I have a few instances where I have changed my mind significantly in the last several years.
I was previously in agreement with many libertarians and some democrats that military spending should be drastically cut back to the point where we only spent what was needed to secure our borders from foreign invasion. I have changed my mind and now agree with most republicans and a smaller number of democrats that authoritarian regimes are an existential threat to both the US and democracy in general, and the only thing keeping authoritarian regimes in check is the US ability to project power via our military globally and not merely at our doorstep.
I was also previously against almost any social issue being a matter of states rights, and felt most social matters should be settled by a federal government. I have changed my mind and now believe that most should be settled at the state level. This is due to learning more about the long standing cultural differences of the various cultural regions of our country, and an acceptance that no human power exists to change those cultures without resorting to authoritarianism. “If you don’t like it, move states,” is now my prevailing view. On a personal note, I still vote very liberal on social matters.
I was also previously against the idea of “more cops on the street.” I am now for it, however I am also in favor of vast and sweeping increases in social services and rehabilitation services for drug offenders and domestic violence offenders. Cops aren’t sufficient, but they are absolutely necessary. We need way more of both.
