OK, I was thinking last night about how my political views have changed since 2011, when I first discovered this site as a Junior in High School to today. And I have changed a lot in that regard. Some of it motivated by fellow NSers but most not. So, this is honesty time. And not a thread to flame others, becuase most of the content is about past or changed views anyways. That is one thing about humanity I have faith in. We change. For better or worse we can change.
So, the questions are: 1, Has your politics changed since being a member of the NS community? 2, If so were other NSers involved? And 3, what were the changes?
When I created my first nation called Adamassa and then Gearria I was a Republican Federalist. And I was a supporter of the War on Terror, and was nervous about the Patriot Acts, but then decided I could trust the government with it. Most of my time in this period was spent RPing so when my political views changed to a more centrist area as defined by the Modern Whig Party, NSers had little to do with it.
Then Senior year hit and and I decided to research all manner of third parties in search of a platform where I fit. I came across the Green Party, CPUSA and even 'The Rent is Too Damn High' party. But then I came up[on something I never heard of before, that sparked my interest.
'Southern Nationalism'
I spent about a month debating with southern nationalist on SNN, or Southern Nationalist Network as a dedicated Unionist. And to this day I am not sure why I stuck around the site as long as I did. But Whereas I felt connected to other parties by simple common ideas, Southern Nationalists appealed to my culture and identity as a southerner. And on the advice of someone on the site I purchased "The South was Right" and read it several times. And not long after I joined online.
But actual participation was minimal as after graduation I went through a near homeless phase after moving away back to my home state of Georgia. And was unable to pay any dues and was eventually forced to move back to Louisiana. When I returned I again went on a job hunt and found work at a Waffle House. And last night I found an old newsletter from the 'League of the South' and It got me started on thinking about my past choices.
While a member for a year, I met many southern nationalist. And while I liked some and agreed that the Federal government had grown too large, the message of southern independence was aimed at not all southerners. Black and White. But just white mostly. Now, as I know history, modern southern culture would not be possible without the contributions of African Americans. And when I pointed this out in what meetings I did attend, I was ignored and alienated.
But I had a cause. A free south.
Only the south I wanted was not supported by the League. Then I realized gradually over time that while secession movements in the US, both north and south are growing the atmosphere is still not right for it. And may not be for a long time. Then I had to come to the realization that for better or worse, my home state and my current state are both inside this federal union. So while I may not have any real ties to people in California, Hawaii and Idaho, we still effect each other until such day we are separated if that ever comes.
So, I was faced with a choice I have been pondering. Do I, renew my membership in a organization I have little in common with other than a few abstract principles who caught me in an identity crisis. Or move on and find a new way to get involved, a more productive way.
My time in the LS, took up most of my time on this site and I posted numerous threads on General in that time under different accounts. But, the League did interest me in my own culture and sparked my pride in being southern. So I dont regret my time per se. But, I have decided not to renew my membership and this is where me and the League part ways.
Do I believe in secession and nullification? Yes. Do I believe that the south could be independent if given a chance and opportunity? Yes. But I realize that as long as we do remain in this Union, if we are to better the South. We have to better the Union it is tied to. So, I am in something of a transitional phase.
I have went from Republican, to centrist and to southern nationalist and then to a state where I am just trying to regroup.
So, what are your stories NSG?
