Why Educating Yourself on the Issues is Important

[Kimluvsher2boys]

It feels like yesterday that I stood in front of a large stage, waving an American Flag and proudly displaying a George H. W. Bush pin on my chest.  I was never so proud to be an American and a member of the Republican party.  But why? Why did I have these strong feelings?  The truth is that I have absolutely no idea. Patriotism I suppose.

As someone who was raised in a predominately Republican State, Republican household, and married into a staunch Republican family, I never even gave it a second thought.  I registered Republican and voted Republican, but did I really know or understand the issues?

Some of you may ask why I would vote for so many years and not have a clue as to what I was voting for, and to you I would say, "good question"' I can remember countless times arguing/debating with my father regarding issues such as homosexual rights, women's rights etc, and not even realizing that the very rights that I fought for so diligently and strongly were the same rights that I was voting against.

As a child of the 70's, I somewhat remember the Women's Liberation Movement, and although I do not fit into the category of some over the top feminist, I do believe in progressive thinking and the thought of regression or oppression for any sex, race or religion makes me want to fight that much harder for change.

As someone that is no stranger to being a rebel, what took me so long to come to this this pinnacle moment in my life?  I have always stood my ground on everything.....My family has this combination of fascination and fear of me as the black sheep.  I get behind the door kudos for my ability to go against the flow....I did my share of illegal drugs, I quit High School, went back to finish, took College classes, but never finished, I have tattoos, I have my belly pierced, I let my kids pierce their ears, and grow their hair long.  I believe in self expression, and self exploration....

Here lies the beauty of the realization of "Free Will".  I had the power all along, even if it was with just one vote to support the majority of things in which I believed in.  Call it an epiphany, call it a rebirth, call it crazy, but for me it was at that moment of being absolutely true to the issues that are so important to me.  I am pro-life (for myself), but pro-choice for women, I support our troops, but don't support this war, I believe in equality amongst all people, even homosexuals.  I do agree in the right to bear arms, as it is my constitutional right, and although we fall under the category of Americans that will not see a tax break by the Democrats, it seems a small price to pay for allowing progressive change for all Americans.

So why did it take me all these years to come to this conclusion?  Maybe it was easy, maybe I was a victim of upbringing, circumstance, environment, or just plain ignorance, or maybe it is a combination of all the above.....But now that I have taken back my voice, I plan to be heard.....If only by one vote, so educate yourselves on platforms and issues ladies.  It is more important than you may think

[mhnj]

Sep. 6, 2008 at 11:15 AM

Good for you!  It's great that you came to the point where you choose for yourself and wisely not party based or because of a need to go with popular opinion. This will definitely be an interesting election, it has engaged so many people thus far.

[onie_p]

Sep. 7, 2008 at 4:09 AM

Everyone should be as wise as you!!!! Kudos

[wallylicious]

Sep. 27, 2008 at 3:02 AM

that was beautiful!