As we are closing in on the election, my inbox has become increasingly
flooded with emails from relatives who disagree with my choice of
candidate. The emails range from inquisitive to downright mean. What
bothers me the most is that there are so many people who have no
respect for someone else's choices, whatsoever. I admit, I am tired of
the misconception that keeps being spread that if you vote Democrat the
following instantly apply to you:
1. You are atheist.
2. You love trees more than babies.
3. You don't believe in the 2nd Amendment, the right to bear arms.
4. You don't understand "war" and when it is/isn't necessary.
5. You are anti-military.
I am here to tell you that it's NOT the case. I am neither atheist nor
agnostic. I have a very deep and strong faith of my own choosing, one
in which I rarely share with people because it's MY choice, not theirs.
I also know to have respect for OTHER faiths, regardless of what it may
be. I don't have to believe their faith, I don't have to like it or
agree with it, but I will respect it and honor their decision to the
end.
I think babies are wonderful, and tried for six years to have one
before finally having Lauren. However, I also know that none of us will
survive without oxygen, and trees and plants create oxygen. You can't
have babies if you can't breathe. What is wrong with wanting to
preserve our natural resources? Trees and babies are not a "one or the
other" scenario.
Also, I represent the gun-toting faction of the Democrat ticket. While
I do think it would a wonderful world if we didn't need war or
self-defense, it's not realistic. War sometimes IS the answer, and
sometimes you need to defend yourself against people with far less
morals and who would take advantage. I do wish for a utopian society
where everyone is rainbows and sunshine, but I'm not naive enough to
think there's a chance of its existence in our lifetime. It doesn't
hurt to try for peaceful solutions FIRST, however.
I come from a military family, on both sides of the family. I, myself,
almost joined the Army so that I could fly those awesome assault
helicopters called "Apache". I love and respect the military, that will
never change. It doesn't mean I have to vote Republican, however. GOP
isn't the only party who will treat our armed forces with respect and
admiration. To say so is short-sided.
I am ready for this election to be over. I'm tired, weary from the last
eight years. I'm ready for change, and I am ready for people I know to
get it right before they hit "forward" on that email someone forwarded
to them.
