Why does the older generation tend to be conservative while the younger generation today is more liberal?

PFC Alexander Oliveira — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:46:24 -0500

I will always be about progress, I will always be about moving forward as a society. So why is it people cling onto outdated ideology? by which I mean those who are against things like interracial relationship, the LGBT movement, or anything that was generally accepted as the norm over 60+ years ago. why is it that some people don't want society to change?

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Mar 3 at 2016 11:47 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:47:04 -0500

i think that is always the case.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Mar 3 at 2016 11:48 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:48:53 -0500

I hope its not because all they are concerned with is the here and now and not worried about the future. I'm afraid they are concerned with free things. It became a bad thing to spank your kids when they did wrong so now they aren't held accountable for actions and live for free stuff. They think they are entitled without having to work for things.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 11:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:49:59 -0500

Change can be scary for some. They fear what they don't know or understand. Luckily today we have greater access to information than ever before in history. I like to consider myself forward-focused and about progress as well. If I don't understand something, I will research it as best as possible before making any decisions. I am not one to automatically post a bunch of statistics and rhetoric without real fact checking (and that doesn't mean searching out confirmation bias haha).

Good question-thought provoking.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Mar 3 at 2016 11:51 AM

SSgt Robert Marx — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:51:37 -0500

All people cling inherently to what they know which is the root instigator of conservatism or maintaining the status quo.

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Mar 3 at 2016 11:52 AM

1LT Aaron Barr — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:52:30 -0500

Because the younger generation is lacking in education, experience and their product, wisdom.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Mar 3 at 2016 11:54 AM

CSM David Heidke — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:54:49 -0500

The saying goes...

If you aren't a liberal as a young person, you have no heart.

If you aren't a conservative as and older person, you have no brain.

Response by PFC Alexander Oliveira made Mar 3 at 2016 11:57 AM

PFC Alexander Oliveira — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:57:52 -0500

Heres how I see it. without progressive thinking society wouldn't change. We'd be stuck however long ago progress had stopped and we may very well still be in an America that is segregated. Surprisingly enough racists of all ages still exist , racism isn't the only thing that matters but for the sake of this topic im choosing to specify on it for the moment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 11:59 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:59:02 -0500

Brother, I think the way you framed the question almost answers it for you. An ideology can not be "outdated", it can be right, or wrong. The notion that the latest ideas to come along have to be the best ideas, by default, is in itself a form of ideology, and one which I reject.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Mar 3 at 2016 12:26 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 12:26:23 -0500

"Liberal" and "Conservative", "Left" and "Right" are just labels used by those that identify with a particular ideology. Some people chose to form their own opinions and beliefs based on their own values and not that of a political faction. Make your own choices on what you believe is right, not on what side its on.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 12:35 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 12:35:01 -0500

Most people are not 100% liberal or 100% conservative. How can you say that any ideology is outdated? Have you stopped to think that some of your view are flat out wrong, and that you do not have the experience to have all of the answers? I do not have a problem with LGBT's. I do have a problem paying 15 dollars an hours to all minimum wage workers as a starting point. This wage is not meant to support folks for their entire career. Let these people get an education, work hard and earn higher pay by merit. Have you thought about what will happen to all the other wages if the minimum is 15 dollars an hours? I do not want changes that are harmful to our country.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 12:46 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 12:46:15 -0500

Social Media. Older people didn't have the luxury of being brain washed by media online when they were young. Now millennials can click on a buzzfeed or nowthis video and believe it.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 3 at 2016 12:54 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 12:54:13 -0500

Old People Fear and there are Plenty in Society that are willing to Prey on that Fear. Young Folks tend to be a bit Fearless and willing to take chances, Sometimes Good and Sometimes Not.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 1:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 13:41:24 -0500

because many of the younger generation is still living at home being supported in part, or fully, by their parents. It's easy to be a liberal when someone else is footing the bill....

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 1:52 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 13:52:29 -0500

Not sure what you are getting at. Both of our Major Political Ideologies have their issues with progression. That is why there are splinters from these ideologies and they help push our country forward.

Remember, some people cannot separate their religious views from their political ones. This happens on both sides, but is more prevalent on the Conservative Side. Now, another issue with people is who associates themselves with which party and what their true ideology is. Our Liberal LEaders tend to be more Socialist. This may be appealing to the younger Veterans, because that is what you are used to from the military. This ideology works in the military, but not so much as a means to progress a society. Tell me how many prosperous nations in the world are Socialist? Prosperous = the lives of the people and their living conditions are above satisfactory.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 1:53 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 13:53:23 -0500

It's not just about age. I'm thirty-eight, and about as "conservative" as my father...my wife's twenty-five, and she's a little "right" of my positions on many things.

The biggest reason some of us are opposed to a few things is our faith. Ironically, the same faith makes me ideologically "left" on many economic/foreign policy issues (though I also believe you can't help anyone by taking something from someone else, or call an oxcart a spade and expect to plant potatoes).

I'm a Christian...while that may mean different things to different people, to me, it means that I believe all people, all nations, and all governments exist only under the mercy of an all-powerful, all-knowing God. It means I accept as literal fact that He sent us a Savior...simply because on our own, we can never and will never be truly "righteous". By emulating His example, and trying my best to follow the teachings of Christ and the Apostles , inside of the greater context of the Judeo-Christian heritage, I do hope to be forgiven for my own sins, and one day be in Heaven.

Nowhere in those teachings or doctrine do I see the justification of hate, bigotry or abuse...but I do see that there are things that are "right" and "wrong".

As an American and proud citizen, I can appreciate that one person's rights should be every bit as protected as mine-even if I think what they believe is immoral. That said, it's a fine line when society decides that something my faith teaches me is a mortal sin...is now not only protected, but advocated over the position I've no choice but to remain true to. I think what concerns "us" at large...is that one day very soon, we may be forced to choose between loyalty to God, or loyalty to law...Both of which I've always considered the guideposts for life.

Ultimately, many of us think we'd be much better off, not to mention more closely following the intent of national law, to leave some things to the individual and their own views. If it is deemed "un-Constitutional" to place a cross on Federal property...I have difficulty understanding why it is then "ok" to light the White House in rainbow colors.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Mar 3 at 2016 2:03 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:03:55 -0500

It is case-by-case because each of us has free will and will have to give account for what we did as an individual.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 3 at 2016 2:07 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:07:20 -0500

Why do people insist on equating opposition to interracial relationships, the LGBT movement, etc as having anything to do with the Constitution? Can anyone show us where these things are even mentioned in the Constitution let alone prohibited? These are cultural issues, not Constitutional.

Why is it that some people want to change society? Easy. Society needs changing, but what does that have to do with the Constitution? The Constitution is a blueprint for a government among free people, people who are free to fashion society as they see fit. Take away the Constitution and you take away that freedom. Take away freedom and you take away the power to fashion society as you want.

You want an all-powerful government? Guess who is going to fashion society then.

That's why I cling to the ideology that advocates individual rights and responsibilities. So you can have the society you want rather than someone cramming their idea of a proper society down your throat and mine.

I hope that helps...

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 2:48 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:48:04 -0500

We have seen how the liberal stuff works or does not work.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 2:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:56:20 -0500

I would start to question your sources. I am part of your "older generation" and I am very liberal. I have changed a lot singe I was a PFC (1971-72). I use to be a republican; Now I'm not. I support gay marriage, or as I call it, marriage. And I do not believe I'm the only one.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Mar 3 at 2016 3:10 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 15:10:13 -0500

Because the older you get the more mature you become. Liberalism sounds great, then you grow up and realize you need to be responsible for your own actions..of course some people never grow up, so there are more and more old Liberals all the time.

It is not that Conservatives do not progress, it is just that we want progress in a positive direction.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 3 at 2016 3:12 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 15:12:55 -0500

Part of it is you see the word progress in progressive and think "oh that must be good, progress is good" when you are younger. As you gain experience you notice that progressive ideology my not lead to the progress you actually support. Of course for some it does line up with their values as they mature.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Mar 3 at 2016 3:58 PM

MSgt Michael Bischoff — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 15:58:00 -0500

What if you never get old are you stuck in purgatory of politics forever???

Response by SP5 Roberta Sanchez made Mar 3 at 2016 5:08 PM

SP5 Roberta Sanchez — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 17:08:34 -0500

I don't know. I am a 59 year old liberal :-)

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 5:38 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 17:38:38 -0500

If You Are Not a Liberal at 25, You Have No Heart. If You Are Not a Conservative at 35 You Have No Brain

Response by LCpl Chad Parson made Mar 3 at 2016 5:48 PM

LCpl Chad Parson — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 17:48:24 -0500

Attitudes, ideologies and societal norms are all relative to the times one grows up in. Not every person from the "older" generations are averse to new ideas and change, just like not every person from the "younger" generations are liberal and open to the same. This is nothing new under the sun at all.

“The children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children began to be the tyrants, not the slaves, of their households. They no longer rose from their seats when an elder entered the room; they contradicted their parents, chattered before company, gobbled up the dainties at table, and committed various offences against Hellenic tastes, such as crossing their legs. They tyrannised over the paidagogoi and schoolmasters.” - Kenneth John Freeman, 1907

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 6:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 18:41:11 -0500

Older people don't like change... we are already pissed off because our back and our knees hurt, because we have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, and we and/or spouse and/or dogs snore like freight trains so it's hard to get a good nights sleep. Now you want to bother us to fix a problem that we didn't care enough about to fix when we were your age, or even worse one that we created? You can take a long walk off a short pier.

I also realize that I have a lot to be thankful for... that I didn't always harvest the worst possible scenario from the poor decisions I and others made, that I have been given more advantages and opportunity than most and that the proper way to show thanks for those blessings is to try and extend them to others. It's why I've become more liberal as I've gotten older.

I will admit that I am decidedly more conservative before my second cup of coffee each day.

Response by Cpl Franz Buhlmann made Mar 3 at 2016 6:49 PM

Cpl Franz Buhlmann — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 18:49:09 -0500

There is change and then there is change. Not all change is created equal.

Being progressive in certain areas is great, however, that does not mean that all forms are worth the change. For example, the suicide rate has been on an increase. http://www.usnews.com/news/newsgram/articles/2014/10/08/us-suicides-hit-highest-rate-in-25-years
Does that mean that you should go out and embrace this "progressive" change yourself and go out and start to practice it yourself.

I am sure that there are other areas of change are equally as unprofitable to society or the individual.

Another area that seems to be highly progressive is terrorism. Do you also feel that we should embrace that as well.

The biggest difference between the older and younger generation is their basic values and ethics. Much like evolution, our society continues to breaks down over time. Too bad, people refuse to admit that and refuse to face the facts.

U.S. Suicides Hit Highest Rate in 25 Years

But life expectancy reaches an all-time high at 78.8 years.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 3 at 2016 6:56 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 18:56:54 -0500

While I have no axe to grind with the specific examples you've mentioned I believe their is a fundamental flaw in what I consider the liberal mindset. A right for you requires no more from me that to leave you alone. It doesn't seem that that is enough for liberals. Tolerance is not enough, I must hold heartedly embrace and endorse a liberals beliefs and policies, or I am a hater. What about tolerance for me and my outdated mores and values.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Mar 3 at 2016 7:03 PM

PO3 David Fries — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 19:03:33 -0500

Change for the sake of change is not always the right answer.

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Mar 3 at 2016 7:54 PM

PO2 Nick Burke — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 19:54:14 -0500

Because they have been promised more free stuff and don't realize someday they will have to pay for that stuff.
In other words..... Life and responsibility have not affected their wants/need ratio.

Response by CPL Geoffrey A. Pfister Sr made Mar 3 at 2016 8:01 PM

CPL Geoffrey A. Pfister Sr — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 20:01:22 -0500

Our country has changed significantly since I was a kid...we didn't have cell phones and pc's...nor the social media platforms like we do now. We recited the pledge of allegiance every day in school...In God We Trust meant more than just the empty statement seen on our currency today. We were taught that we actually had to treat our elders with respect...and got our asses whooped when we did wrong. These days society teaches that everyone is entitled to everything without earning it, and that the wealthy are greedy and should be forced to give up what they've worked hard to achieve to be given to those undeserving...I could go on and on...but I'd wear out my keyboard, lol. In other words liberalism hadn't taken hold yet...God help us all.

Response by CPO Byron Sargent made Mar 3 at 2016 9:17 PM

CPO Byron Sargent — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 21:17:46 -0500

I hate to tell you Alexander but your grandfather was probably a liberal before he became conservative. I am a baby boomer and I voted for McGovern (very liberal Presidential nominee) back in 1968. But, I haven't voted for any Presidential nominee except a Republican since. We were indoctrinated in school from high school to College it was all liberal and we bit hook, line, and sinker. Life, will teach you to be a conservative. I am not to sure that anyone kept track of the x generation but the millennial generation is headed the same as the Baby Boom and you can really tell by the way the generation is voting in the Democratic primaries. Overwhelmingly Sanders, I am not sure that they know exactly what Socialism is but he camouflages it by calling Democratic Socialism. It is one and the same. Perhaps you have been to one of his rally's or caught one on TV but have you seen what he is offering in the way of freebies. Free College, free medical, increasing medicare and basically redistributing wealth throughout the country. The Wall Street Journal tallied up Sanders' policy proposals and estimated the cost at $18 trillion over 10 years, a sum not officially disputed by the Sanders campaign. (Wall Street Journal, Laura Meckler,Sept. 14, 2015 6:58 p.m. ET). Now do you think that a College student might be enticed to come to the Democrats table. Now the older folks who have paid for their own insurance and education don't particularly want to pay for someone else's.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Mar 3 at 2016 9:56 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 21:56:14 -0500

PFC Alexander Oliveira , though I consider myself a Liberal, in the classical sense, I believe that makes me a Constitutional Conservative, as our Constitution was written to epitomize the ideas of individual and economic freedom. I am a liberal in the vein of Friedrich Hayek, Bernard Mandeville, David Hume, Adam Smith, John Locke, Adam Ferguson, Rousseau, Condorcet, Montesquieu, Tocqueville, Thomas Hobbes, Priestley, Richard Price, and Thomas Paine. These men are the basis of a renaissance of thought that involved the idea that governments obtain their power from the consent of the governed, and not from God, or from heredity, or from the point of a sword, or the muzzle of a gun as Mao suggested.

So, I am in solidarity with you, and your desire to recognize relationships of all types among consenting adults. Where I believe we're likely to differ, (based on your description as a progressive), is in the role government should play in these relationships. Where I believe civil relationships should have no bearing on our relationship or interactions with government, progressives wish to "legitimize" such relationships for the purpose of obtaining special benefits, or privileges that stem from being "married". The Classical Liberal/Constitutionally Conservative position is one where the Federal government acts generally, and would, or should have no policy, benefit, or penalty, either for, or against any form of relationships between consenting adults. This position holds that "societal" changes don't need to be shoved down people's throats, that people, as individuals, have freedom of association, and that the government should keep it's nose out of our personal business, and do it's job, which is clearly enumerated in the Constitution, and does NOT involve granting special favors, or monetary benefits for being in some types of relationships, or not being in others.

Regards.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Mar 3 at 2016 10:39 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 22:39:17 -0500

Good question because we grew up in the depression in the '30s & lived through WWII & Korea. We never had much money. So conserving everything is our way of life which effects how we think and .

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 4 at 2016 6:54 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 06:54:38 -0500

Because the older generation has a lot of experience with multiple presidencies covering both parties of which the Republican side has generally been stronger. That and when you are used to things being the way they are for years with you still being well off then it makes sense to want to keep things that way. You know the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Now the items you specifically addressed are generally based on religious views of which the majority of religious individuals are conservative. LGBT in particular is viewed as sinful and wrong in many Christian denominations and with Christianity being the largest religion in the country and with the majority of Christians being conservative it makes sense that they don't want things to change. Also makes sense that older generations are those ones clinging to the past as many in the younger generation aren't Christians, whether they don't hang on to their faith or never believed in the first place.

The younger generation has been impacted a lot by the recession as well so hearing people like Sanders getting up on stage and promising free/lower cost college, $15 minimum wage, and other benefits is obviously going to draw the younger crowds attention whereas your older generation (not in every case but in many cases) has solid jobs, nearing retirement or at least working towards it, have a house whether they are still paying it off or are done paying it off, etc. They are fine with what they have whereas the young generation sees that they have all of that and of course want it themselves but don't want to put forth the work it takes to achieve those goals.

I am personally conservative myself despite being only 21. Most of the people I went to school with (who also unsurprisingly have no military, government, or political experience) are flocking to either Sanders or Clinton because they both promise such amazing things. I won't lie, even early on I didn't mind Sanders, thought he would be a good choice and if I were to dump my Conservative Christian mindset I would probably be on board with him like everyone else my age. But the fact is he's a politician like everyone else. Every single promise he makes should be taken with a grain of salt not with the blind dedication that most of his supporters are giving him. It all sounds good initially but how is he going to achieve any of what he proposes, especially with a primarily Republican house, many members of which I support. After thinking about it I just can't get on board with him. It's not because I am not progressive but simply because I don't believe he can achieve the goals he is promising.

I am not racist, I have no issues with interracial relationships, I have no problems with blacks or Hispanics or Asians. I am not a homophobe, although I don't agree with homosexuality I understand it isn't my place to judge nor deny another human of their rights to love who they want to love. I don't believe college should be near as expensive as it currently is, I also don't think it should necessarily be free but it should be attainable by the average citizen. I don't think minimum wage should be raised to $15 an hour because no, McDonald's is not meant to be a permanent job, it's not meant to be a long term sustainable income, and you shouldn't be getting paid near as much if not more than someone who is willing to place themselves in harms way for your right to bitch about it. It's not that I am not a progressive, it's that I am sick of being force fed liberal logic and propaganda being told I need to tolerate it but the moment I want to voice my opinion on the matter even in a civilized conversation I am labeled an intolerant racist bigot who just wants to force the Bible on everyone in this country which couldn't be further from the truth.

So maybe the BLUF is the older generation, like me, is simply tired of being forced to change things that already work or have better solutions while the younger generation whines and complains about not getting their freebies and participation trophies and tries to make everyone else provide those to them.

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Mar 4 at 2016 10:45 AM

Capt Michael Halpin — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 10:45:12 -0500

Younger generations are always more liberal than older generations. My question is why is 'progress' assumed to be a good thing? This country began on the concept of limited government and individual freedom. After 240 years of progress we have government with few limitations and individual freedom has become highly regulated by the government. From my preception of 64 years it seems we are progressing our way right into tyranny! That is not a good thing and is not actually progress. It is regression into the way the world was before the concept of America ever existed.

Response by SFC Frank Hartley made Mar 4 at 2016 11:12 AM

SFC Frank Hartley — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 11:12:59 -0500

There's a huge difference between progress and immorality.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 4 at 2016 1:34 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 13:34:00 -0500

Because youngsters tend to be idealists (which leans them towards being liberal) while older folks have been smacked around by reality (which leans them towards being more conservative).

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Mar 4 at 2016 6:10 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 18:10:27 -0500

I have retired from the military and from Civil Service as a GG-15. I have a lot of experience. I do not know all the answers. I do know if I am qualified to know which is the best ideology. I do know that as we age, I discover what I did not know in the past. I discover what I thought I was doing that was correct was wrong or stupid. We learn with age. Experience helps us learn. I thought I had all the answers when I was younger. I was wrong, I just did not know all the questions then, to know...that I did not know much. Age will grow your brain. Experience will grow your brain. Mine is still growing and I KNOW that I not know everything....although I thought I did long ago.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 4:23 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 04:23:58 -0500

All change is not for the better. Why should people who have worked all their life, pay for college for students who did not work to learn in high school?

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 7 at 2016 5:03 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 05:03:43 -0500

Simple answer, young people are much more infuenced today by the educational system and the media than they are by their parents. The media and educational system(at least in the past 50 years) are bastions of liberalism. While they hem and haw about being unbiased they consistantly present one side of an issue and silence any criticism.
I found this interesting quote by a former foresensic psychologist Marlin Newburn, now a professor at Lake Superior State University. He spent 30 years working in the Michigan State Prison and Court System and examined all kinds of criminals.

"Over the years I've examined and found a trait of sociopath in most liberals. They have this sadistic gratification in creating or fomenting social chaos and conflicts,then, presenting themselves as "above it all", they arrive to fix the problem they themselves caused or perpetuated. Think of it as a mental illness. A Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome, but on a very large scale"

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 7 at 2016 8:20 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 08:20:19 -0500

It's about experience. Seeing and knowing what policies work and which ones don't, based on experiencing the long-term results, including the 2nd and 3rd order effects. Everything has been tried before, so "progress" and "progressive" are often just labels placed on liberal policies which have been enacted in the past, in other places. Interracial is not new. LGBT is not new. It's all outdated. The newest, most progressive concept is a large democratic republic with separation of powers and limits to government authority defined by a constitution. We're seeing if this one will work.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 28 at 2016 10:30 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:30:37 -0400

Some of us have been burned before.

Response by CPT Alexander Grant made Dec 23 at 2016 6:29 AM

CPT Alexander Grant — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 06:29:08 -0500

older generations are also fearful of the newer things they don't understand.
of course wisdom is essential, but it's not a complete replacement for intellect and research

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 7:07 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 07:07:05 -0500

Because it's hard to change the way you are raised. People who were born 50 or whatever years ago grew up in a period where gays weren't widely accepted or interracial couples weren't, it's hard to change the mindset you develop as a young child. Now, though, things are different. Gay couples and interracial couples are accepted and are common in society. You see them portrayed on tv as normal which is what it should be.

Kids today are coming into the world and seeing what is normal and that's all of these new thoughts and feelings that we have. People who were born years ago are still remembering the way they were raised. Some learn to understand and accept the way things change, others don't.

Response by CPL Joseph Montgonery made Feb 10 at 2017 12:41 AM

CPL Joseph Montgonery — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 00:41:48 -0500

I think you muss the point. Its not the some people are against change. Change we know is inevitable. What they are against is forced change that happens because someone orders it against the thinking of the vast majority. When 3% of a population are given special rights, when 1% hold sway over 99% because of a political ideology, that's wrong. Given time and critical thinking and concise valid argument change happen. When that change is forced on a majority because of dome misguided belief that its the onlyvway change will happen. That's when people resist. As we gave seen since Jan 20, we are no longer a country of laws. Oh we have them, but when they are ignored because it doesn't fit a progressive narrative or it upsets someone idea of fairness, we all lose. We are a constitutional republic and for the lastv30 years laws have beenbignored and as suchnour constitution guarntees have been eroded. Our bill of rights are being taught and talked about as something derived from government instead of right that our government are supposed to protect for us. If you cannot understand thatbyour oath is to protect IR country and constitution from enemies both foreign and domestic then you need research and history lessons. Why would the founders have included domestic enemies? Easy! They knew that there would be those who would attempt to subvert our country udingbour government and their own interpretation of what it says. No people sent against change what they're against is chsnge that is driven by an elite few at the expense of the rule of law, constitutional protects, and common sense. Demagoguery and lies and musical activism is the only way change is happening now strictly because there is no logical arguments the minority can make. Disregarding the plain meaning of laws, ignoring the congressional record, and court intrusion is the only way that things are negated. Want to see the dustruction ofnour country from within? Watch what us going on stvthe moment and ask yourself how can a court ignore the plain language if a law that gas already been ruled constitutional? How can liberal progressive defend violence against other because they're afraid if what that person will say? How can those who say they are tolerant destroy property, attack police, call for assassinations, and the violent overthrow of the government ever have any credibility when they riot and turn to violence when they dont get there way.
When a child I did childish things, now as an adult I put childish things behind me!

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Feb 10 at 2017 10:40 AM

1SG James Matthews — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:40:55 -0500

Education from entry into school all thru college has become more liberal. Conservatism in the education arena is frowned on. Political Correctness is taught, The Bible is not unless your children are sent to a private school that believes in a religious theology. Openness by the gay community is pushed more and more--it has always been there but stood in the shadows. I was a 1st Sgt in the mid 70's until I retired in 81 and I had gays in several of my units. Long as they did their jobs and did not cause conflict I had no problem with it. Their off time was theirs. Today they want special privileges as do the other nationalities ( special head gear, beards, etc) The military is not an open for discussion, I want it my way orginization. You are told what is expected of you prior to entry into the military and if you cannot comply then don't hold up you right hand and take the oath. God be with the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2017 11:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 11:40:24 -0500

The short answer is that the younger generation has grown up learning their morals, or lack there of, from TV and the internet and most probably grew up in households with two working parents or one parent working enough for two, so there were likely fewer values instilled.