With all of the heightened political tension in the air, there is nothing worse than being a young Republican. Okay maybe that's not the WORST thing but the amount of hate young Republicans receive intensifies the entire situation. For one thing, we are super rare. It's rather difficult to be super passionate about politics when no one around you wants to give you the time of day. Debating is a great way to learn more from your peers but the second you take the right wing, they immediately shut you down as if you were some form of villain. Growing up, I always thought of politics as a two way street: you take one side, someone takes another, you vote, and that's all. I was clearly very, very wrong. It's not just picking a side and voting, it's constant persecution. We are a country that was founded upon a beautiful little thing called "freedom of speech" but the second I speak freely, I am told to keep quiet.

Going to college in a very liberal city truly frightened my parents. They have seen the news and have watched kids be tormented and end up friendless for simply saying they're Republican. Why? Because apparently I'm a racist, homophobic, anti-transgender, anti-women, soulless, wall lover. These are just some of the accusations made daily about young Republicans without even assuming that none of it is probably true. So because of some absurd remarks, I am told to keep my mouth shut and be an independent. Quite frankly, I am tired of the silence and I want to shut down every false accusation. Wanting stricter immigration laws does not make me racist. I truly respect and admire all people and their cultures and their right to start over LEGALLY in a new country to be exposed to new opportunities.

As a friend of many LGBTQ people, I have never in my lifetime had an issue with them or what they do; in fact, I was truly very happy about the supreme court ruling for same sex marriage. I do not define myself as a feminist but I am pro-choice all the way and believe in equal pay in the workplace. When I make all those points, I am usually asked "so why/how are you a republican?" Well, I believe in a flat tax, no increase to minimum wage, less government, more private organizations, strong military, no common core, more power to the individual, etc. I could go on and on about my matching viewpoints on the republican side but that is not the point. I do lean more right wing, therefore I am proud to be a republican, and I wish I was able to say that more often. People should not be offended by someones opinions and beliefs because those belong to us; we are allowed to have them. I'm truly tired of being told that I know nothing about the issues when I actually watch the news daily, constantly study both sides, watch every debate, and talk to as many people as I can about it. Although politics is a big thing right now with the crazy election we are about to have, we must not forget that being apart of a certain party does not mean you 100% agree with everything they stand for nor does it mean that you are a terrible person.