I don’t like to talk about politics. I’ve been keeping my silence and holding my tongue for as long as I can remember as to not make waves since my point of view is radically different than most people I know. I don’t like arguing with anyone about my personal beliefs (I found this out the hard way), and I especially don’t like when someone forces their point of view onto me.
This pushed me over the edge yesterday evening.
A friend who I respect immensely and I were driving around, and he began speaking about politics.
He’s done this before, and I have held my tongue, taking what he said with a grain of salt.
However, he began attacking one of the candidates last night. He stated all the reasons why this particular man was an awful person (instead of why he is an awful politician) and how the country would go to hell if he was elected.
He then told me he’s an independent voter, but he always votes the Christian way.
My head, which had already been aching from his words, about exploded at that point.
I believe both candidates running this year demand respect for their hard work, for what they have been through, for their passion about this country and for their willingness to lead. I believe in listening to them both and making an educated choice based on what they say. I also believe Christians can vote either way because there are so many issues on the table that fall to one side or the other, distributed between the candidates.
And, most importantly, I believe in a message of love, not hatred. I believe in a message of hope, not fear.
I told him I am tired of hearing attacks from both sides about how they aren’t the other. That’s not something that will make me vote for you. I’m tired of hearing jeers and jabs instead of politicians telling me what they believe in. And, even though I wasn’t brave enough to say it last night, I’m tired of listening to someone who clearly has not educated himself bash one of these candidates who has worked so hard to be where he is.
Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and I am encouraged by how many people are passionate about the upcoming election, whether or not their political views are in line with mine. I’m encouraged by how many people feel connected to these candidates and the messages they bring to the table. And I’m encouraged because, for the first time in my life, I feel like I do not have to choose the lesser of two evils.
However, when you start attempting to make your opinion mine, I draw the line.
I'm E.P. I have stylish handwriting. I enjoy a nice cappuccino in the morning. And I am fascinated with capturing life as it is.
{ 14 comments }
Can I get a AMEEEEEN!
it’s hard to talk politics and be nice at the same time
Can I get a HELL YEAH! I, like you, believe for the first time since I’ve been able to vote, that we are winners either way this time.
“Vote the Christian way”?! Omigod, I HATE that mentality. As if Jesus would have been a part of a specific party.
By the way, this is the 5th or 6th blog political blog post I’ve read in my Google Reader this morning. Apparently we bloggers have lots of opinions on the election!
YES! Fabulous post. I hate when candidates smear the other campaign. We don’t need to know how the other will make the country worse, we do need to know how they will make the country better.
Well said! it turns out that my landlord is extremely politically minded, and he loves to talk politics. I’ve found we can have interesting discussion, and I’ve learned a great deal from the man because he’s so interested in history and political science and such. The one thing I’ve found true, in my experience, is that any candidate, democrat or republican, is still a politician. And neither one side or the other side can fully satisfy the needs we have as a country. I think we need to work together more rather than argue quite so much. And, I hope that in the near future, more third party and independent voices can be heard and gain more influence.
You know, nearly every post that I read that starts with, “I don’t usually like to talk politics…” ends up being a well-articulated, well-thought discussion of how the upcoming election is making the writer examine politics more closely, in a personal or global sense. I don’t think you need to feel as though you need to hold back– though I can definitely see where it is advantageous in everyday conversation– because you’ve clearly thought this through, and are just as entitled to your well-considered opinion as any idiot is entitled to their quick impressions (for instance, “Oh, a woman! She’s just like Hillary, right? Sign me up!”). In conclusion…amen, lady!
i agree- i have the same problem with intolerant “always right” people.
This was a great post!! I agree with Carmen from La Petite Bell… I hate people that feel they are always right!
I think that when people throw smears it only sends people the other way like reverse psychology. No one is going to change their mind based on berating other people and name-calling.
It seems that there are many that never achieved that basic skill. Erikson would be rolling over in his grave. Wait, too many psychological references, sorry.
This is why I hate the conventions. I really feel like they turn everything into one big mud-sling instead of getting at the issues. Calling names isn’t the way to change someones mind….and I’m realizing that Tipp just said that right above me. It’s been a rough week, cut me some slack. I did get her Erikson reference, however.
I’ve learned that there are only certain people that I can talk politics with. In cases like this, I usually just change the subject but sometimes, I just can’t keep my mouth shut and I have to argue my point of view!
I have had this exact revelation and then conversation at least 10 times in the last couple of weeks during the conventions. It’s been an especially hot topic here, with the RNC being in my backyard in St. Paul. I am so with you when you say you’re tired of all the attacks and just want to know how each candidate hopes to put this country back on its feet. Kudos, girl. Well said! ~ Lily
fabulous post. really well written.
i completely agree – and what i find more annoying than politically uneducated people bashing the candidates as politicians, is bashing them as PEOPLE.
though they may not be who you want to win, they are running for president of the united states. in almost all cases, that means they’ve worked their ass off.
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