With the presidential election getting closer and closer people are naturally discussing politics more. It is great that people are out there practicing democracy and giving their opinions and listening. I have, unfortunately, noticed lately that it is getting a little personal. Not the good kind of personal either. 

I am a registered Republican. Please, all the Democrats out there, lower your hackles. Does that mean I follow all the parties stances on all issues? No. I’m pro-gay marriage. Who am I to deny someone the right to marry someone they love? I am pro-choice. I do draw the line on being pro-choice, however, with the late term abortions. If the fetus is viable outside the womb then why not keep it in there a little longer and give it up for adoption? I’m also not very religious. It was never really apart of my life growing up. I respect people’s beliefs and appreciate when they don’t try to convert me.

Why Anne, you the reader might think, those seem like very “Democratic party” views! Plus, I went to an art school. Doesn’t that by default, like everyone assumes, mean I’m a liberal Democrat? Why am I a registered Republican? How am I finding myself fitting into the Republican party? Purely economics. I know this will sound selfish but I don’t really believe in the Robin Hood-esk style of living: stealing from the rich to feed the poor. This might be heartless but: if you can’t feed them, don’t breed them.

Everyone has the means to further themselves and their situation in life. I know the price of higher education. I took out two student loans to pay for my education which I am paying back now. Instead of sitting around and playing a victim people should realize how to improve upon themselves, in my opinion. I know people can come at me arguing otherwise but it is my opinion. I am using italics and excessively stating “my opinion” in hopes people won’t get riled up. Also, in regards to the Robin Hood comment, I’m not about being greedy with my money. I donate to charity. I hope to donate my time as well now that I am situated here. Some of my bleeding-heart feel-good friends don’t even tip waitresses let alone donate money or time. But that is their choice.

Now, do I expect everyone to agree with my opinions? No. Frankly, I think it would scare me if we all just agreed and got along. They are my opinions, not yours.

But, as I stated above, people are starting to take it to a really personal level. I have noticed on a few blogs that I read people are making personal attacks against those who do not share the same political views. Two blogs I frequented everyday disappointed me so badly by doing such that I stopped reading them. If they can’t respect my political views then they’re not worth my time.

One friend takes politics very seriously. Like, “seventeen-year old government class for the first time” type serious. It is to the point where no one really likes discussing politics with them. Tonight they decided to message me a political article support their views. Unfortunately, being distracted, I got snappy with them and rose to their jibe. The friend teased me when I told them that I didn’t want discuss politics and tend to shy away from “deep important conversations.” 

I admit that I tend to avoid them, especially when it is such charged subjects. Does that mean I am not informed? No. Does that mean I am not researching? Definitely not. I know I get riled up easily. I have a short fuse. I know I can be the seventeen-year old government student. I know this about myself so will avoid charged conversations since I know I will take it personally even if I try not to. 

Honestly, I can not wait for this election to be over. I’m kind of getting sick of the constant political talk and debating and people taking it to a personal level for fighting. Please people, when you talk politics respect the other party. It’s simply a respect issue here. I realize people feel strongly about an issue but other people feel strongly about the stance on the other side.

Let us all be objective and respect others as the time for election draws near.