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That is both the ethical core and psychological heart of what it means to be a part of the left. That is where the gratification comes from. To see yourself as a social redeemer. To feel anointed. In other words: To be progressive is itself the most satisfying narcissism.

When I finally began to grow up and honestly study my "beliefs" this is exactly what I learned about myself. It wasn't pretty. Looking in the mirror was hard and painful. I realized that I cast my first vote for president for George McGovern because it made me feel self-righteous and smug. Another key for me- my entire family was Republican- (even some Goldwater Republicans) and my greatest concern at that time was showing them the selfish error they were making. Little did I understand that I was the selfish one! Ahhhh...the irony.

Maturing is never easy. Growing up as a baby-boomer was hard because little was required of us. But grow up I did- eventually. I look back with shame at my vote for McGovern- yet like other libs who woke up- my current convictions are not based on fantasy, but on clarity.