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Gen X Joe

My Political Journey: From Blue State Politics to Libertarian Views (With a Twist)I was born in Chicago and spent my formative years in Queens, New York—two places that, let’s be honest, are as deep blue as it gets. Growing up in these solid blue states, politics was never really something that crossed my mind. I was too busy being a kid, then a teenager, trying to figure out life in the concrete jungle. I just didn’t care enough to pay attention to the chatter about left, right, or center. Politics seemed like a game for older folks, and I had no interest in playing.It wasn’t until I turned 18 that I started getting a little curious. Not exactly a political awakening but more like a "Hey, what's all this noise about?" moment. Even with this budding curiosity, I wasn’t ready to make any moves. It wasn’t until I hit 20 that I was finally eligible to vote. But when the time came, I was completely clueless. Who was I supposed to vote for? What did any of these parties even stand for?So, I turned to my uncle for advice. I figured, he’s older, he’s been around, maybe he knows better. He said, "We're working people. We vote Democrat." And that was that. I went into the booth and punched the ticket for Bill Clinton. I was young, and hey, if you’re raised in a blue state, it just seems like the default option.But around 1994, things started to shift for me. I remember hearing some chatter, this new name that kept coming up: Newt Gingrich. I was curious enough to tune in, and man, did this guy know how to talk. He wasn’t just spewing talking points; he actually seemed to understand the history of the United States. He spoke plainly, making complicated topics understandable. For the first time, I was seeing a different side of politics, one that wasn't dominated by the usual blue state rhetoric.So, I started paying more attention. I even went to a few local GOP gatherings—picnic-style events where folks mingled, talked politics, and grilled burgers. At first, I thought maybe these conservatives were onto something. They talked a good game about personal responsibility, lower taxes, and all that. But the more I watched, the more I noticed something off.The GOP guys talked a big game, especially when it came to domestic issues. But when it came to foreign policy or really sticking to their principles, they seemed to fold like cheap lawn chairs. They were always playing the gentleman’s game, trying to be polite when what the country really needed was someone with a spine. For all their bluster, I didn’t see much backbone. They were all talk, no action, especially when it came to standing up for what they claimed to believe in.Fast forward to today, after 52 years of life in these blue states, I’ve found myself drifting even further away from the GOP. The Democrats lost me years ago, and the Republicans just don’t cut it either. I’m not interested in playing nice with either side anymore.Now? I’m just a "leave-me-alone" libertarian. I don’t want government interference in my life, period. I don’t care if it’s coming from the left, right, or whatever new direction they’re trying to invent. As far as I’m concerned, they all suck. The way I see it, they’re just different flavors of the same control-freak mentality. I’m done with it. I don’t need outside organizations telling me how to live my life.But here’s the twist: even though I consider myself a libertarian for all intents and purposes now, I’m still a fan of Trump. I know that might sound odd to some, but the man has backbone—something I’ve found sorely lacking in both parties. Trump’s willingness to speak his mind and buck the system resonates with me. Sure, he’s not perfect, but in a world full of spineless politicians, he’s one of the few who actually stands up and fights for what he believes in. And at this point in my life, I’d rather have that kind of leadership than someone who just wants to play nice to appease the establishment.So, that’s where I stand. Born and raised in the blue states, but not exactly fitting the mold. After years of sifting through the political noise, I've settled on my own philosophy: leave me alone, let me live my life, and show me a leader with some real backbone. Simple as that.