At what age did you first get interested in politics?

[AZ Jim]

I was around 17 and it was when "Ike" ran for President. I followed WW2 closely and he became a hero to me. I was too young to vote for him but not to young to post his "I like Ike" stickers all over. I voted Republican through the Reagan years then became a Democrat. How 'bout you?

[Don]

I campaigned for Richard Nixon in 1960. I was 10. My first questions about what was going on was during the conventions in 1956.

[donttread]

I was around 17 and it was when "Ike" ran for President. I followed WW2 closely and he became a hero to me. I was too young to vote for him but not to young to post his "I like Ike" stickers all over. I voted Republican through the Reagan years then became a Democrat. How 'bout you?

I had some interest in high school, but it was largely driven by my families views. In my late 20's I denounced the Donephant and became a Constitutionist of sorts and got really innvoled in my 40's

[AZ Jim]

I campaigned for Richard Nixon in 1960. I was 10. My first questions about what was going on was during the conventions in 1956.Yep. I voted for him. Horrible mistake as it turned out. A far cry from Ike. Ike was a very smart man.

[del]

i was 12

tippecanoe and tyler too we used to shout

[Ethereal]

I've never been interested in politics except as a freak sideshow where the most crooked and bent people in American society shamelessly pursue power and wealth by tricking the gullible masses into voting for them.

[Private Pickle]

14

[sachem]

High School. Watergate.

[PolWatch]

The first political discussion I remember was with my father....I was a JFK supporter.

Once upon a time I voted for Nixon. I also voted for GHW Bush (but not his son)

[hanger4]

1971 - 1972 as I looked forward to being drafted.

[Chris]

Around the age of 55.

[Ethereal]

Even from a young age, I had an intuitive sense of what "politics" really was.

A bunch of liars and crooks hiding behind a veil of legitimacy.

And after I started studying history, I came to realize my intuition was supported by endless observational evidence.

I can't think of a single central government in history that wasn't responsible for some kind of atrocity or series of atrocities.

All the worst crimes in history have been committed by central governments.

Politics is just a euphemism for systematic theft and violence.

[AZ Jim]

I've never been interested in politics except as a freak sideshow where the most crooked and bent people in American society shamelessly pursue power and wealth by tricking the gullible masses into voting for them.Actually, cynical as that is, it is probably basically true. If a person goes into national politics by the time they have been there awhile they sell out to the forces of power. One they taste the perks of office they fully emerge themselves in the slop trough that is politics. I vote what is best for me and mine as much as possible.

[AZ Jim]

1971 - 1972 as I looked forward to being drafted.I picked up my Honorable discharge in 1958. Yeah, I'm old....but cute.

[birddog]

I was always interested in politics but didn't get fully enlightened about conservatism being better until Reagan. I remember when Ike ran and won. In 1960, when JFK stole the election with the help of Chicago, I was sympathetic to Nixon. When he lost the Governorship in 1962 and made his famous proclamation, I remember saying "Nixon in 68," and of course I was correct.

I was drafted in 66 at 19 and got my honorable in 68 at 21. I voted for Nixon both times, he was a good president, but obviously made some mistakes. I voted for Carter because I didn't know better, and because Ford was part of the Warren Commission and I never believed it's findings. Of course I voted for Reagan, then voted for Perot which was a mistake as I believe it helped elect Slick Willie.

Since then, Republican all the way and likely until I die.

[AZ Jim]

Around the age of 55.Man Chris, you ARE a late bloomer.

[Chris]

Man Chris, you ARE a late bloomer.

I had an I like Ike button and repeated that but was too young to know what it even meant.

[suds00]

11 kennedy-nixon

[William]

A couple of years ago when I was 12-13, but I had discussions with my dad about what was good for society as a whole before then. I honestly dunno if I am really interested in politics as such, cos I know almost nothing about party politics. I guess I thought politics must be interesting cos so many grownups are always talking about that stuff.

Since joining this board, I wonder if an interest in politics is such a good thing - like people are so committed to their side, and so nasty to others who do not share their politics. Surely there must be a way of wanting things that are good for society without committing totally to a divisive ideology?

Like not every conservative is a greedy, selfish capitalist, and not every 'liberal' is a mad, power-hungry socialist. Surely both sides share common human values? :rollseyes:

[Cigar]

Around 40

[Cigar]

Around the age of 55.


I hope that was last year :laugh:

[decedent]

11. I'd have talks about politics with my dad to avoid going to bed.

[Cigar]

No wonder you guys take Politics so seriously ... :laugh:

I was out Playing Baseball, Football, Basketball and Fingering Little MaryJane Rotten Crotch while you guys into Politics

Your Child Life Sucked :tongue:


https://youtu.be/MbUXrF_OLmc

[JDubya]

Mid 30's.

[PolWatch]

A couple of years ago when I was 12-13, but I had discussions with my dad about what was good for society as a whole before then. I honestly dunno if I am really interested in politics as such, cos I know almost nothing about party politics. I guess I thought politics must be interesting cos so many grownups are always talking about that stuff.

Since joining this board, I wonder if an interest in politics is such a good thing - like people are so committed to their side, and so nasty to others who do not share their politics. Surely there must be a way of wanting things that are good for society without committing totally to a divisive ideology?

Like not every conservative is a greedy, selfish capitalist, and not every 'liberal' is a mad, power-hungry socialist. Surely both sides share common human values? :rollseyes:

Keep one thing in mind: this is an election year. Just compare it to a European soccer game....some people lose their mind & self-control when cheering for their team.

[Mister D]

late teens

[maineman]

My father was a democratic state legislator in Illinois when Adlai Stevenson was governor and they were good buddies. I remember watching the convention in 1956 on a round tubed black and white TV.

[Cigar]

My father was a democratic state legislator in Illinois when Adlai Stevenson was governor and they were good buddies. I remember watching the convention in 1956 on a round tubed black and white TV.


:huh: WTF ... am I the only one not retired on this Forum? :laugh:

[JDubya]

Even from a young age, I had an intuitive sense of what "politics" really was.

A bunch of liars and crooks hiding behind a veil of legitimacy.

And after I started studying history, I came to realize my intuition was supported by endless observational evidence.

I can't think of a single central government in history that wasn't responsible for some kind of atrocity or series of atrocities.

All the worst crimes in history have been committed by central governments.

Politics is just a euphemism for systematic theft and violence.

Well that certainly was a lot of unnecessary verbage just to state the obvious... that the negative aspects of human nature find their way into everything people do, politics included.

Anyone who expects 100% of politicians and political leaders to have some higher level of ethics, moral standards or good judgement is just naïve.

We are led and governed by our own kind. They are not some alien species from another world who've invaded Earth in order to take control of its nations and societies, just to make war with each other or personally enrich themselves.

Politics is just another area in which human beings act like typical human beings and as with any other sub group of humans, there are good ones, bad ones and everything in between.

I find it hard to understand how people still rant and rail against politicians as if it's some kind of big shock or revelation that they have the same foibles and shortcomings that everyone else has.

I think some people just revel in their own indignation.

[PolWatch]

I think we all want to believe that someone acts according to higher values than the rest of us. We keep hoping to find that person but usually only find they all have feet of clay.

[William]

:huh: WTF ... am I the only one not retired on this Forum? :laugh:

I'm not!

[Cigar]

I'm not!


Good, keep working, I just have a few more years :laugh:

[JDubya]

I think we all want to believe that someone acts according to higher values than the rest of us. We keep hoping to find that person but usually only find they all have feet of clay.

Some of them actually do attempt and succeed at holding themselves to a higher standard.

Even some of those who some of us might dislike because of their policies, take their responsibility seriously, mind their ethics and attempt to do what they believe is in the best interests of those who elected them and who they represent.

I think that a lot of this populist meme about all politicians being 100% crooks and liars is mostly a lot of faux poutrage some people engage in to make themselves feel morally superior.

Yes, lobbyists have too much influence over politicians, but that is our own fault for relying so heavily on political TV ads to form our opinions. The astronomical cost of TV ads are the main driver of the need to raise campaign money and that is what creates the opportunities for lobbyis.

[William]

Good, keep working, I just have a few more years :laugh:

Lol, I would love to earn some dosh, but I don't think my mum and dad would let me leave school in the 4th form. :laugh:

[Chris]

Some of them actually do attempt and succeed at holding themselves to a higher standard.

Even some of those who some of us might dislike because of their policies, take their responsibility seriously, mind their ethics and attempt to do what they believe is in the best interests of those who elected them and who they represent.

I think that a lot of this populist meme about all politicians being 100% crooks and liars is mostly a lot of faux poutrage some people engage in to make themselves feel morally superior.

Yes, lobbyists have too much influence over politicians, but that is our own fault for relying so heavily on political TV ads to form our opinions. The astronomical cost of TV ads are the main driver of the need to raise campaign money and that is what creates the opportunities for lobbyis.



I remember that movie...

https://s31.postimg.org/jpvlzcdnv/Enp_IKT4.gif

[Chris]

:huh: WTF ... am I the only one not retired on this Forum? :laugh:


I'm not!


So there's two of you!?

[Cigar]

So there's two of you!?


Not for long ... :grin: