country begin to wander. Checks and balances. That was the wisdom of our founding fathers and I truly hope the foundations of what they built are not eroded beyond repair. As citizens, it is paramount that we are not ignorant and study our history, stay involved and informed about what is going in politics and with world events starting with our local elected representatives, and be wise enough not to just believe everything we see but to use out common sense and to do some fact checking.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 23 at 2014 2:59 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 02:59:35 -0500

I tend to see myself as having gone more progressive.
The current models of conservative, liberal, independent, Republican, Democrat, etc. are all skewed pretty hard and none of them are good at adopting an effective constitutional approach (including the "constitutionalists" and Tea Party) for the greater good of the country.
Things need to change from the status quo of the last 40 years. We have historical models that work, but very few people are interested in what used to work, they all want something new. Unfortunately talking heads and the media have convinced way too many people that the "new" is the old that used to work when there is no resemblance to historical fact.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 3:01 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 03:01:31 -0500

Conservative but with a people streak in me.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 3:03 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 03:03:21 -0500

Some people espouse definite liberal views but then say they are R or I or Libertarian.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 3:49 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 03:49:24 -0500

Here is the rest of the article further defining a Constitutionalist:

You might be a Constitutionalist:
1. if you believe that elected leaders should really obey the US Constitution.

2. if you believe that before the US invades and occupies another country, Congress must first declare war.

3. if you believe the federal government should live within its means, like it's citizens are expected to do.

4. if you think that taking away people's liberties in the name of security is neither patriotic nor does it make the country more secure.

5. if you would like to see politicians be forced to abide by the same laws it's citizens are expected to.

6. if you understand that we have three co-equal branches of government that are supposed to hold each other in check and balance.

7. if you believe that the federal government has no authority to be involved in education or law enforcement.

8. if you believe that gun control laws do nothing, but aid and abet criminals while trampling the rights and freedoms of law abiding citizens.

9.if you believe that the income tax is both unconstitutional and immoral and, along with the I.R.S., should be abolished.

10. if you believe the federal government had no authority to tell Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore that he could not display a monument containing the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Judicial Building in Montgomery.

11. if you believe that neither Congress nor the White House nor any sovereign state is required to submit to unconstitutional Supreme Court rulings such as the Roe v Wade decision.

12. if you understand that freedom has nothing in common with illegal immigration.

13. if you understand that outsourcing American jobs overseas is not good for America.

14. if you believe that the US should get out of the UN and get the UN out of the U.S.

15. if you believe that it is not unconstitutional for children in public schools to pray and read the Bible.

16. if you believe that the Boy Scouts are not a threat to America.

17. if you believe that the federal government should honor its commitments to America's veterans.

18. if you believe that U.S. troops should never serve under foreign commanders or wear the uniform or insignia of the UN.

19. if you believe that the federal government has no business bribing churches and faith-based organizations with federal tax dollars.

20. if you believe that federal agents who murder American citizens should be held to the same laws and punishments that any other citizen would be held to.

21. if you understand that NAFTA, GATT, the WTO, and the FTAA are disastrous compromises of America's national sovereignty and independence.

22. if you would like to see Congressmen and Senators be required to actually read a bill before they pass it.

23. if you understand that it is the job of government to protect and secure God-given rights not use its power to take those rights away.

24. if you understand that there is nothing unconstitutional with the public acknowledgement of God and our Christian heritage.

25. if you believe that in the sanctity of marriage.

26. if you believe that TSA have no business touching women's breasts and confiscating fingernail clippers.

27. if you believe that many public schools' "zero-tolerance" policies are just plain stupid.

28. if you believe that parents have a right to home school their children.

29. if you believe that governmental seizure of private property is plain, old fashioned thievery.

30. if you would like to meet one single Congressman or Senator beside Ron Paul who actually has read the Constitution.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 3:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 03:52:33 -0500

I have always been an independent.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 5:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:12:40 -0500

The military didn’t influence my political beliefs. My political beliefs drew me to the military. I’m a conservative that believes in individual liberty, and staunch adherence to the constitution.

Response by Sgt Jason West made Dec 23 at 2014 11:46 AM

Sgt Jason West — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 11:46:27 -0500

Now this is just me, but I don't think Independent = Constitutionalist.

There a many so called independent voters who are green peace/progressive/socialists, or a wide variety of other beliefs. Many more are just torn between Dem/Rep and vote moderate from both parties instead of a party line.

Now, my political views have changed very little, but my view of the system has. I think it's time to tear down the facade that is the two party system. Our founding father warned us of the dangers of such a system, and their predictions have come true. At a minimum replace primaries with run-offs. Then take the top two, whichever they be no matter their party. I don't think it's a fix, but it would be a start.

Response by SGT Darla Jarvie made Mar 21 at 2015 4:27 PM

SGT Darla Jarvie — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 16:27:58 -0400

It has not changed me I am a patriot. The only thing it has done is disappointed me.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Mar 21 at 2015 6:37 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 18:37:29 -0400

I have always been Independent even before I joined.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 6:46 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 18:46:39 -0400

I still side with the wigs. Yes I feel that old.

Response by SSgt June Worden made Mar 21 at 2015 10:19 PM

SSgt June Worden — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 22:19:45 -0400

I vote for the candidate who I believe will represent me. Can we please enact term limits!!! Tired of the old guard. If the President has a term limit so should the House & Senate!!!

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Mar 22 at 2015 12:55 AM

SFC Boots Attaway — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 00:55:37 -0400

I was a die hard Democrat and middle of the road until 9-11 and now I consider myself very Conservative. I believe that the federal has gotten out of hand and way to big. It should go back to the defense of the country, foreign relations/commerce and leave the states to run themselves and conduct the daily running of things. Also I do not believe that the federal government should be able to tell me I have to buy anything.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 2:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 02:01:55 -0400

Where are these definitions taken from?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 2:14 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 02:14:53 -0400

If anything I think I an more about rights then ever before. I don't support gay rights but will I vote for them heck yea. Do I believe that people should take away any rights no. In fact if anything the entire bill of rights has too many restrictions. The first and second amendments being the most restricted. For what? False security? Some plan to strip our rights? I well say every candidate that trust to run independent gets destroyed if they even get a spot on the ballot. I hate both the democrat party and Republican party but they are the only options that have any chance of winning as nation. ? Is which one will take the most rights from you? If this question was asked 6 years ago maybe we would not be in this mess we are now. My .02

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 22 at 2015 7:19 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 07:19:24 -0400

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/can-the-2016-candidates-do-anything-to-restore-trust-in-government/2015/03/21/04139ba2-cfd1-11e4-8730-4f473416e759_story.html?tid=HP_more?tid=HP_more

Can the 2016 candidates do anything to restore public trust in government?

Bipartisan gridlock on the Hill plus internal GOP battles eat away at public confidence.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 8:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 08:09:41 -0400

I'm a libertarian (little "l"). Consequently I have a conservative bend on national defense, but that's probably from doing intelligence.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Mar 22 at 2015 11:04 AM

SGT John Wesley — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 11:04:12 -0400

I "assumed" (there it is!), that the military is predominantly conservative in nature. But, I see now that it's pretty much like the civilians. Every 4 years their political leanings can change based on many factors. My first ever vote was for Reagan, but I realize I'm not going to pigeonhole myself by claiming an affiliation with any political party as they have done things that I'm not happy with.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Mar 22 at 2015 1:17 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 13:17:17 -0400

I wonder how many on here would vote for Scott Walker, Rand Paul, Herman Cain, Ben Carson or Ted Cruz?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 4:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 16:09:37 -0400

I'm going to have choose independent as I can't accept either definition for liberal or conservative.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 22 at 2015 4:23 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 16:23:57 -0400

Constitutionalist I guess. I still lean towards the right but I definitely think that the Constitution needs to be enforced.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Mar 23 at 2015 1:24 AM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 01:24:36 -0400

I was never into politics before I joined the military. Once in the military I was "encouraged" to vote Republican across the board. After I got out, I kept up with politics and realized that I've made a mistake all along. I noticed that the Republican hold their "Christian Values" at a high standard, yet they want to cut funding for programs that help the poor and needy while fighting for more tax cut for the richest of the rich. I don't think Jesus spent is life advocating such deed.

Response by SGT Tyler G. made Mar 23 at 2015 2:49 AM

SGT Tyler G. — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 02:49:52 -0400

I seem to find most people who claim to be Constitutionalists are really only such when the Constitution agrees with their preconceptions. Most people seem perfectly content to throw it out the moment it says something that gets in the way of their personal agenda, especially when it comes to the first ten amendments. This applies to both those with conservative and liberal views.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 4:15 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 04:15:49 -0400

I don't think my political leanings have changed so much as it opened my eyes to how truly good Americans have it. It also has made me much more culturally aware to the global issues we face such as human rights. If anything, it has ignited a passion for helping those who have been the victim of trafficking (I recently wrote a paper on the relationship between the sex trafficking industry, the rise of the internet, and changes in border policies following the fall of the USSR) and also volunteering to help Veterans who have suffered things like PTSD.

So while I always leaned towards particular things, military life has given me a greater sense of responsibility for giving back to the community. Basically it has made me a better person, all things considered, than before I joined.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Mar 23 at 2015 11:13 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:13:39 -0400

I don't think there is any doubt that I am a very strong Conservative. Always have been and always will be. I make no excuses or apologies for it.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 23 at 2015 11:21 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:21:17 -0400

I do not necessarily fall into any one group, but I would say that I am probably Independent with Conservative leanings.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 29 at 2015 2:29 AM

SFC Collin McMillion — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 02:29:17 -0400

My military experience just made me %100 disabled, don't really care which political was responsible or who was right or wrong, it is what it is.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Mar 29 at 2015 8:44 PM

SFC Walter Mack — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 20:44:08 -0400

I'd say none of the above. If I had to define myself, it would be Libertarian. I personally believe that modern American 'liberals' and 'conservatives' are both fans of large government, which puts money in the hands of people who did not earn it, while expecting them to be responsible with it. This can't be done.

Liberals tend to think of government as a large philanthropic machine that should make life fair for everyone so they all have a chance to be whatever they want or have a fair shake at everything all the time. Buuuuuuuuut, they don't. Never have, and never will. All men may be created equal, but we don't stay that way long. Life isn't fair, not everyone gets a trophy, and often the most well learned lessons in life hurt.

Conservatives tend to use government to do all the same things liberals do, but they lie to their constituents about it, which makes most conservatives dupes. This also makes conservative leaders far worse than liberals, because they don't have the guts to change anything they're elected to change, or they like it the way it is. Most likely it's #2. Either way, they lie to their base, yet still win in the primaries. That means the voters must be morons. They all say the same crap. Not my representative. He/She's the good one. It's all the others. I know cuz they told me so.

I would personally like to leave philanthropy to philanthropists, cut every large federal organization aside from the military and international affairs, and return power to the states. Each state is more than capable of running any federal program, albeit communication between them might need to be mediated by a federal entity from time to time. That's what the judiciary is for though. That should be about all the judiciary is for.

Don't like the fruity liberal laws in New York or Oregon? Great, move your silly butt to Missouri or New Hampshire. This would truly give the American people an opportunity to succeed and prosper. More importantly, it would force politicians in each state to compete to keep tax paying corporations or rich people so they'll have jobs and the ability to fund programs.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Mar 30 at 2015 4:00 AM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 04:00:08 -0400

I went from being "Liberal" to "Conservative" and now consider myself a Libertarian which I believe is the true Conservative party.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 7:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 07:51:04 -0400

I was conservative when I joined the Army, I am even more so now.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 30 at 2015 7:53 AM

SPC Donald Tribble — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 07:53:55 -0400

More along life experiences than just my Military service, but I'm not adherent to any political party

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:57:12 -0400

More liberal, I was a centrist before, but my experience in the military has swung me to the pretty far left . . . socially. When it comes to firearms though, I am so with the republicans. I dare you to try and take em from me.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 1:15 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:15:44 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member my lack of military experience have me with no definition in this aspect yet. Since I moved to the states because of the military service, I still don't have enough political knowledge to describe myself as any of the offered options. I guess we latin people living here in the states will go with whoever offers better treatment to our hispanic brothers. It could be a political move, treating better the hispanics, since they are a voting force that you should not forget of and it would definitely influence in my voting decision. But as for now, I have to vote with "has not changed".

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Mar 30 at 2015 3:03 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 15:03:24 -0400

Your last paragraph, pretty must is what I have come to be. Conservative Constitutionalist!!!

Response by CPO Bernie Penkin made Mar 30 at 2015 3:20 PM

CPO Bernie Penkin — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 15:20:58 -0400

I have gone from Conservative to Constutionalist. I usually vote republican in elections. While I would like to see a Libertarian President, I realize that the smaller parties don't really stand a chance at winning a major ticket.

My voting style was based off something Buckley said a long time ago. Support the more conservative candidate during the election process. When it comes election time, vote for the most conservative candidate of the two main parties.

Didn't like voting to McCain or Romney, but they were a better choice than the current occupant of the White House.

Still miss voting for Reagan!

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Apr 1 at 2015 3:46 PM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 15:46:41 -0400

I used to be conservative and identified as Republican. Now, I just don't trust any of the bastards. I can't understand why people vote down party lines and not by a politician's record and platform. I include record because their voting record can tell you a lot about what kind of BS is in their platform. To be honest I don't think their is a mainstream party member out there anymore that is interested in maintaining the Republic that this nation was meant to be. But that's just my $0.02 worth though.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 2:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 14:40:01 -0400

Libertarian.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 29 at 2015 2:50 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 29 May 2015 14:50:08 -0400

When I signed up, I was a liberal democrat without understanding the concepts of politics. My parents were democrats, so I figured why not? In my earlier days of enlistment, I was moderate-right, because I still didn't understand much. I then started learning more towards the left as my time went by. Now I can consider myself moderate-left.

My views tend to me more liberal when it comes to personal. Live with a liberal lifestyle while obeying the law of the lands, whatever it may be.

Even though my views are more leaning towards the left, I believe in a moderate and well balanced society as I see the benefits on both ends of the spectrum.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 19 at 2015 9:29 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:29:51 -0400

Sadly, the definitions provided are not accurate.

Liberal: Belief in and advocacy for individual liberty.

Conservative: Belief in and advocacy for established institutions.

Left: Believing that government should have the power to coerce individuals to make social and political change. This group camouflages itself as liberal while, in fact, destroying individual liberty.

Right: Belief in free markets and individual responsibility. Sometimes labeled "capitalists", a pejorative invented by Lenin to damn those who stood in the way of communism (a Leftist ideology).

Ultimately, I have always been a liberal/conservative. I have always believed that the Constitution of the United States was the only hope for individual liberty. Military service allowed me to help preserve, protect, and defend it. Indeed, I did so before enlisting and continue to do so to this day (and will continue until the day I die).

Response by SP5 Michael Cates made Jun 20 at 2015 2:26 AM

SP5 Michael Cates — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 02:26:37 -0400

I Think that my having been in Vietnam has certainly helped in molding my Vote But mostly learning from an early age from my mother and father that hard work is the best way to get ahead in life! Maybe owning my own business for the last 35yr's has had something to do with it! For sure it did! I always thought that I would like to be an Officer in the Army but I always new that I wanted to do it on the outside So I became an owner of a small business! Trying to be the best officer that I can be! I pray that I will get better as time passes!Someone said you are no better than the people that are around you at work if that is the case then I/We are in Great Shape because we have the Best people in the World Working with us!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 2:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 14:48:58 -0400

The Army has made me more liberal. Before I joined the Army, I never met anyone who wasn't like me. For the first time, I got to meet --and had to work with-- people of other races. And I found that a lot of the disturbing things I had been told weren't true. It opened my mind to question all the other things that I had been told about other people, and once the walls started coming down, they came down pretty thoroughly.

Response by PFC Scott Grow made Jun 21 at 2015 3:04 PM

PFC Scott Grow — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 15:04:20 -0400

I leaned towards Conservative beliefs before I enlisted at age 19, and my service strenghtened those beliefs.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 25 at 2015 9:54 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:54:57 -0400

It hasn't changed me. My views depend on the particular issue, rather than neatly (or even mostly) aligning with one party or the other.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jun 25 at 2015 9:56 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:56:13 -0400

The military did not shape my political view. Count me as a Constitutionalist Conservative. I like the definition you posted as well.
Thank You
Rick

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 10:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 22:09:47 -0400

It reinforced my affiliation as a Libertarian patriot.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 25 at 2015 10:21 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 22:21:44 -0400

The military has shaped me into a being a better citizen for my country.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 25 at 2015 11:10 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 23:10:54 -0400

I would say I am FISCAL and Social Conservative on some things, Libertarian on some and Liberal on ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

*Wealth Redistribution is Marxism and that is BAD
*All Powers NOT spelled out to the Federal Government IN THE CONSTITUTION are BY THE LAW reserved to the States...Fed GET THE F*** OUT.
*2d Amendment is clear, What part of "The RIGHT of the people to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED" do you not understand.
*Smoke dope at HOME if you want to, legalize it tax the hell out of it and then, if you grow it it is TAX EVASION and if you sell it, untaxed you should get hung, first offense no reprieve.
*Premeditated Murder and Rape...Capital Punishment
*Pray to who ever or what ever you want, if you pray to a head of Lettuce, grow god in you back yard for all I care, but do not gripe about my Bible and Nativity Scene at Christmas.
*Sleep with whoever you want to, just cut out the PDA. Don't make me have to explain why the two men are kissing like Mommy and Daddy.
*8 year olds do not need to know what the genitalia are for except for taking a pee. Sex ed can wait a couple years.
*I work, I have a job and I provide for my family. Just because I work hard and we have a nice life does not make me evil, nor does it give you the right to take from me to give to someone that did not earn anything.
*If you are on Welfare you don't vote. You should not be allowed to elect officials that will use Welfare and social programs to buy your votes.
*If you don't PAY taxes you don't vote. You got no skin in the game, you don't have a say in how my money is spent.
*Everyone does some type of Service, Military, Police, Fire, EMS, Hospital Orderly, Cleaning schools, SOMETHING to give something back, IF you want Governmental assistance with your education. You should finish college with more than a degree and a head full of bong resin.
*On Welfare and have another kid...that one is on you, Don't BREED what you can not FEED. Your kids are not my responsibility, if you are too stupid to control your own reproductive system. Obviously not talking about rape or incest...Just morons that can not exercise self restraint.

There is more but this is enough to piss off alot of people, but if you look at it, all I am saying is Don't hurt others, and take responsibility for your own actions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 2:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 02:57:11 -0400

Independent

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 24 at 2015 4:13 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 16:13:23 -0400

Have always been independent in my thinking and do not see that changing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 12:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 12:07:01 -0400

It has not changed my leanings...but has somewhat reenforced my convictions in meeting many more like-minded folks.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 12:25 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 00:25:53 -0400

I've become more liberal as I've gotten older, but can't separate out influence from my military service with other influences of life. I think what influences my politics the most are my views on racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia (I'm against all of them). In the past both parties were in the same place on these issues, but in the last 20 years the GOP has gone to the very far right and long since left me behind.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 12:32 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 00:32:08 -0400

I used to be a Republican until that party got all religious. Then I was a democrat until that party got aimless and incoherent. I looked at the Libertarians, but they are all about cutting taxes and vital services which would be chaos.

Finally I realized that as a moderate I've become an endangered species. Right of center or left of center is fine, but extremism in either wing is dangerous. Its like asking if one would rather have Stalin's Russia or Omar's Taliban, and my answer is that communism and theocracy are opposite directions to the exact same place, and its a place I have any interest in going to.

Response by SrA Art Siatkowsky made Oct 15 at 2015 12:58 AM

SrA Art Siatkowsky — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 00:58:47 -0400

Great question. Constitutional republican because I dont want the government anywhere in my life except to provide the security of the best military in the world coupled with the best intelligence services. Keep us safe and we the people can take care of ourselves and everything else.
I think if you want to live in america and protect its constitution then you almost have to go republican because the independent or libertarian party does not get elected so if you vote that way you dilute the republican vote and the democrats win. I agree with alot of what the libertarian party says but unfortunately I think you have to…. In America… pick the lesser of 2 evils. As howard stern said, "I will never vote democrat… they are communist… pure evil" not a howard stern fan but I agree with him on this point.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Dec 18 at 2015 1:17 AM

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 01:17:53 -0500

It has made me dislike politicians.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Dec 19 at 2015 2:11 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 02:11:52 -0500

Came from Chicago where most people are die-hard straight ticket voting Democrats. Seeing the rest of the country and world opened my eyes. I am much more appreciative of what our Founding Fathers did and the genius that inspired our Constitution. We take a lot of our freedoms for granted and most people in this country don't appreciate it as much as they should. With each successive generation, that which our Founding Fathers worked for to leave to us as in inheritance is being squandered by those we elected. Most Americans do NOT take their civic responsibilities seriously and it shows in the character of the people we elect and the corruption of those we re-elect.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2015 3:03 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 03:03:06 -0500

My military experience has not changed my views. I fall into the Independent on the conservative side camp. What I see happening in America today makes me sad and angry.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 12:01 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 00:01:50 -0500

My military experience has made me a dyed-in-the-wool American patriot who believes in the freedoms for which I fought and the immutable belief that the only military worth having is the one that is allowed to get the job done the first time without much more than about .07% meddling by politicians of any party. WE KNOW WHAT WE'RE DOING. LET US DO IT.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Dec 26 at 2015 6:25 AM

PO3 David Fries — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 06:25:02 -0500

I didn't care about Left or Right while in. Now I know they are both full of it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2016 7:58 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 07:58:50 -0400

More Constitutionally minded, even joined the Constitution party

Response by SSG Diane R. made Feb 15 at 2018 9:11 PM

SSG Diane R. — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 21:11:01 -0500

My military service made me deeply distrustful of both government and media.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Feb 20 at 2018 9:25 AM

LTC John Griscom — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 09:25:34 -0500

Since 1960, I have voted for Kennedy and Reagan. The other times, the votes were against a candidate. Tend to lean to the right.
Word was in the 60s that the education and journalism course in colleges/universities were being taught by socialists/communists professors. I think today's events could prove that.
This ain't the America I grew up in.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 20 at 2018 9:27 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 09:27:02 -0500

Before I joined the Army I never really considered myself anything. I loved the police as my father was a Sheriff, but hated the government. Now, I love my country more than ever. Believe that citizens should work for everything they get, and American born to American parents should be priority over illegal aliens. Yeah, I would say I am more Conservative.

Response by SPC John Tesh II made Mar 24 at 2022 3:07 PM

SPC John Tesh II — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:07:44 -0400

Started conservative, was heavily traditional, Christian, served my country out of a sense of duty to my people and to serve their interests and protect freedom..you know the whole conservative mindset. As time went on and I realized how idiotic some of my more meat headed constituents were and how diverse and interesting other peoples experiences were I started to veer more libertarian and kind of a centrist as I tried to always see a middle ground to everything. Now 10 years on, I am now a Libertarian Democrat (center left) and view everything as in dire need of change and I believe the government should do everything in its power to progress the country forward and to fix the injustices in our current societal system. Just my two cents.