I'm about to say something which will cause many to gasp and roll their eyes....ready? I've never voted before. I'm registered, but I've never voted and plan to tomorrow. ******Disclaimer*******These are just my thoughts and what do I know? Yes, there are certain issues which I fell rather strongly about, but people just get so snippy and hateful when it comes to anything political that I just try to avoid those particular discussions. Comments such as, "You are stupid if you don't vote xxxxx" or "You are an idiot if you yyyyyyyy." These types of comments are frequently disguised as being "passionate" or "spirited" when in reality they are disrespectful and rude. I'm many, many, many things but one thing I'm not is stupid. Goofy, yes. Quirky, yes. OCD, yes. Stupid, nada. This is precisely why I discuss meaningful topics such as Posh Spice or "Around the Horn." As as result, I haven't participated and I realize many think this is not serving my civic duty. Again, I have such a laundry list of flaws both real and perceived. EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion and I try to respect everyone's beliefs (and love it when someone can present an argument and back it up with facts-real facts). However, I am so OVER the incessant hatred. For the record, I grew up in a very southern family and I've had my own views for as long as I can remember. It has been and continues to be a source of contention. I didn't believe something because my parents did, although I'm sure they wished I did. I can give so many examples of differences, but that is an entirely different blog.
Friday night I received 33 (yes, 33!!!!) from various political organizations trying to.....I'm not sure what they were trying to do. I had both lines going at one time. I swore that someone had posted my number in a call center chat room in retaliation for something I had done. Who did this? Can I report this to Nancy Grace? What had I done? Was I being punished for picking up the last jar of Skippy Super Chunk at Publix? Was I supposed to leave this for someone else? Was I being punished for saying that I hoped Notre Dame lost? Was the universe mad at me for eating the last ice cream sandwich in the summer of 1984 because I knew my brother wanted it? Isn't that what little sisters are supposed to do? I don't believe in coincidences so clearly these overzealous callers will share something insightful with me, right?
One call started off with a very exaggerated, "Hello. Do you enjoy living and working amongst terrorists?" What???? This is seriously a question? Another one involved a 3 question survey, but I only heard question 1 (more on that in a minute). The question was something along the line of, "do you agree with Billy Graham that one of the most important things we need to protect is the sanctity of marriage? Press 1 to agree and 2 to disagree." They didn't like my answer and hung up on me. HARSH! I wish I could have answered this question as this is one topic I LOVE discussing with anyone. I won't shy away from this one and it's right up there with discussions of Jessica Simpson and who gets into the BCS championship game if there are 4 undefeateds. But to dissect the question a bit further, I don't know Billy Graham (I know who he is) so why would I need his guidance on my decision making? No offense, but I'm quite capable of making up my own mind. That is part of the problem in our culture. We are always looking for answers from someone else. However, they were a relentless bunch and called back 2 more times perhaps looking for a different answer.
My favorite call started off with, "Mr. George?" I told them they had the wrong number. I received an apology and another call back. 2nd time. "Mr. George?" 'No, I'm still not Mr. George. Wrong Number." (I should have just said I was Boy George for entertainment purposes.) 3rd time. I said, "Do I sound like Mr. George? Wait, let me get my testosterone." Maybe they had me confused with one of those Balco clients. Let's just say I was relieved when the calls ended.
Anyway, I admire and respect that many are so passionate about political topics. I love a nice spirited discussion as well, but any conversation that includes quotes from Pat Robertson is a no-go for me......Love to my peeps of all political affiliations. And if I'm unfriended after this fairly neutral post, oh well. XO
Red, white and blue, baby!
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