"Never discuss politics in mixed company."

I can’t help it. I love politics. Well, not politics, but the process of government. Why is it taboo to discuss politics? Is it because it never ends well, the discussion itself is divisive and fiery? We should be able to discuss politics; our vote affects everyone with whom we share citizenship. Heck, our vote and our election outcomes affect the entire world.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I get pretty fired up when it comes to politics. And maybe that’s why we’re not to discuss them, because our beliefs come from a very personal place. Or, at least, they should. My political philosophies are derivative of my very personal experiences. They are the product of observation and introspection. Can anyone really vote straight ticket? Can anyone really hold themselves and their convictions to a standard of checklists on where they are supposed to stand on issues? I hope not. (But I realize people a lot of people do.)

I would like to keep my blog light-hearted and enjoyable to read, but you’ll have to excuse me during this election. I need to talk politics. In no way do I think I am right in my beliefs and that anyone who disagrees with me is wrong, but I have “argued” both sides of many arguments with myself before claiming to have a conviction. I am always up for healthy, respectful debate with others. NOT to win an argument (can an argument ever really be won?), but to share and exchange ideas. I think my ideals are pretty solid, but I still have a lot of life to live. New experiences might shape me, interaction with people of different ideals might shape me; I just hope to always be inspired. I wouldn’t suggest that my opinions and beliefs are unwavering, but it takes a lot to change my mind. I don’t necessarily care to share someone else’s way of thinking, but I do like to hear about it, so I can try to understand why someone feels completely opposite the way I do. Hearing someone out, understanding them; it can either make you stronger in your own convictions or it can make you a more tolerant person. Aren’t those both positive outcomes?

I’m sincerely sorry if my views offend anyone personally, I really am. I realize that a lot of my comments have been snarky as of late, and I don’t want to come across as bitter. But I’ll be honest: I am a little bitter. As a young, female Republican, I often stand alone. And that’s fine with me. My beliefs are strong enough that I don’t mind standing alone. But my bitterness stems from the fact that, everywhere I look, my party and my personal ideals are being bashed. And there is no such thing as objective journalism anymore. I couldn’t care less about celebrities and what they have to say, but how about news anchors? Shouldn’t I be able to count on them for objective news reporting? No such luck. The news consists of two things: the glorification of Barack Obama, and editorial on President Bush.

Oh, the Bush-bashing. From everyone. It’s so tired. “1-20-09” as the bumper stickers say. I can’t wait, either. Because then I don’t have to listen to it anymore.

You had me when you exercised your right to disagree with this war. (Well, those of you who did so without rhetoric.)



You had me when you decried his spending, and his budget cuts in all the wrong places.

You had me when you said he is the worst.public.speaker.ever.

But you lost me when you started blaming him for every.single.thing that’s wrong with the world.

September 11th was an inside job. If it wasn't, September 11th was his fault. And you don't like his counter-terrorism measures.



Natural disasters are his fault.

The price of gas is his fault (forget the fact that oil prices are based on consumption speculation.)

And the corn you're putting in your car is just as expensive AND makes food cost go up.

The sub-prime mortgage crisis, the fact that many Americans overspent, is Bush's fault. No, wait...it's the banks' fault? That’s like blaming the kid at Best Buy for selling you a 60” flat screen when all you could afford was a 19” analog t.v.

Bush killed Kenny. BASTARD!

These things (and many others) are entirely the fault of George W. Bush. I’m over it, sheeple. It’s not cool anymore. Bush-bashing is about as ironic as yelling “Free Bird” at a concert.

So forgive me for my sense of entitlement to throw a few jabs at Obama. (And McCain, for that matter.) I’ve heard what the celebrities have to say, what Jon Stewart has to say, what the mainstream media has to say, and what some popular bloggers have to say. I’ve even taken a jab or twenty from family and friends. It’s my turn to say what’s on my mind.

I just want you guys to know where I’m coming from. I’m going to be posting a bit about where I stand on the issues. I feel the need to let you know why I’m a Republican despite the fact that I’m not a gun-toting homophobe. You don’t have to read it. If you do, feel free to comment. We can agree, we can respectfully disagree. It’s all good. Again, I’m not looking for a debate. I don’t think there’s going to be any convincing done on either of our parts, and that’s fine. We can just let each other know where we’re coming from, okay?

Just wanted to issue a warning, because it's easy to support free speech until someone's saying something you disagree with...