I used to be a leftist. I was pro-choice, pro gun reform, anti-capitalism, anti-military, anti-police, a self-proclaimed feminist, and a militant atheist. I supported a universal basic income, universal healthcare, more social programs, gender ideology, and wanted more government regulations. I believed the United States was a racist, bigoted country and thought socialism was the answer to society’s problems. I wanted open borders, to abolish religion, and believed heavily in equity. But, in the past 5 years, I’ve changed mind on these issues.
The shift in my political and social views didn’t happen overnight or from hearing any single argument. It occurred after my beliefs were consistently challenged and I realized I couldn’t logically or factually substantiate my claims. At first I would become angry when my beliefs were challenged and I couldn’t offer a solid argument. But then, I began questioning my stances and wondered if I really did have things figured out.
Instead of continuing to be outraged and unhinged, I turned inward. I began evaluating my stances one by one. I began seeking out differing perspectives and analyzing if they actually had merit. I stopped posting on social media and instead started listening. I stopped reacting to all the headlines and actually began thinking about the implications of the things I supported. I considered how these things would play out in the long run. I looked into the historical background of things like socialism, the sexual revolution, feminism, and much more.
I grew quiet in my search for the truth. And in that silence, I finally saw it all.
I saw the lies propagated by the media, politicians, and the loudest progressive voices. I saw the hatred of the left thinly veiled behind a mask of proclaimed compassion. I saw the people who screamed about bigotry while being the perfect display of it by hating anyone who was conservative, or even anyone who just disagreed with a particular left-wing stance. I saw my own bigotry and intolerance for those who were religious, conservative, or republican. I saw those on the left who claim to care about minorities and their voices harass and smear anyone in that group who goes against the narrative. I saw the violence the left not only ignores, but actively condones while pointing the finger at the other side.
And then came 2020. I watched as the left burned down buildings, set cars on fire, beat people in the streets, and attacked anyone who didn’t support their “cause”. I watched as democratic leaders allowed people to ruin communities and businesses that were already struggling because of Covid lockdowns. I watched the media paint these as “peaceful protests” instead of the riots they truly were.
I watched as people said anyone who didn’t wear a mask was actively killing people while ignoring those who lost their lives at the hands of “justice seekers” during that summer of unrest. For months the riots raged on and we watched in horror at the violent extremism being touted as completely normal.
And then Joe Biden took office and the very same people who claimed they would never get the vaccine under the Trump presidency, immediately demanded it be required for everyone. The people who believe in “healthcare for all” were the quickest to say those who refused the Jab should not be treated if they were to get sick. They were quick to wish death upon the unvaccinated and redefined “anti-vaxxer” to fit their narrative.
I watched as people lost their jobs and their livelihoods under a crumbling economy and the attempt of the Biden administration to mandate this vaccine, which so many seem to have forgotten. Many times, I’ve heard the phrase “it was never mandated”. Yes, because our Supreme Court had to intervene, but many businesses continued to demand their employees take it since they had already put these plans into motion anticipating the mandate to go through, especially within healthcare.
I watched as healthcare workers once deemed so essential and important lost their jobs after refusing the jab. While Michigan and New York governors stuffed Covid positive patients in with the elderly, who were the most vulnerable to this virus. How many died at the hands of these so-called leaders? How many more died because of the isolation of lockdowns causing dramatic increases in substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, and suicidal ideation?
I’ve watched as the people who claim to be so “caring and empathetic” spew vitriol towards anyone who dare dissent. I’ve watched as those who claim to uphold “body positivity,” encourage children to permanently alter their bodies medically if they feel uncomfortable in any way. I’ve seen the people who claim to be “anti-facist” support government overreach, silencing oppositional views, and stripping Americans of their fundamental right to protect themselves. The people who claim to want to protect kids actively fight to be able to kill the unborn, use every mass shooting tragedy to further their gun reform agenda instead of actually trying to address the problem, and encourage mental illness within our youth by affirming all of their negative feelings. They also encourage actively exposing children to oversexualized ideas, activities, and content. I’ve watched as feminists support biological men invading women’s spaces, compromising safety in addition to taking away prestigious awards and accomplishments.
I’ve watched as democratic politicians try to keep up with their own shifting narratives. Claiming we should defund the police one year, and then saying they believe in rule of law the next as crime runs rampant in all of the major cities they run. I see the lies. The calls for violence. The demonization of Americans who simply disagree with their stances.
There are so many contradictions amongst leftist ideology. So much hypocrisy within the arguments and actions. So much blind loyalty to their faction they refuse to see all of the flaws. All of the clear problems they are creating in the name of “progress”. The Democratic Party has been catering to the far left while claiming to be moderate. The left-wing media controls a specific narrative in favor of leftist ideology while claiming to be impartial. They tell people what to think instead of informing them. They insert their own opinions and present it as fact.
I refuse to bow down to any political party. I refuse to pledge undying loyalty to politicians who have spent a lifetime working against the people they claim to support while raking in millions (and that’s on both sides of the aisle by the way).
I refuse to live in silence for fear of being smeared and harassed. At some point, you have to take a stand against authoritarianism, lest you become an accomplice. I will not aide the efforts of those who seek to dismantle the freedoms this country was founded upon by shutting my mouth and turning my cheek. I will continue to seek knowledge and truth over what “feels” good. I will continue to question every narrative. That is truly the only way forward. Finding a balanced world, in which we can seek compromise. But at the moment, those on the Left demand compliance and obedience.
So, what do I believe in now?
I believe in the inalienable rights protected by our Constitution. I believe in small government, rule of law, and a strong military to protect those freedoms. I believe in family and community. I believe in personal responsibility and rising above your circumstances instead of claiming victimhood. I believe in the individual over the collective. I believe in freedom for every American citizen. I left the Left in 2019 and the past three years have proven I was right to question things.
Ashley you are a talented writer and YouTuber. You are both clear in thought and pithy; a powerful voice to your generation.
Hi Ashley. I’m a year-old-father and grandfather, white, conservative, Christian who was quickly losing confidence in the future of our world. I watched a number of your YouTubes—I am encouraged. Thank you for that. I left the Left for the same reason during the 80s when leaving was easier. You chose a tough path. Congratulations. The rewards are great. One thing I will say is atheism is built on the same paradigm of lies and name calling. The wealth of Truth you have found is a great discovery. I pray you find the Truth behind the truth. You seem like an awesome young lady. Courageous. I pray (and I do pray for you) that the right Christian will cross your path to give you the rest of the Truth. Be safe, but not to safe. Godspeed.