I didn't read pat of butter's diary until today. I really enjoyed the comment thread that got going. Love to read about all the different types of families, and the converging circumstances that lead people down one path or another...
-Amy

I started thinking about this question because a diary on DailyKos asked how people grew up to be a progressive Dem.

My father's political views have changed quite a bit over time (he's gone from left to right - long story), but my mother was born, raised, and remains a Democrat.  She is really the source of my political views and values; and her parents were the source of hers, particularly her father's.  She remembers her mother crying when FDR died.  We talked all the time growing up about politics, and we continue to talk about it to this day.

My husband grew up in a generally Democratic family, although his dad is something of a Reagan Democrat, but his family never really discussed politics growing up.  

We talk a lot about politics at home - with each other and sometimes directly with the kids if they ask (i.e. my 6 year old; the 3 year old isn't asking much about it yet).  It's way too early to tell, of course, whether our beliefs will "stick" with them.  I want to raise independent thinkers, but on the other hand it would be tough if they grew up to be right-wingers.  I guess that's part of the whole "Question authority ... except for mommy" idea!

How did you become a progressive?  Did your parents discuss politics around the dinner table?  Are your views similar to theirs?  Are you planning, or attempting, to pass on your political views - if so, what are you doing (or planning to do) to achieve that?