Think back on your High School homeroom for clues

[MineralMan]

into the phenomenon that is Donald Trump. Think about the 30 or so students who sat in that class, day after day, and try to remember their individual personalities, academic abilities and attitudes. If you need a reminder, dig out that old yearbook and look through your class's photos. That will help you remember.

I'm betting you'll recognize exactly which ones are likely to be applauding Donald Trump now. I know I can see them all quite clearly, even after more than 50 years. And guess what? I'm right. My small graduating class from 1963 has a Facebook page that I check now and then. And there they are, cheering for Trump and insulting Clinton supporters.

Frankly, they weren't much different then. That's why I can remember them and recognize them today. The Trump supporters were dullards, bullies, and prejudiced people back then. They still are, apparently, having learned nothing in the ensuing 50 years. I remember them individually, because we had a very small class. Just over 100 members. I attended school with most of them from grammar school, so I knew them then and now remember them very, very well.

It's a sad commentary. Don't let those assholes decide this election, please.

GOTV for Hillary! Please!

[PearliePoo2]

1. You are right on!

I'm a firm believer that people don't really change much from about age 12 on. There are people I haven't seen for 30 or 40 years and though their appearance has obviously changed, the same smile is there, the way they carry themselves, the sense of humor (or lack of one). Yup, the jerks are still the same assholes (the ones that are still alive, that haven't been beaten to death because of their big mouth!)

[Wounded Bear]

2. Yep...

Trump himself said he's pretty much the same person he was at 8 years old.

Believable.

[MineralMan]

6. Didn't he give a teacher a black eye at age 10

and get sent to a military-style boarding school?

[Hoyt]

3. Recently, some folks from 50 years ago have shown up on my FB feed. I actually could not

believe the number of deplorable white wingers I went to school with in the 1960s.

Truthfully, back then, most of the people I knew were not particularly political. It was not until my first sociology class where the professor came in one Monday with a bandaged head from being beaten by police at a big civil right rally that I began to take notice. I still feel lucky for having him because on that day, he tore up the course syllabus and said we are going to talk about civil rights, the war, etc. Great introduction.

Anyway, I really am surprised at the crud some of the old time white wingers post on FB. Even when you point out that it's a lie, and that white wing websites with "Patriot" in the name are likely racist fronts, they persist. I could defriend them, but I just feel obligated to treat them as Deplorables.

[Wellstone ruled]

4. As usual

your Historical references are spot on. Just chatting about this same subject with one of my Brothers the other day. And as some one said years ago,our paths through life are pretty much determined by our learning years environment and the social-economic groups,as well as parental inputs or lack there of.

Great case study even though unscientific,but so true. Bullies and their circle of comrades seem to travel in lock step through life.

[MineralMan]

7. What was remarkable to me in doing that exercise

was that the people who were kind and supportive back then still are. The kids that constantly sneered at others or actively bullied are still doing that today, too. It could well be that people's personalities are very, very hard to change past a certain age.

Trying to look at myself objectively at that age, I tended to be someone who worked hard to get along with just about everyone. I still do that, as far as I'm able. I was also something of a loner, though, and still am that, too.

[Wellstone ruled]

9. Wow,same for me.

Just kept my head down and pounded the books knowing that was the only way to break our families cycle of repeated stupid. And yes,the Class bully and his close associates either ended up in the Legal System,or are dependent on Social Services to get though the day.

Funny how Karma effects one life. And yet to this day,my life learning survival skills of the era are instinctively used today in public settings. Sorry to say,can spot a Bully or someone whom has been bullied.

Two of my Classmates committed Suicide as a result of being Bullied some thirty plus years ago. Both came out as Gay and their families went nuts,living in a small town,it was all about the Social Image and they could not handle it. One fellow suffered from what is now commonly called PTSD and the other was booze.


And the Guy who Bullied them,well he finally tried that routine one to many times with a certain Highway Patrolman who made sure he resided at the State Crowbar Hotel for a extended stay.

[MyNameGoesHere]

5. Of my graduating class of 28 people

I think two of us would not support tRump. Small town in West Virginia. Fuck those people sucked then and most likely are the same now.

[MineralMan]

8. I don't have any experience with growing up in different

environments. I spent my whole early life in the same small town in California. It may well be that there are regional influences that are very, very strong. I'm sorry to hear about the percentages in your graduating class. Truly.

[TexasProgresive]

10. Maya Angelou said it best

My wife says, "People don't change they just became more of who they really are."

[MineralMan]

11. And she was right.

I've known a few people who changed their lives as they got older, but damned few.