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?
