Let's chat about politics
anticipating a fraught year to come
I walked into the elementary school library behind my mother that chilly November day. Bear in mind I had never attended any elementary school, let alone the one a mere mile from my parent’s house. I felt awkward and uncomfortable as if I was intruding on a space that would not accept me. But I walked up to the volunteer’s table and put down my driver’s license with pride, then was handed my ballot. After weeks and months of listening to my father and the other men in the church, I knew that I needed to vote for John McCain even though his running mate was female. Voting “no” on everything was probably the way I was told to vote, I don’t actually remember the issues.
It was a complicated election (although that seems to be true of every single presidential election I have ever voted in). The dispute about Obama’s citizenship, and the issue of Sarah Palin being female, was obviously a sign of the end times (insert heavy eye roll from me now). The war in Iraq had been ongoing. Hurricane Katrina lived in recent memory, as did 9/11. As a homeschooled evangelical, any politician who was pro-choice was an automatic “no”. I was 19 years old, capable of arguing about the “biblical” reasons for a Christian government, and a head full of historical “facts” that proved I lived in a Christian nation that feminists, liberals, and homosexuals were trying to destroy.
God bless America.
That girl was a product of her upbringing, as most of us are at 19 years old. Confident that we know what is right and wrong in the world, full of trust in one particular authority, and ready to fight for it.
Some people stay that way their whole lives, even if they leave their hometown and encounter new things. And some never leave, yet manage to change their worldview, one heartwrenching piece at a time. I did not get to go to college, I live 30 minutes from my parents, and yet I have made choices that are radically different from the way they influenced me at 19.
I lean more pro-choice because good healthcare for women is not just constantly having babies. I think women should have political positions, and there ought to be a better system of childcare and education. Homeschooling is a valid option since the public school system is mired by red tape and unbelievably unrealistic standards. That doesn’t mean that you cannot learn within the public school system.
I do not believe America is a “Christian” nation, I definitely don’t believe former President Trump is a Christian man, and I hope and pray he does even make it onto the ballot next year.
The next 12 months are going to be unpleasant at best and possibly violent at worst. The will be a barrage of ads, texts, and calls defaming candidates, a bombardment of yard signs and flyers making bold and insane declarations, and social media is going to be filled with increasingly harsh opinions on everything. I am dreading it. I want to put my fingers in my ears, singing “LA, LA, LA, LA!” at the top of my lungs until everyone just shuts up.
I want to tell the House of Representatives they are worse than middle schoolers (and I am parenting middle schoolers right now.) I would like President Biden to be an octogenarian in retirement. As a CNA I have cared for many octogenarians, and they should not be running governments, no matter how sharp they are.
As far as my political stance, I am neither Republican nor Democrat. I live in a conservative area and so I seem quite liberal. Yet compared to many liberals I am quite conservative. Since my first election, I have never voted with any confidence. But I will keep going, and next year at 35 years of age I may be surprised. Maybe I will walk in, place my driver’s license down, and accept my ballot with relief and joy at the possibilities before me. Probably not though.
God bless America.
2024 will continue to challenge my beliefs, cause me to evaluate my convictions, and then I will vote accordingly. With a hearty dose of sarcasm and skepticism, I will analyze my options, most of which will not be great. I hope there will be diversity on the ballots and issues that look beyond today to the future. I hope there are people brave enough to tear down selfishness and cruelty.
I have changed my mind and beliefs on a lot of things since I first voted 15 years ago. In the next 15 years, I am likely to change a few more things. In fact, I hope I do. I don't want to be so set on my beliefs that I fail to see the human beings who I share this country with. My vote does matter, but my compassionate care for others matters more.
For the Ears
I don’t usually do audio, but I actually read the essay above because I wanted to really put my tone into it. If you would like to listen it is only about 5 minutes long.
As a break from the voices of debate, I am enjoying this album of moody instrumentals.
For the Eyes
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is one of my favorite movies ever. Starring Jimmy Stewart (from It’s a Wonderful Life) as an idealistic young man thrust into the machinations of D.C. in the Great Depression. Well worth your time.
I just finished reading White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and definitely was made aware of some blind spots in my own worldview.
For the Taste Buds
Okay, enough with serious and depressing stuff. What is everyone enjoying for food this time of year? I am really grateful for my crockpot because chili and soup are regulars during the busyness of basketball. It’s also great to have kids who bake cookies as I just don’t have time to keep the cookie jar filled. Loaded baked potatoes are another go-to for dinner.
What are your comforting go-to meals for this time of year?
Mayu this week bring hope to your senses and your soul.
This resonates also with moderate muslims in America. They can't find themselves in the current political system. One side vilifies and dehumanizes them, the other tokenizes them for votes.
The recent politics in the US laid it bare for Muslims in the US political system that nobody cares about them. That they're just used for political gains. I think sense of disenfranchisement resonates too with African Americans, who generally vote democrats because this version of the Republican Party isn't really in their favor, nor an ally to them.
You're not alone in your confusion. I think about it too, if I were in the US how will I vote? Republicans want to maintain a sense of 'moral boundaries' to society, but their version is so unhinged and extreme that they'll do anything to oppress me, aside from the leadership that has nothing to do with Christianity. On the other hand, the left might be easier, but some of the things they do go explicitly against my belief system. It's a tough position. I hope you find your peace with it.
I loved listening to you reading this!