Politics. The thing that everyone knows about and wants to talk about but is too scared to discuss. If you're someone who has decided to talk openly about your political views, you probably learned quickly that you subjected yourself to scrutiny. Some don't care and continue to share their thoughts anyway. But if you're like the majority, you most likely decided to stay quiet from then on. I know I did.

But now, after many years of staying silent, I'm speaking up for those still too scared to talk.

When you tell people your political party, you are put on the chopping block. I can't count the number of times I've said "I'm liberal" or "I'm a Democrat" and received dirty looks or scoffs from those around me. In recent years, those words have become part of a social stigma, one that I'm tired of seeing. Democrats aren't all crazy and bad, and I'm here to break the stigma and say I'm a Democrat, and I'm proud, and I don't care what you think.

1. Being a Democrat means believing in equality.

I believe that no matter the race, gender, nationality, or sexuality, everyone should have the same rights. We are no different. Your skin color or sexual preference shouldn't determine the rights you have or the way you're treated. We are all human, and we all wake up and put our pants on the same way.

2. Being a Democrat means caring about the planet.

Earth should hold the utmost importance in people's lives because without it, none of us would be here. The planet we inhabit requires love and nurture like a child, plant, or animal needs to stay alive. Without our care, we will all cease to exist. So drink from that metal straw or carpool. Every little bit helps us stay alive, just a little longer.

3. Being a Democrat means wanting people to feel safe.

No one likes to feel unsafe, especially in their own home, town, or country. While Democratic views on how to achieve the highest level of security in America vary, the one thing that they all agree on is that it is important. Whether you're an immigrant or a native, a man or a woman, an adult or a child, or a millionaire or bankrupt, you deserve to feel safe in the country, place, or time you're in.

4. Being a Democrat means giving to others, even if you lose something yourself.

Healthcare, housing, and education should be something everyone has access to, and if that means some of us are losing a bit of money here and there, then so be it. Without access to these necessities, we are putting a large part of our nation at a disadvantage. If a large portion of us are well off enough to help those less privileged, why shouldn't we? Having a country full of healthy, happy, and educated people doesn't sound that bad to me.

* * *

Wanting safety, peace, and equality isn't a bad thing, it's actually a great thing, but recent times have focused on Democratic extremists who paint a bad picture of us all. Not all of us are what you see on TV. Most of us just want equality, safety, and peace. I'm not saying that only Democrats have these fundamental values, but I have found that the Democratic Party holds these fundamental values more than the Republican one. I'm not here to bash on the other side or say that Democrats are superior, I'm here to show that not all of us are close-minded. Most of us just want what's best for all.