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Whiskeytide

(4,518 posts)

60. A lot of life experiences. But two things stand out to me. One ...

Mon Nov 4, 2024, 11:36 PM

Nov 4

… was a girl in college. Beautiful, smart, funny and thoughtful. First person I ever met where I immediately realized she was a much better person than I was. She was confidently liberal, and I was smitten. Before meeting her, I was pretty much a southern redneck asshole, and would probably have supported Тяцмp.

The second thing, also in college, was working with a gay man for about a year. Cool guy. We had opportunities to talk all day every day. I asked a lot of stupid questions, but learned a lot, and came to understand that we could be that different and yet still be friends. Opened my mind quite a bit.

After those experiences, the right’s subjugation of women and hatred of the LGBTQ community became more and more repulsive, and I turned left. I’ve been a blue dot in red Alabama ever since.

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misanthrope Abolishinist MaryMagdaline Unwind Your Mind scipan EverHopeful wave_maker

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Highlight:

Question for white male Dems [View all] MaryMagdaline Nov 4 OP

I'm just woke as fuck haha.... bahboo Nov 4 #1

Love that! Easterncedar Nov 5 #153

relatively high IQ lapfog_1 Nov 4 #2

This! WestMichRad Nov 4 #4

Yes, education has been a big part of it. Wednesdays Nov 4 #59

I think educated is a part but there has to be a high EI too LizBeth Nov 5 #117

Kent State CanonRay Nov 4 #3

Yea, that was an eye opener for me as well. MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #5

I have daughters Algernon Moncrieff Nov 4 #6

In this order: GaYellowDawg Nov 4 #7

I've always been a Democrat, always been liberal - why? NewHendoLib Nov 4 #8

I'm not an idiot. flvegan Nov 4 #9

If you would've asked me in college, I would say that I was fiscally conservative... MattNC2021 Nov 4 #10

Empathy Qutzupalotl Nov 4 #11

Democrat from birth. TwilightZone Nov 4 #12

Those percentages are significant. Thank you for the correction MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #29

I think that H2O Man Nov 4 #13

Some family influence from parents but also bovine6 Nov 4 #14

Because I am fucking normal and not weird. edisdead Nov 4 #15

Not real sure but think upbringing. duncang Nov 4 #16

I'm a mensch. DavidDvorkin Nov 4 #17

I am not a revenge voter YorkRd Nov 4 #18

Great term! I will steal that - revenge rotor MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #54

That is a revenge rotor? Thx in advance uponit7771 Nov 5 #141

I am enlightened. usonian Nov 4 #19

How long have you got, lol? gay texan Nov 4 #20

We got all day!! Beats doom scrolling MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #96

What an illuminating thread! cilla4progress Nov 4 #21

Patriotism...the more original sort. Drum Nov 4 #22

A working brain. Five uncles and a FIL plus my father and grandfather who all served. NoMoreRepugs Nov 4 #23

For me, my Grandma's were/are life long Dems jbond56 Nov 4 #24

This message was self-deleted by its author DontBelieveEastisEas Nov 4 #25

I've never voted for a Republican, and tRump is a horror show. BootinUp Nov 4 #26

I became a Democrat when Clinton ran... tinrobot Nov 4 #27

Same Delarage Nov 5 #159

I frankly do not believe the 30% number Metaphorical Nov 4 #28

Well expressed. See #12 above. His data might be more accurate. MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #32

For me, it is a combination of things... NavyDem Nov 4 #30

Travel was key to me. I was always a Dem but after seeing Europe I moved waaay left MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #45

Unfortunately there are highly educated people who embrace Authoritarianism. I think I read about this sometime after electric_blue68 Nov 4 #31

They're the most frightening kind. MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #70

My grandpa is a PhD, my grandma has a bachelor's and my uncle and aunt have Masters degrees and all four are MAGA. Elessar Zappa Nov 5 #102

Definitely a downer electric_blue68 Nov 5 #104

My four uncles and aunt, who did not elect fascists in the 1940s. Instead, they shot them. Efilroft Sul Nov 4 #33

So true. My dad and uncle were the original Antifa. MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #51

Cheers to your dad, I love his definition of freedom. Efilroft Sul Nov 5 #133

Ty, guys electric_blue68 Nov 4 #34

Religion kevink077 Nov 4 #35

Empathy and intelligence. yourout Nov 4 #36

Education Johonny Nov 4 #37

All of the above, plus education. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 4 #38

This is going to sound crazy coming from an atheist but.... Glamrock Nov 4 #39

Funny when atheists are more "Christian" than many self-professed Christians. TwilightZone Nov 4 #42

Ya know? Glamrock Nov 4 #49

I know. Used to tell my husband who was an atheist that he should read the Gospels MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #67

Definitely a compliment. MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #68

This mirrors my life as well. Sermon on the Mount is still gospel (small "g") to me MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #61

Hahahaha! Glamrock Nov 4 #62

Same here misanthrope Nov 4 #66

Unfortunately, the lessons about the latter didn't stick as well as the former! Glamrock Nov 4 #72

I don't think that's crazy at all Unwind Your Mind Nov 5 #90

Not that crazy. dawg Nov 5 #160

It isn't crazy at all genxlib Nov 5 #176

Education ThoughtCriminal Nov 4 #40

Political cartoon that fits the topic quite nicely: TwilightZone Nov 4 #41

Love this! MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #65

My Republican parents raised four Democrats. Gore1FL Nov 4 #43

Two things. TomSlick Nov 4 #44

Yea that Oath is a check on power - for all of us. MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #69

A combination of those things. lees1975 Nov 4 #46

Great summary MaryMagdaline Nov 4 #71

Education... Happy Hoosier Nov 4 #47

Trained in Economics IbogaProject Nov 4 #48

This! I'm so worried about these economic arsonists who want to MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #74

To be honest I'm also antiracist IbogaProject Nov 5 #75

Interesting ranking - you've hit the nail on two issues for Democrats MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #81

I just feel economic opportunity is bigger IbogaProject Nov 5 #175

In more common terms misanthrope Nov 5 #170

Never been impressed by toxic masculinity, bullies, those who want to control others, or the self-righteous. Doodley Nov 4 #50

Because I refused to just sit in the echo chamber askyagerz Nov 4 #52

Great perspective MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #80

alot of white males dont buy into the toxic masculinity and insecurity of what trump offers to those type of men. dsp3000 Nov 4 #53

I'm not a narcissistic, self-absorbed, hate filled person... aquaman Nov 4 #55

This message was self-deleted by its author JohnSJ Nov 4 #56

A part of it for me is probably being an introvert RidinWithHarris Nov 4 #57

Wondering if other high intellect men (damn - sound like a podcast bro) MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #85

Empathy. And actually going against Grown2Hate Nov 4 #58

I'm guessing and hope this is not offensive - that being a Jehovah's Witness MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #86

You can't offend me, especially with Grown2Hate Nov 5 #156

Thank you MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #165

A lot of life experiences. But two things stand out to me. One ... Whiskeytide Nov 4 #60

I love this! My dad used to tell us that he never worried about peer pressure MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #88

I usually post this after being asked if I'm "liberal" or "conservative." But it'll work for this question, too. DFW Nov 4 #63

Great summary! This follows a pattern of certain people in Blue States MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #92

Critical thinking skills, flying rabbit Nov 4 #64

I'm Independent for the time being The Wandering Harper Nov 4 #73

I think. Therefore I am Jerry2144 Nov 5 #76

Yellow Dog Democrat ColinCambridge Nov 5 #77

What herd? Sympthsical Nov 5 #78

Thank you once again. You are truly one of the best. Abolishinist Nov 5 #101

I'm less a fan of the altruism angle Sympthsical Nov 5 #137

Two things I remember about Ms. Rand, Abolishinist Nov 5 #174

Born 1950....Life experience....I have never been attracted GOP philosophy. walkingman Nov 5 #79

Family and Life Experience The Roux Comes First Nov 5 #82

A modicum of intelligence, a capacity for empathy, pride in the as-yet-unattained ideals of my country... LudwigPastorius Nov 5 #83

For me, it's ironically patriotism. notroot Nov 5 #84

Great perspective! My ancestors came late to the party and MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #145

I exist out of spite. DiamondShark Nov 5 #87

Thank you! Please continue to do so MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #95

When Bush and his Republicans ran on trashing gays and banning same-sex marriage. W_HAMILTON Nov 5 #89

Uggh. How soon we forget. Bush and Rove can rot in hell. MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #93

I was raised in and lived most of my life in Massachusetts. CentralMass Nov 5 #91

Im 77. You are not old. OLDMDDEM Nov 5 #134

Thanks for DU's progressive white males for their empathy and non-herd mentality. brush Nov 5 #94

Amen! That's why Democratic Presidents are the best MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #97

There are a few things at play in my liberal political La Coliniere Nov 5 #98

My family were Republicans and I parroted that until I was a junior in high school. Elessar Zappa Nov 5 #99

That's amazing! You're one of the younger ones here MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #105

I was the youngest at the time, I believe! Elessar Zappa Nov 5 #109

Woke. Arthur_Frain Nov 5 #100

im woke and crazy r. inheret that from my late mom. rip AllaN01Bear Nov 5 #103

i also belive in social justice to right the wrongs that the other side inflicted . AllaN01Bear Nov 5 #106

Liberal moms are the best! MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #107

mum was a strong unionist ( teacher ).and dem. AllaN01Bear Nov 5 #108

I have a pulse... MrWowWow Nov 5 #110

That helps! MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #111

I loved Reagan as a kid. BannonsLiver Nov 5 #112

Cool story from Reaganite to Democrat MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #114

Always Been a Musketeer roscoeroscoe Nov 5 #113

Family influence, kozar Nov 5 #115

Difficult to say (sounds so arrogant) but a combo of education, empathy, experience. RockRaven Nov 5 #116

The biggest thing for me was equality ExciteBike66 Nov 5 #118

Rational thought overrules bad human instincts. everyonematters Nov 5 #119

Not being raised a racist and lrymcqueen Nov 5 #120

So many things, but a few priorities: Mike 03 Nov 5 #121

These are great points MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #146

I have no desire to be an awful human being. n/t musicblind Nov 5 #122

My father raised three kids to be life long Democrats. My grandfather Emile Nov 5 #123

I'm a union worker, I vote my job first. BlueTsunami2018 Nov 5 #124

I'm a 66-year-old white woman married to a phylny Nov 5 #125

Well im 67 years old JPPaverage Nov 5 #126

Voted dem all my life. Woodwizard Nov 5 #127

I have to credit Mike Malloy for my political awakening Best_man23 Nov 5 #128

Malloy was/is great. Wasn't he the one who coined "Bush Crime Family"? MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #147

I do believe that is correct. Best_man23 Nov 5 #149

My heart tells me to vote for the person with a heart for others. OLDMDDEM Nov 5 #129

Empathy and idealism. Tom Rinaldo Nov 5 #130

Asked my husband (who is getting ready to leave for work) Bettie Nov 5 #131

Intelligence nt. Littlered Nov 5 #132

Started reading history at an early age, figured displacedvermoter Nov 5 #135

Economics and anti-corporatism Amishman Nov 5 #136

I live in a country where I'm a distinct minority RazorbackExpat Nov 5 #138

Because I'm not a racist, misogynist, bigoted fuckhead Orrex Nov 5 #139

My parents came off the farm in WV, back then almost everyone in WV were Democrats. doc03 Nov 5 #140

For me kwolf68 Nov 5 #142

Great summary! MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #144

I have an IQ over 70 PCIntern Nov 5 #143

Moral fibre orangecrush Nov 5 #148

Life experience. Ping Tung Nov 5 #150

Was in high school during Watergate edbermac Nov 5 #151

Division is for Trump and Vance arlyellowdog Nov 5 #152

I have a heart, and a brain, and never much cared about power or money getagrip_already Nov 5 #154

The truth grobertj Nov 5 #155

When you are in Junior High... blue sky at night Nov 5 #157

Yes!! Those events were great influences on me as well MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #162

Why am I a Democrat? Americanme Nov 5 #158

The first time I saw dlilafae Nov 5 #161

Poverty joshcryer Nov 5 #163

That'll do it MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #164

Frankly, I wasn't a Democrat misanthrope Nov 5 #166

Great summary. I, too, voted for Republicans here and there in GA MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #167

I didn't vote for many Republicans at all misanthrope Nov 5 #168

All I can say is that my entire life I've felt like Republicans break things and cause pain for no reason. D23MIURG23 Nov 5 #169

Never being dazzled by Reagan is a good thing. MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #171

I have no real idea why I turned out as I did. Torchlight Nov 5 #172

Good response. MaryMagdaline Nov 5 #173

For one thing, my parents were free thinkers Aldo Leopold Nov 5 #177

My faith... regnaD kciN Nov 5 #178

Learning things myself instead of believing what I'm told. Tbone421 Nov 5 #179

While I'm not quite sure this claim actually represents my demographic... NNadir Nov 5 #180

What herd? Brenda Nov 5 #181

White male by accident of birth Zambero Nov 5 #182

Social pressure JackedUpMel Nov 5 #183

Are you saying that you actually wanted to be an R? Lulu KC Nov 5 #184

Punctuation is important! JoseBalow Nov 5 #185

? The sentence made sense Lulu KC Nov 5 #186

There should be a comma JoseBalow Nov 5 #187

I can see that Lulu KC Nov 5 #190

Oh, yes, I see what you mean. JoseBalow Nov 5 #192

Perhaps Lulu KC Nov 5 #194

No JackedUpMel Nov 5 #191

I'm doing what I feel is right. n/t Akoto Nov 5 #188

Brains Jason1961 Nov 5 #189

I got tired of all the spite derby378 Nov 5 #193