Why Former Conservatives Stopped Identifying as Conservative

From a distant perspective, growing up in a rural setting across the country, one would often observe that the majority of the population cast their votes towards conservative or liberal parties. As I delved deeper into the realms of political ideologies, my viewpoint gradually shifted towards a more centrist stance – a transition aligning more closely with progressive values.

Pivotal Moments in Political Journey

The platform of the Grand Quiput Party (GQP), the predominant right-wing party, has become increasingly questionable in the eyes of many conservatives, perhaps signaling a broader shift away from traditional conservatism. This shift began with a significant event – the presidential candidate, Donald Trump, mocking Senator John McCain during a campaign rally for McCain’s service as a Prisoner of War (POW) in Vietnam. This action not only soured many voters but also underlined a broader issue: the party's inconsistency in its rhetoric and actions over time.

In my own experience, opposing Trump for both progressive and conservative reasons, Liz Cheney, a fellow Republican, also aligns with my stance. This is not an isolated incident but reflects a wider trend of former conservatives reevaluating their political allegiances.

Reflections from a Republican Perspective

Having been a Republican myself, though not following a strict conservative line, I began to question the party's positions as early as Ronald Reagan's second term when the treatment of President Barack Obama was increasingly contentious. The Republican's subsequent endorsement of Donald Trump catalyzed my departure from the party entirely.

From another standpoint, political radicalization and the demand for radical leaders pushed the party further into a regressive mindset. This transition from conservatism to regressive policies occurred over a single generation. However, some notable Republicans like Liz Cheney managed to stay on the sidelines, steering clear of the Trumpist agenda.

Evolution of Conservative Beliefs

My journey to becoming more progressive was a broader experience, influenced by my military service. Witnessing waste, such as the excessive spending on ammunition, while veterans faced food stamp dependency, and observing the relaxation of child labor laws and cuts to programs for hungry kids, I found myself in conflict with my conservative upbringing. Furthermore, the implementation of tax policies and their impact on societal well-being, including the stark contrasts between tax benefits for the rich and the poor, also played a crucial role in my evolution.

For instance, the concept of "starve the beast," an economic strategy to increase the national debt, became a significant factor in solidifying my opposition to the Republican party. Historical data showed that under Republican leadership, the national debt consistently increased, whereas under Democratic leadership, it often stagnated or even decreased, leading to the last balanced budget under a Democratic administration.

Gun Policy and Its Impact

Another pivotal factor that shifted my perspective was the issue of gun control. Growing up in an environment with guns, I had a realistic awareness of the risks and benefits associated with firearms. Witnessing the rise in mass shootings and the impact such incidents have on society, especially on survivors and family members, solidified my stance against the Republican position on guns.

Extensive research revealed that easy access to firearms correlates with a higher suicide rate, accidents, and domestic violence incidents. The data and statistics made it apparent that guns increase the likelihood of fatal outcomes in conflicts, whether between law enforcement and civilians or within communities. The case of domestic violence and the loss of gun rights, particularly for those with a history of such incidents, illustrated that gun ownership can escalate existing conflicts to deadly levels.

The combination of the Republican party's stance on defenseless veterans, support for regressive gun policies, and nonsensical attacks on social programs that assist the most vulnerable created a sense of betrayal among many conservatives. It painted a picture of political values that many found morally reprehensible and in stark contrast to foundational conservative principles.

A Call to Action

The disillusionment with traditional conservatism has prompted a significant shift in political allegiances. As individuals like myself and others who once identified as conservative reevaluate our views, it underscores the importance of listening to experiences and perspectives that differ from our own. Understanding that political identities are not fixed and can evolve based on new information and experiences is crucial.

Ultimately, this journey serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to critically assess the rhetoric and policies of political parties, recognizing that progress and authenticity must be the guiding principles for political alignment.