What Made You Change Politically?

[Redalgo]

When I read something new and compelling it gets incorporated into how I look at the world. If someone makes it obvious an idea of mine is terrible I shift positions, provided there is an alternative to what seemed good before that does not clash with my moral sensibilities. Sometimes it demands a change in ideology but more often affects a single issue.

Poli sci and IR courses in university - especially with the input of intelligent, conservative peers - made statist approaches to democratic socialism seem pretty foolish and measured, pragmatic forms of social democracy more attractive. Ever since I have used forums and further readings of academic journals to continue adjusting my positions. Those influences reveal what more can be done, causing leftward drift.

As for party affiliations, the gap between campaign promises and action once in office for President Obama convinced me that there is no significant faction within the Democratic Party willing to make fundamental changes to U.S. policy on a large range of subjects. It is not worthwhile to jump through hoops and make compromises with them when it's going to involve so much more give than take. Better just to go it alone and collaborate in goodwill with others on a case-by-case basis.