Wednesday, October 15, 2008

brought to you by the letter V

I haven't ever been particularly political. While I aspire to be a patriotic American, I fall short of really knowing my issues, candidates and bills. I know the basics, but I don't really delve deeply into the views of the particular parties or candidates. I read a little bit, I watch a little Jon Stewart, a little Tina Fey and some CNN.

But I don't really talk about it all that much. I don't get the bumper stickers or the yard signs and I don't rush to the primaries. Maybe you might label me as apathetic, but I do my part. I vote. I support charities. I pay my taxes.

But, I don't bring my views to work. I don't sit around at lunch and talk about how stupid the other candidate might be. I don't trash the other party.

Here's why:

You never know who's sitting in that room. You don't. At all. I don't know who's reading this blog. I can imagine that there are people out there that support both parties and both candidates. And here's a news flash...THAT'S OK!

It's ok that you might want to vote for the other guy. THAT IS YOUR RIGHT. As an American. That's why there are TWO candidates...so we have a choice who we want to run our country.

I try to be respectful of other people's views and beliefs, and even if I disagree, it really isn't my place to attempt to change their minds. Not at my job. Sure, if I have someone over to my house and we're talking politics, I might take a minute to point out some things, but that's in the safety of my house. In the relative public arena of my teacher's lounge, I feel that room isn't the place to broadcast my political views. I don't want to get into it with my co-workers. I have too much to do at work to sit around and debate the election.

So, whatever your choice is, I respect it. I'm just sayin'. And you may choose to write about it on your blog, but I will not be telling you who I am voting for. That's my business. And your vote is your business.

Ok, off the soapbox now.

10 comments:

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I completely concur. It drives me crazy to have someone assume that I am going to vote like they do. Or that I must feel the same way that they do about a particular issue. And I am so non-confrontational - but on the inside I am livid.

I used to be a Creative Memories consultant. And I was at a monthly meeting - and the leader handed out bumper stickers that supported her candidate. And even had the nerve to shout "Go_____!" It was so inappropriate. But I could not bring myself to say anything.

Nichole said...

I agree!!

The other day at work I was waiting for one of my kids to come out of the bathroom. As I was standing in the hallway I heard one playground supervisor (in his 50s) asking the other 2 supervisors (college students) if they were planning to vote. They said they didn't really know because they didn't know much about the candidates. The older supervisor actually said "Well, then I will tell you who to vote for and you can just go in and do it. Don't you think the Republicans have had enough time in there?" And he went on, and on, and on. I felt so bad for those two college kids and I wanted so badly to tell other guy to just shut up, they can make up their own minds!

Sorry that was so long! It just really irritated me.

Rebekah said...

Interesting how we differ in our perspectives.

While I would never hold someone's beliefs against them, or shove my candidate down their throat-
I would gladly share with them why I support my candidate of choice.

Lula! said...

You are a political genius. I hope you win the election, Sissy.

And when you do, Caroline and I are totally coming to visit. We're staying in the Lincoln Bedroom.

Lauren and Justin said...

PREACH IT SISTER!!!!!!! gosh i love it. It is A-OK to vote for whoever you want! I don't want people to put me down for my vote, so I'm not going to put others down for theirs. Oh, you have hit home today for me, Sissie :)

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Well said...I did a similar post recently. I feel like my candidate (who I will not divulge either) is the best for the job but understand that other people feel just as passionately about their candidate. It doesn't do anybody any good to get all scrappy about it!!

Frizzy said...

I've never been in a political debate until I was in Vegas last month. Oh my goodness did I get reamed for my thoughts and choice in who I plan to vote for. I am with you and have in the past been able to stay out of such volitile (Sp) conversations. That night the lady called too many names and had too many insults for me to keep quiet. That was where I drew the line.

Mommy said...

Ditto.

Jennifer P. said...

I'll just say: I AM voting :)--for whoever is cutest ha! ha!

HiHoOhio said...

Agreed!!!!