Polarized political views.

[Locut0s]

What would you think of someone who had a very polarized political personality, who on the one had was a right wing wing nut on certain issues and very liberal and progressive on others? I know such a person in another forum I talk in. As long as someone doesn't goad him on issues of the war in Iraq I almost always find myself in complete agreement with him, and I'm pretty far left. His views are pretty liberal on just about any social issue, gay marriage, drugs, etc... And for the most part he can't stand Bush and the Christian conservative movement (he's an atheist, as am I). But push him on Iraq and a totally different, Ann Coulter, personality emerges and he starts saying things I can hardly believe hearing. Anyone else know people like this?

[Old Mouse]

1. People are individuals

and it's refreshing when someone comes to their own conclusions on topics.

But it sounds more that your friend is in transition.

[mhr]

2. Yes - We Have Had Several Trolls From Free Republic In The Last

Few hours spouting just this type of rhetoric.

They don't last long.

[Lexingtonian]

3. People have pasts and environments

Which is to say, pasts and environments they haven't overcome. There are pretty typical things of the kind that will corellate with being crime victims of certain kinds, or ethnic group, or social class, or being first or second generation immigrant, or even profession. In the case you provide, an youngish neocon pro-Israel Jewish person or reactionary 9/11 victim relative would represent a plausible first guess. Or someone who identifies that way vicariously. Individuals do vary widely; but the stance you mention is not uncommon.

[blurp]

4. Maybe he's a libertarian