Disclaimer: I’m writing this completely off-the-cuff. Forgive me if I’m rambling. I got inspired after waking up super early this morning.. perhaps I should wake up early every morning (yea right!).
Now that the DNC is over and we have seen both parties points of view, it’s no secret that this election is one of the most important elections our country has ever seen. As I sit here with my daughter while she eats her breakfast, I am watching the news from the coverage of the DNC last night. Spending time with her while watching the news makes me think about how I want to raise her and of course being uneasy about her future with either of the potential main candidates.
One thing that bothers me about this election in general is the hateful tone that comes out across the party lines. We have freedom of speech and we certainly see it exercised in this election. The tone however is so discouraging. I want my daughter to grow up being able to speak her mind, stand up for what she believes in (whether I agree with her or not) and be able to debate without being degrading.
My husband is so wonderful to discuss politics with. He is definitely concrete in his beliefs, but that doesn’t stop him from being understanding and being able to discuss situations. There’s a reason why he was so good on the debate team. The difference between him and the folks we see on the tv screen, is that he is respectful, delivers his point and most importantly– LISTENS.
I’m thankful because my parents who have some differing opinions about select issues have appreciated my points of view without attempting to persuade me to think “their way.” We debate and sometimes it can get heated (I can revert to being my 14 year old self after all.. HA!), but when I tell them we have to agree to disagree, they don’t push their views on me. In fact, they are proud of me for my own mind and voice.
My very best friend in the whole wide world — someone who I have known since I was 4 years old has different views than I do. She said to me just the other day “I want to be able to talk about this stuff with you. I’m not here to persuade you- you have your own mind.” She’s one of the most even minded folks I know and always gives people the benefit of the doubt and can see BOTH sides of every situation (even when I can’t).
These are the people I want my daughter to be like. Certainly not the folks tossing hateful comebacks, and cheap shots because their view is different from others. Sure it’s hard to keep emotions out, but take a cue from the British motto, “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
By chance, I happened across an interview this morning by Will.I.AM (for you old timers, he’s a HipHop musician). Now, I’m not necessarily a fan of his. Sure, I’ll listen to his jams on the radio– but not a huge fan. He’s known for penning a tune for Obama’s 2008 campaign. Recently the RNC used “I’ve Got a Feeling” and he was asked if it bothered him. His response was (and I’m paraphrasing– I’m so on the ball this morning the transcripts and video of his interview are not even up yet), “Why? They are just trying to do what they think is right. I’m friends with Republicans. I have fans that are Republican. We are all trying to do what we think is right whether we are Democrat or Republican.” I thought that was one of the best inspiring brief interviews during this whole election so far.
Play nice people (I’m talking to you Facebook people who just spit out word vomit to get a point across!). Be proud of this country. I was proud of America long before this election, and I’ll continue to be proud of America regardless of who wins the Oval Office this November. We are after all attempting to make America even greater, even if the views are different. If we work together we can accomplish ANYTHING. (Cheesy and cliche, right? BUT OH SO TRUE FOLKS)
Have a great day ya’ll. In the words of one of my buddies in Washington state, “Go out and spread peace and love!”
Mad Time Mama! 