It's amazing how sick I am of the election, and I'm not even in the United States. People in Mexico are interested in the election, and every website I'm on I see some sort of ad or rally of support for one candidate or another. The news headlines are always about the election, and who's ahead in the polls, as if the election is already decided. All of this is understandable, I realize. This is a huge, defining moment for America. Who's elected wil shape the next 4 years of our country, but also leave an indelible mark in history. So, I'll deal with it.
One thing that I can't stand though, is that I'm made out to be an idiot for not voting for Barack Obama. Every one is entitled to their own opinion, yes. People who support Obama can support Obama, and those who support McCain can support McCain. But, if you're trying to make me see it from 'your point of view' is making me feel like an idiot the best way to do it? When I tell people I didn't vote for Obama (I voted absentee last month) I'm greeted with eye rolls, head shaking, and really negative attitudes. It's as if i'm made the worst decision of my life, like I gave my decision no thought and just closed my eyes and filled in my ballot. I gave very serious thought to my decision - I'd like to think of myself as an informed voter. I don't agree with everything John McCain advocates, but does anyone ever truly agree with every single article on a candidate's platform? I agree with him moreso than Obama - so that make's me stupid? I'm sorry, but yes, I do care about the future of my country, and I don't feel Barack Obama is the best answer. You don't feel McCain is...and I'm not telling you you're stupid in anyway. Several people have asked me if I like Sarah Palin. When I say Yes, they begin to talk about how unqualified and dumb she is, and one person even used the word retarded. So, do you equate me with those attributes? Am I mentally disabled if I'm supporting someone who you think is retarded?Should I want to vote for Obama because that I’ll be seen as smart? Well, goodness, I’ll go ahead and change my vote right away. Wouldn’t’ want to be seen by my peers as mentally disabled. If I'm not on the bandwagon, there must be something wrong with me. i must not want healthcare coverage for Americans, and I must only want the rich people to benefit from government regulations. I feel like people see me as this soul-less being because I'm not all about Barack Obama. That's not right.
I've been told that I'm 'crazy' for not supporting Obama. Did it ever occur to you that as strongly as you believe your convictions, I believe mine? Why should I be any more crazy than you, if that's the kind of attitude we're taking. If you were really trying to change my vote for the right reasons, I feel there's a more constructive way to do it.
I'm not attempting to make anyone feel a certain way, or to change thier mind by any means. People can vote for who they want - that's the beauty of democracy. I am one person, and the people I'm referring to are a select group of individuals. I don't represent the entire Republican party, nor do they represent Democrats.I realize there are a lot of problems with the Republican Party - I'm by no means trying to make them out to be an honest group of citizens no more than I'm trying to bash Democrats. I fully believe there are plenty of Republicans who behave in a similar manner, making Obama supporters out to be soulless idiots. And I'm not okay with that, either. I have very little respect for politicians in general, but my decision in this election wasn't made by arbitrarily filling in a circle.
If anything, I would like supporters of both candidates to realize that there are constructive ways to have political conversations. If you're from opposing sides, chances of getting someone to change their vote is slim. But, come on. Making someone out to feel like an idiot for not agreeing with you show's a lack of respect for other's and their opinions. And how stupid is that?
How to get patient opinions: Ask.
10 years ago
3 comments:
I'm glad I read this....As a big Obama supporter/liberal/etc. myself, I think it's unfair of people to treat people who think differently than us like idiots. Yeah, there are definitely people (some of my family members, Dips) that know NOTHING about politics and vote for whoever looks/talks a certain way without knowing anything/caring about the issues. There are also people who vote for McCain because they are genuinely racist, or whatever. But there are people that have legitimate reasons for voting for McCain and I respect that and I'm glad you put yourself out there. It's not really fair for us liberals, who say we want equal rights, to treat Republicans like shit. I'm sure there are plenty of people who voted for Obama, especially here in Mass., because it's who their friends were voting for which basically makes them hypocrits for attacking Republicans for the same thing. Never really thought of that before.
Thanks, Stella. First thing, i love that you included dips in this haha
second, thanks for just taking this for what it is. its not meant to be some crazy rant about how liberals are so mean, hurt my feelings, make me cry, etc. it's just a trend ive noticed over the course of the election, and out of frustration, i just needed to vent. by saying it, i just hoped that people (from both parties) would realize that there are constructive ways to discuss issues, and while you may never see eye to eye and may always see the other person's opinions as 'wrong,' its important to be mature with your words and actions. when you speak, you represent whatever political party you back, in a sense. by saying cruel, negative comments, its like you're speaking on behalf of Barack Obama and rest of the democrats, vice versa for McCain.
Thanks for reading it though - its just something to think about.
Hey I really like this...well thought out and written. Always so proud of my little sis! :)
I wish my office could have seen this. They would go on rants not knowing what side I was voting for, and yet when it was figured out they still were very outspoken and rude. A few times I spoke up (to state FACTS) but basically just kept my mouth shut for the mere fact that it wouldn't be a civil discussion, but would turn into a full blown unprofessional argument. Is that really how democracy should be? Be respectful of others....could you imagine how better off we'd be as a country in addition to the election attitude if everyone followed this!
Uggghhh thank god Nov 4 is over! I think we can ALL agree that it's nice having the political ads off of our tvs and airways.
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