My unlikely bridge to the right [NPR type moves right]

Washington Times ^ | March 27, 2004 | Paul Beston

[Roscoe Karns]

A few years ago, I worked for a struggling dot-com in Manhattan whose work force was almost uniformly liberal. Given my conservative orientation, I saw little sense in getting involved in workplace political discussions. My silence was interpreted as acquiescence until I could stand it no longer and fessed up. One co-worker, who had served on the committee that hired me, felt betrayed.

[wizardoz]

It quickly became clear that my understanding of conservatism was a cartoon.

Most liberals never even get this far. At the first whiff of this realization, they fall utterly silent, turn very pale, and then get away from the unpleasant source of this information as fast as they possibly can.

[DC native]

Excellent; a well-written description of the path that many of us have travelled. Thanks for posting.

[Old Student]

Although I never worked in public radio, I resemble these remarks. I read history, instead, but now I have a new list of authors to find, and books to read. Thank you for posting this.

[Khurkris]

Excellent article. Thanks for posting this.

[gorush]

This writer eloquently describes a metamorphosis much like my own, and, I bet, many others around here.

[Happy2BMe]

I didn't even read this story.

It would remind me too much of my inlaws.

[hoosiermama]

Thought you might find this interesting.

[jwalburg]

Good read.

[Humidston]

Wow. A breath of fresh air!

Thanks Roscoe!

[Socratic]

"All things considered, my time in public radio was a breath of fresh air."

Those who don't know how good a closing line this is, does not know their enemy.

[ReleaseTheHounds]

Great article -- and a great journey for the author. I'm sure many conservatives have traveled this path. I'm happy to have been born and bred a conservative... Wore my black arm-band of sadness to school when Barry Goldwater was wiped out in 1964.

It still amazes me that some seemingly sensible adults never get it... They must turn their gaze from the truth and close their mind to the irrationality of the left. Tough to figure.

[jaime1959]

What a great essay! As an ex-liberal, I can relate to his transformation.

[cupcakes]

Yup, sounds like mine as well. I could relate to this person and their journey.

[Qwinn]

I'm glad to say that my parents were conservative, and raised me as such, and I always saw the greater wisdom of their arguments over that of the Left. I didn't have to make the full-tilt ideological journey that so many others have - though my conservative principles -have- strengthened even more over time.

Still, it's fascinating to read about the process, as it illustrates the great deal of brainwashing and isolation required to keep someone in the liberal mindset.

Qwinn

[T. Buzzard Trueblood]

Bump for a great read. It's almost an instruction manual for converting liberal friends and loved ones...

[Congressman Billybob]

Thank you for this post. It gives hope, however faint, for the vast wasteland known as National People's Radio. A FEW real humans might be found there. (Still, as a Congressman I'll cast every possible vote to defund NPR.)

Congressman Billybob

Click here, then click the blue CFR button, to join the anti-CFR effort (or visit the "Hugh & Series, Critical & Pulled by JimRob" thread). Please do it now.

[HarryCaul]

I don't really consider myself a conservative, in fact there are a great many things I disagree with in regards to your average freeper.

But I do find that conservatives are more likely to be intellectually honest and consistent than liberals, and that tips me towards reading FR and NRO more than I would DU and the mainstream press.

[mlmr]

This writer eloquently describes a metamorphosis much like my own, and, I bet, many others around here.

This former Nation, Progressive, Utne, Mother Jones, and Z subscriber knows what you mean.

[McGavin999]

I wonder how many liberals, living in the bastions on both coasts, are really conservatives at heart but don't dare let anyone they work with know?

Come on guys, step into the light.