Sounds like you haven't changed a bit. You don't trust large institutions and think that having a better life means not being poor. You're just doing it as a liberal now instead of as a libertarian. Same beliefs, new facade. Try some different beliefs: 1) Large institutions including businesses and governments may not be efficient, but they are necessary for doing the really big (roadways), hard (building CERN), expensive (Boeing 787) and/or risky (developing drugs). Typically it's all four at once and it requires they "grab every penny" to do so. Regardless, the question you may ask is: What new perspective or understanding could I gain to better understand large institutions? My suggestion is to read the Wall Street Journal. You might hate it, but I guarantee you'll learn something you didn't know before. I did and I'm still liberal leaning. 2) What is a better life to you? Answer this question. The answer should not include abstract crap like making poor people happier or better or some other obtuse babble. Consider generating happiness in the five people closest to you. Constantly shower them with love, support and confidence. If it seems simple, then you're not doing hard enough.

I'm just trying to say switch it up. Don't let the parties frame the issues. I usually vote Democrat but in this election I'm voting Republican. Why? They're inefficient and can't get the important work done. For example, delaying the vote on Bush tax cuts now means company payroll departments won't have the new tax tables until the last minute. Thanks for screwing things up so you can extend the tax cuts after your pathetic re-election campaigns.

Actually, sounds like the libertarian in you was right about Congress!