How many people here on DU were once rethugs/conservatives?

[Rittermeister]

4. I'm Spartacus

I was raised similarly to you, in an intensely conservative, religious, southern household. My parents were the first in their families to break into the white collar, upper-middle class world, and I was raised on the principles of work hard or don't be surprised when your life sucks. Admittedly, I have not entirely divested myself of that world view; but I'm working on it.

Sociology and American history courses in college really opened my eyes to the realities of the world, the need for regulation to protect society from the excesses of certain elements. On the other hand, I've had enough economics to believe that capitalism (or a capitalistic mixed market system, really) is probably the best system for making everyone in society wealthier; but it has to be regulated to prevent the working classes from getting screwed. I'd really consider myself more a centrist than a liberal; personally, I admire Bill Clinton's policies very much. Hopefully that doesn't get me kicked out!