It's time! The Presidential race of 2016 is on! Will another Clinton sit in the white house? Will Bernie Sanders make student loans a thing of the past? Or perhaps Donald Trump will put his name on yet another building. And what about the other 16 Republican candidates?
As a general rule, I don't talk about politics. It's not that I don't care or even dislike the system. I want to get stuff done as much as the next person. And personally, I think the Founding Fathers did a pretty good job.
What I don't like is the arguments, assumptions, and general disrespect that so often come with choosing the Elephant or the Donkey. Too often, friendly debates disintegrate into heated discussions, ultimately ending in a, "who's more wrong" screaming match. And let me tell you, screaming at someone is never going to persuade them to change their mind. If anything, it's only going to make them more resolute in their position.
Now, I've got to give the American people some credit: we are passionate about our beliefs. We are a passionate country! But, when did passion warrant not listening and disrespecting other people's opinions? It's THEIR opinion, not yours. Can't we agree to disagree?
This newfound trend of treating people with malice because they hold a different opinion is ridiculous. Was America not founded so we could believe what we want and not be afraid of being punished for it?
I'm all for sharing opinions; and if that includes protesting, defending your position, or pouring heart and soul into a campaign, DO IT! But, shaming someone for having their own is where I have an issue. It's counterproductive and only promotes the stereotypes that have already created a gap between parties.
We've all seen the back-stabbing political commercials. It's no longer, "Why you should vote for me." It's now, "Why you shouldn't vote for so-and-so." Our society already judges people based on their appearance, income, race, status, etc. Do we really need to add "opinions" to that list (if it's not already there)?
As for myself, I won't lie, I'm uneducated. Of course, as the statistics point out, so is most of the general public. And I'm not going start arguing over something I don't fully understand. I'd much rather be informed about a subject than ripped apart for what little I understand. A concept, that is lacking in the current political scene.
So, I will be voting in the 2016 Presidential election. But until then, I'll be keeping my thoughts private, because it's my vote. If you're open to hearing my opinion, in spite of your own, let's talk. But first, let's agree to disagree!
