If Only I Could Think Of A Cool Name...

This is something that has been on my mind for well, practically forever. I just want to say something and I hope people won’t try to set me on fire for it @___@

So, for those that don’t know, I am a registered republican. And I am one for several reasons, but I’ll get into that in a little bit. The problem that I have is that more and more, (especially here on tumblr or Facebook or even just in my day to day life) I see republicans displayed as this sort of evil force. But not all of us are spawned from the devil you know. And I sort of understand portraying politicians in this light, because frankly, it doesn’t matter which party you are affiliated with, they all have ulterior motives and there’s a whole lot of smoke and mirrors no matter which side you bat for. But, it really gets frustrating that I usually end up getting the same treatment if I ever happen to reveal my political standing. I especially find it frustrating since I have absolutely no issue with you being democrat or independent or green or whatever. That is one of our privileged rights in this country, to pick your political party, so why would I be upset if you choose a different party than me? But, just about around voting time, I have to usually hide my affiliation like a state secret because heaven forbid if I mention it. If I do, I usually tend to get a lecture on why I shouldn’t vote for who I want to vote for. And I just have to mention really quick that this seems to be something that people outside of the republican party do quite a bit; asking which candidate you are voting for. Every republican I know would never ask this. Mostly because it’s none of anyone’s business! Voting is held in secret for a reason so I find it incredibly rude to walk up to someone and ask them who they are voting for. And I don’t want to lump people into a category (like I get lumped) but if I ever meet any sort of opposition, it’s usually from a die-hard democrat. Which kills me, because in general, the party represents a front of equality and understanding and yet, if I mention that I am a republican it’s like I am the subject of a witch hunt. It sort of reminds me of some Christians; they promote love and understanding yet some are only loving and understanding to those that share the same faith as them and treat all others like the spawn of satan. Again, this is not all democrats, but unfortunately (maybe its the area I live in) most I meet tend to turn very sour when they figure out my standing. Anyway…

It’s especially bad on campus. Oh my goodness, during the whole Obama vs. McCain election, there were strangers coming up to me asking me who I was going to vote for. I usually say “None of your business” but since I didn’t proudly proclaim “Obama!”, it’s blatantly obvious where I stood. But, sometimes I would just tell them McCain to try to end the convo, but it never worked that way. If I did that, it was usually followed with the top 10 reasons that I should not vote for McCain. And that’s the other thing that really bothers me. I don’t think it’s right for people to sit there and tell you who you should or shouldn’t vote for. I mean, if someone was standing there and trying to just convince people to vote and then giving them information on both parties, then I would have no issue. But spouting propaganda (for either side) and trying to influence others to vote the way you want them to vote is just… wrong. And I mean, theres a reason they do this on college campuses. It’s because a good portion of the populous is uninformed and easily swayed. For me personally, I really do not care who you vote for. I just care that you actually have a solid reason as to why you are voting the way you are. What killed me during the 2008 election is that most of the students on campus were either voting for Obama because one: they liked him, two: they wanted him to be the first black president or three: they didn’t like the other guy/ Obama was the lesser of two evils. All of those are BAD reasons to vote for someone. Hell, I liked Obama too, but I am not going to vote for someone just because they are charming. Hitler was an incredibly charming and influential man and look how that turned out. (please don’t think I just compared Obama to Hitler, omgggg. lol) And voting for him for the second reason is also not valid. Then the third reason. If I don’t like either party then I will not vote for a presidential candidate. I think it’s better to not vote than to vote without any real reason. I just wish more people would do their research and vote for the candidate that matches up with what they also believe in. Not just because they like the person or hate the other.

On to the reasons why I am a member of the republican party. First of all, I have to say, I do not actually believe/vote on all republican sides of the issues. I consider myself more morally and financially republican and then perhaps more moderate when it comes to social issues. I believe in personal responsibility and less government. I believe that people should stop relying on the government to fix their issues and stand up and fix them on their own. I understand that sometimes the government needs to step in to help with some things. But not every single problem to the point where people just turn to the government for constant hand outs. Socially though, I have no issue with Gay marriage. I think every person should be with whomever they want to be with and that it’s no one’s place to say otherwise. And yes, I am pro-life, I would never abort and I don’t think anyone ever should. BUT, I do not believe it is in the government’s power (or even my power) to decide what you can or can not do with YOUR BODY. (I guess that technically makes me pro-choice? eh, whatever. I really don’t like titles.) The same goes for drugs. I am not a drug user, but at the same time I really don’t think it’s the government’s decision as to what substances you can introduce into your body. Anyway, I know the social issues are possibly the most important ones for most people when choosing a candidate to vote for, but honestly, the other issues concern me much more, which is why I vote mostly republican.

I guess my point is, even though I am republican and you’re a democrat, I am really not all that much different than you. But I don’t want to have to defend myself every time I mention my affiliation. I am tired of being treated like an immoral person just because I didn’t vote for Obama and won’t again. I just hope that at some point, I can mention that I am republican during a political discussion and that I won’t be scoffed at by someone in the convo. And I hope that I can have more civil conversations with people on political issues without being treated like a soulless automaton. I care about other people, I really do. I just don’t think it’s up to the government to fix everyone’s issues. I think that we as a people should take up more responsibility with ourselves to make things better that we see wrong in the world, instead of asking the government to do it for us. Anyway, I just really hope that some people will read this and not judge people because of who they vote for. That goes for both sides.