I'm 'brainwashing' a 12 year old.
At least, that's what his mother, my BFF, says.
I've mentioned before that she is a Republican. Moderate, but still... 
One of her sons asked me to marry him when he was 8 (I was 44, so it was quite controversial. I was also engaged. 
). He friended me on FB a couple of years ago and has been following me ever since. The BFF said he reads every single thing I post and then goes on to read all the links, etc. Then, he starts doing his own research.
She said they'll be having a normal conversation at dinner when someone will mention something that sets him off. He jumps on his soapbox and gives a political smackdown to everyone at the table. She said I've brainwashed her son into becoming a Junior Liberal. 
He posts some really interesting things, himself. Most of it having to do with social justice and bullying. He's an incredibly smart kid and cute as hell.
I told my bestie that she's in deep shit. She has 6 kids ranging in age from 23 to 8. 4 of those 6 are either Liberals or leaning in that direction. I encourage them as much as possible. 
= new reply since forum marked as read
as we used to say in program. Sounds like your BFF might be a mild case of one of those. 
Heaven forbid you should actually lead the kid to 'do his own research.' 
Love the "Junior Liberal" label, though. 
When I first met her, about 7 years ago, she was a Conservative nutcase. She's advanced into Mod. Republican with some pretty left leaning emotions.
And, she's always encouraged her kids to think for themselves. They're all very smart kids, two are hippies and wandering the Pacific NW as we speak. The one thing I give her a ton of credit for, none of them are an obvious 'favorite'. I've known people with multi-kids before and there always seems to be one that gets more attention and one that gets ignored. She manages to truly adore all of them equally and never judges them on their beliefs or lack of.
That's probably one of the biggest reasons we've been together for so long. That and she's helluva lot of fun to pick on.
That's awesome. Hooray for the tubes of the Internets. 
I got the hair flip and the, "Ugh..ugh...ugh...are you saying I'm a bad mother???" My response, "What would make you think that?"
Driving her nuts is my job. Her husband told her once that I'm her 'reality check'.
...2 of her 6 are further right than she is. I still love them, though.
I do what I can! 
Another year and he'll be old enough to join DU.
They will be brainwashed by loving Aunts and Uncles. Works every time