Posted on Dec 22, 2014
Has your military experience made you liberal, conservative or independent?
25.9K
437
119
20
20
0
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.
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.
Politics
Democrats
Republicans
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 69
19
19
0
Military and life experience (and age) have made me much more conservative, SSG(P) (Join to see). Great poll question!
(19)
(0)
CW5 (Join to see)
That's a good point, SSG(P) (Join to see). Government spending is usually a liberal cause, but military spending is not welfare spending, so conservatives often "go for" military spending.
As for me personally, I've probably always leaned more toward the conservative side of politics. The military just cemented that position for me.
As for me personally, I've probably always leaned more toward the conservative side of politics. The military just cemented that position for me.
(5)
(0)
CW5 (Join to see)
There is that, CH (CPT) (Join to see)! When I left active duty, I was SHOCKED at how much more tax I had to pay. That tax-free BAH is sweet, but it ends when you leave active duty. Lesson learned.
(6)
(0)
17
17
0
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.
(17)
(0)
12
12
0
11
11
0
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.
(11)
(0)
11
11
0
10
10
0
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.
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.
(10)
(0)
9
9
0
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
(9)
(0)
8
8
0
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.
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.
(8)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
I don't make the rules, and I would tend to agree with you. And since it is a political stance that really doesn't have a strong active grassroots party...we have been reduced to only two choices...so anything other than Dem/Rep doesn't really matter -- when it comes time to vote.
(2)
(0)
Sgt Jason West
Well, certain parties like the Libertarian Party have been growing in strentgh over the years and have won a few offices. As have "independents" and some other so called 3rd parties. One of the first things we need though is some media support. There has not been a Presidential Debate that included a 3rd party candidate since 1992 when Ross Perot bought his way into the debates. Why is that? Why won't the media allow the voices of some of the larger parties? The only support these groups have is a strong grassroots network. I am sure others have strong support as well, but from working with and dealing with Libertarians in my area the support is there, but many get disheartened quickly when all they are bombarded with is news of the 2 parties.
(3)
(0)
7
7
0
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.
(7)
(0)
6
6
0
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.
(6)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google