I was going to say who (whom?? gads I hate that one) I voted for, but out of respect for my home that I don't want T.P.'d, I think I'll keep quiet. And I'm pretty sure that just gave it away. OK - the cat is out of the bag. I voted for Obama. Go ahead and get out your eggs! =)
Alright. I think I've been pretty good this election season and kept fairly quiet about my political views, but it's election day (my favorite day of the year other than Christmas!) and I just have to air my thoughts. Rest assured, I have absolutely no intention of debating candidates or policies or Sarah Palin's wardrobe.
I have to begin by saying that after experiencing my first Presidential election in CO, I am astounded and a little disappointed by how utterly one-sided this race has been, at least here in our little neck of the woods. I am literally the only person I know within 10 square miles that voted for Obama. There was one other guy that was going to, but even he changed his mind at the last minute! LOL. Granted, we really do live on the outskirts of the wilderness here, so it shouldn't be too surprising. OK, but seriously!!! How does this happen???? Coming from Seattle, you'd think I'd be used to seeing partisan politics (albeit on the other side of the coin), but I've never seen anything like this.
On a personal note, I'm also surprised at how isolated this has made me feel. There has been plenty of good natured ribbing, which I SO don't mind and think is fun, but even so, it's depressing that I have to call someone 3 states away to find a similar point of view. It also makes "political debates" a joke, because it kind of sucks being the only person on one side of an argument.
Now let me clarify - this doesn't mean that I am secretly deriding and ridiculing anyone who voted for McCain (that would mean my entire social circle so that would be silly). Ammon and I have never voted for the same candidate, but I've always respected his opinion because he reads and thinks and discusses and THEN votes. Novel idea! How can I argue with his decision when he has perfectly legitimate reasons for making it? The point is, I think anyone that votes for McCain with valid reasons makes a wise decision, and the same for Obama. What I can't stand is partisan politics, and assumptions about political affiliation based solely on demographics. Does the fact that I am a white, mid 30's, Mormon, stay-at-home-mom automatically make me a Republican? Of course not.
My single biggest irritation during this election has been comments made by people who assumed that, of course, I'd be voting for McCain. I'm surprised by some of the offensive, ridiculous, and extreme things I've heard people say before they knew I wasn't part of the club. I think it's a particular type of arrogance to assume that everyone you know must think the same way, because it is so clearly just a question of right and wrong.
What gives anyone the idea that there is one right answer in any political discussion? That because we share religious beliefs that automatically translates into politics as well?
First of all, don't assume you know someone's political views. If the leaders of our church don't publicly endorse a certain candidate, then we probably shouldn't either. At least my friends that tease me know my views and are respectful. Besides, I think it helps open the topic up for discussion.
AAAAAAAAAAAAH!hhhhhHH!!!!!!! Ammon keeps interrupting me saying "Did you vote yet for EVIL GENIUS???" I'm going to strangle him!!!!!!!!!!
Gads I am blathering now, and starting to foam at the mouth. Perhaps that's my cue to stop? lol.
OK, off the soapbox. Whomever (whoever??) you voted for, Happy Returns!
1 year ago
7 comments:
Thats so funny because my neighborhood is COVERED in Obama/Biden signs. We went to a Halloween party on Sat and every single person said they were voting for Obama. And we only live like 20 min away from you!
Thank you Micaela! Here's to voting with education and not just blind arrogance, regardless of your party of choice. Chances are that not every person who makes up the 95% republican population (approximately) here in Idaho actually chose to be republican based on a personal effort to be educated and informed. That is what bothers me. But the same goes for democrats as well - what's important is that people base their choice on valid information and personally-discovered conviction. True though, I know it's hard to be educated with the snarly politicking that happens, skewing of statistics and information, etc.
Hey Micaela! (I've never posted on your blog before... hope you don't mind that I've been reading it!) :)
AMEN to your post!!! I could not agree with you more. I totally respect anyone who votes for any candidate for valid reasons. My husband and I are both Obama supporters, but I have no problem with people voting for McCain if they feel he is the better candidate. Like you, I get very irritated with people assuming that Mormons automatically vote Republican. I have also been surprised - and appalled at times - to hear some of the offensive and quite hateful things some people have said during this election. The whole thing has definitely been an eye-opening experience for me.
We should have talked politics sooner - then you wouldn't have felt so isolated! :)
Amen, I think if everyone actually researched the candidates, it would've been much different presidential race.
I'm not kidding you that one of my dearest friends sent me a text yesterday that said, and I quote, "It looks like Obama is ahead. I'm sure that will change when the white people get off work and go vote." I was dumbfounded that ANYONE would EVER be so...I don't even thing ignorant is a strong enough word. Maybe she was joking (I sincerely hope she was!) but I was BEYOND offended!!!
My favorite is people who are shocked that I could vote for anyone who supports abortion--as if it the only issue in every race. However, I just moved to Utah and was pretty impressed because 40-some percent voted for Obama. That's progress, I'd say!
I have to say that I enjoyed our little talks... it's fun to find things out about people that you aren't expecting, not that I was EXPECTING you to be Republican, but I respect your views and you have become one of my favorite people to talk about stuff like this with. I am always thinking, "Oh, I have to tell Micaela!" I like having someone to talk with who makes me think about things I hadn't thought of before. And I think there will be a lot of good Obama can do for the country right now that McCain most likely wouldn't have been able to accomplish. I find myself getting excited at his potential. He sure can "talk the talk" and I am anxious to see if he can "walk the walk" ya know? Anyways, here's to all the good natured debates to come, and please tell me if my teasing every gets out of control!
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