I enjoy politics, a lot. I like reading about them and I like learning about them. I've not always been this way.
In 2004 I took a government class at college and I learned more about politics than I ever have in my entire life, anywhere, and for any reason. To this point my political experience was based on the following: My mom and dad are Republicians and expect me to be a Republican. I remember making posters for Ronald Reagan as a little girl. Pretty much the rest of my family is Democrats. So we don't talk politics at family functions. But that's about it.
I had a really excellent teacher for that class. One who didn't let his personal feelings influence our debates, which is rare in a college setting these days. Also, the class was at 8am on a Saturday morning so it was usually just me and him who showed up and we talked a lot.
I still haven't decided if I'm a Republican or Democrat. As a middle child I feel it's important to see all sides of the issue. Also, I'm a total fence straddler and I don't like to hurt people's feelings. So it makes it hard to be definitive on most issues. Very few issues get me really, really spun up. Some do, but honestly it takes a lot.
I have a lot of friends/acquaintances that are young women between the ages of twenty-five to thirty-five. As expected, Hillary and her White House run has become a big topic of conversation as of late. What was UNEXPECTED, to me at least, was the number of women who immediately said, "Of course I'm voting for Hillary! She's a woman!"
Um, okay. But do you know what her political platform is? Do you know what she stands for and what she believes in? Do you know what her plan is for reform (because, Lord knows, we could use from reform up around in here)?
Well, NO. But's SHE'S A WOMAN.
Okay, so the fact that she doesn't have a penis is the only reason you are voting for her? The hell? I mean, okay, let's put convicted child murderer Susan Smith on the stand! She has a vagina as well, therefore she'd be an excellent candidate!
I'm being ridiculous, you say? Okay, well vote for me! I have a college degree and I'm funny and somewhat intelligent and I can balance my own checkbook like nobody's business. I have never been in jail and I don't do drugs. Plus, I don't have a penis and that's what you're looking for, right?
Sound ridiculous?
Yeah, that's kind of my point.
If you want to vote for someone, please do the research. I'm not saying Hillary is a bad candidate. I don't KNOW if she is or not. I haven't done the research yet on her, or any of the candidates. So do the research and then vote. If it ends up being Hillary that's great. But only if it's because you are making an informed decision based on the facts. Don't vote for someone MERELY based upon their genitals.
Thank you.
Vote or die. Or whatever.
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9 comments:
THANK YOU! I knew i wasn't the only crazy who thinks that voting for Hilary because she's female or Obama because he's half black is utterly freaking ridiculous.
I think it's FABULOUS that the two of them are running! Great huge steps towards all kinds of things.
That doesn't mean they should automatically be elected just because their parents were different races or they lack a penis. Gah! (BTW...why is it no one wants to mention that Obama is of mixed race? Not JUST black? That drives me nutty. lets keep it totally accurate if we wanna bring race into things!)
This topic drives me mad. And is also why I refuse to choose a political party. I don't believe in voting party lines either. I vote for the HUMAN involved based on research into their viewpoints. Or I don't vote at all.
People look at me like I'm nuts or anti woman's rights when I state that I'm excited she's running because she's a woman but have no opinion on her as a candidate or being an actual president.
The end of my rant which is nearly as long as your entry. WOops.
Good point, both of you make. It would be nice if race and gender could stay out of the conversation. Like you say, what is their platform, what is it that they are strong on, what are the issues? It is going to be a really LONG two years before this next presidential race is over. They say it will now take $100 million dollars to win this race. Isn't there something wrong with that picture? Sorry, I had to sort of rant too.
DAMMIT. I just wrote this long, thoughtful comment, and Blogger ate it. Gah.
Basically, I said that I'm not going to vote for Hillary in the primaries if I don't like how she rolls. Other chicks might look at me like I'm betraying one of the sisterhood or something, but I'd rather vote for a man who stands for what I believe in than vote for a woman whose platform I don't agree with just for the sake of trying to bust up the boys' club.
That said, I'm thrilled that Hillary and Obama are running. I think it's a positive sign that they each have enough of a shot to go for the nomination. Maybe someday it'll come down to which woman of two or three has the best platform, or we'll get to a point where no one has to point out Obama's race because we'll just take for granted that Americans come in all colors.
OK, this is longer than my original was, so I'm stopping. xoxoxo to you, Chick.
You rock my dear!!!!!
I didn't Hillary was allowed to run.
After all, she's already served two terms in the White House.
THINK. Dang it! THINK.
I didn't THINK Hillary was allowed to run.
Sorry. Dang Monday mornings!
Will she and Bill each get their own intern this time.....?
Don't vote for someone MERELY based upon their genitals.
Words to live by.
Love ya.
I totally agree..I would, personally, not base my vote on the variety of genitals the candidate happens to possess.
Although, as a woman, Hillary probably has the edge on her ability to multi-task and be diplomatic. I mean, hell, she made it through eight years in the White House with Bill. That certainly wasn't exactly a smooth ride and she came out on top (figuratively, of course... I mean, I don't actually know, but...).
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST....
I completely agree...
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