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“I know quite a few people who live in CA. Many (if not all) of them used to be conservative; now few are (maybe 20%). They seem to have gone over to the dark side. I’m not sure if its a case of legitimate choice, brainwashing or just pretending under to “get along”. But, I don’t think its the latter ‘cause they express these views even in 1:1 conversations with me (e.g., when no one is eavesdropping). Anyway, must be something in the water.”

We have lived in N California since 1971. We no longer are stunned, amazed or duhhe when supposedly long time conservatives become out and out flaming liberals.

Many after retiring from somewhat conservative companies or bosses, have admitted being liberals all along and played the conservative game until they retired.

One told us he got tired of fighting with his liberal wife, adult children and neighbors in left wing Marin county. Interesting his formerly Uber liberal wife has nothing good to say about Obama.

We have yet to see a long time liberal become a conservative. The husband of a liberal teacher often seems like the old time democrat. He will listen to our challenges of the greens. He and his wife have become very outspoken and anti illegal aliens. They are the paradox couple. They believe in personal responsibility, and their 40 something adult children are very outspoken conservatives owning their own businesses. Yet, they have never voted for a Republican for president or governor. Her family became FDR lovers, and he grew up as a liberal in San Francisco. None of their political beliefs match their realities.

Many after retiring from somewhat conservative companies or bosses, have admitted being liberals all along and played the conservative game until they retired.

Hmmm...had never really considered the possibility that these people where once liberals pretending to be conservatives. Most of the people I refer to, I knew when I was in college (in the MidWest). Its possible they were “pretending” for my benefit, but I kind of doubt it. Even then (last 70s, early 80s), there was more mileage to be gained in Academia from posing as a liberal.

In one case, my “friend” is a show-biz comedy writer who was once a conservative stand-up comedian. He may just be pretending to be liberal, but who really knows? He doesn’t even manage a wink when he says the ridiculous things he says to me in private over drinks.

One hard lesson I’ve learned over the years is that its impossible to really understand other people. So...it is what it is and people do what they do.